Deanna Jordan Lawson
Houston,TX
Summary
Accomplished Director of Children's Ministry at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, adept in curriculum development and program design, alongside effective team management committed to loving Jesus and serving others. Spearheaded strategic initiatives, enhancing family engagement and faith formation, while leading a diverse team. Demonstrated excellence in public speaking, teaching, and pastoral care, significantly contributing to community growth and spiritual formation.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Children's Ministry
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
HOUSTON, Texas
08.2008 - 09.2024
- Led and shaped a strategic plan for Children's and Family Ministries with defined values, leadership development, and faith formation benchmarks.
- Established programs promoting active family engagement in worship and educational contexts.
- Led strategic development, team supervision, and provided coaching for a workforce of 10-12 staff and over 30 volunteer leaders.
- Created and initiated a variety of innovative programs for all age groups, such as Vacation Bible School and Pre-Teen Program.
- Created compelling courses such as Preparation for Communion, Third Grade Bible Survey, and Intentional Parenting.
- Fostered discipleship groups and support networks focused on parents with younger children.
- Contributed to vision, mission, strategy execution, and decision-making as part of the Ministry Leadership Team.
- Ensured that the program and leaders complied with Safe Church policies, and adhered to the procedures and core values of St. John the Divine.
- Managed distribution and enhancement of substantial financial resources within approved budget.
- Engaged consistently with Family Ministry staff, volunteer leaders, parents, administrators, and stakeholders in the Children's Ministry program.
- Recruited, trained, and encouraged student and adult leaders for Children's Ministry programming.
- Developed lesson plans, chose, wrote, and implemented curricula in accordance with core church beliefs.
- Delivered teaching and preaching across various settings, including Sunday School for children, students, and adults, Awesome Worship, Women's Bible Study, parenting classes, First Steps Montessori School Chapel, and St. John's School Chapel.
- Maintained regular communication with parents, ministry members, and the parish to ensure everyone remained informed, motivated, and engaged.
Spiritual Life Director for Grace School
Grace Presbyterian Church
HOUSTON, Texas
06.2005 - 08.2008
- Managed and supervised Spiritual Life programs at Grace School, ensuring alignment with the mission of Grace Presbyterian Church.
- Coordinated Bible classes, weekly chapel services, and faith formation opportunities for faculty members.
- developed curricula for preschool through 8th grade to support spiritual growth objectives.
Youth Minister
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
HOUSTON, Texas
01.1998 - 08.2004
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English And Psychology
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX05-1990
Skills
- Effective Team Management and Leadership Skills
- Networking and Relationship Building
- Team Development and Collaborative Leadership
- Effective Strategy Implementation
- Event Planning and Production
- Effective Communication
- Curriculum Development and Program Design
- Public Speaking and Teaching
- Pastoral Care
Affiliations
- Amistad Mission (board member)
- Traveling
- Hiking
- Cooking
- Event planning
- Interior design
- Reading
- Writing
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Children's Ministry
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
08.2008 - 09.2024
Spiritual Life Director for Grace School
Grace Presbyterian Church
06.2005 - 08.2008
Youth Minister
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
01.1998 - 08.2004
Bachelor of Arts - English And Psychology
University of Texas At Austin
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