Bonnie L. Bevers
San Marcos,Texas
Summary
Mission-oriented Deacon successful in developing robust youth ministry programs and serving as positive role model. Highly accomplished in helping youths strengthen personal relationships with God while providing growth opportunities. Talent in program administration, operations management and spiritual leadership.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Pastor to Youth and Children
First United Methodist Church, San Marcos
San Marcos, TX
06.2022 - Current
- Facilitated weekly Bible study groups, encouraging deeper exploration of scripture among congregants
- Organized community outreach programs that strengthened church relationships and increased participation in local events.
- Collaborated with worship leaders to design inclusive services that cater to diverse congregation needs and preferences.
- Coordinated youth leadership training initiatives, equipping young leaders with skills for effective ministry engagement.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Delivered dynamic sermons that effectively communicated biblical truths while addressing contemporary issues faced by today's Christians.
- Mentored youth group and children's ministry members, providing guidance and support for personal and spiritual development.
- Developed small group curriculums to encourage deeper relationships and spiritual growth within the congregation.
- Supported senior pastor in developing impactful sermon series
- Organized and executed mission trips, leading to a stronger sense of purpose among participants.
- Raised congregational awareness of needs and contributions of youth and children to church life and operations.
- Supervised staff leading children and youth
- Facilitated weekly Bible studies aimed at deepening understanding of Scripture while fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Championed diversity and inclusion within the church by promoting open dialogue and inclusive programming.
- Created opportunities for intergenerational connection through targeted programming and ministry initiatives.
- Helped to create welcoming environment for visitors and encouraged congregation to offer support.
- Served as mentor to children in church community, offering guidance and support.
Youth Delegate Coordinator
Rio Texas Conference
San Antonio, TX
01.2022 - Current
- Fostered collaborative relationships with diverse church congregations to enhance youth voices throughout the conference
- Championed youth participation in decision-making processes, empowering the next generation's voice within the church community
- Directed outreach campaigns that successfully raised awareness of issues important to young people throughout the conference
- Coordinated and facilitated youth activities for all young people attending annual conference
- Supervised youth delegates at annual conference, including coordination of programming and presentations made on the conference floor
- Conducted thorough research on relevant issues, providing accurate information to inform decision-making processes
- Coordinated travel arrangements for delegates for young people attending denominational events both domestic and internationally
- Assisted in drafting policy proposals, contributing to the development of key organizational initiatives
- Leveraged social media platforms to promote programs and initiatives created by the Youth Ministry Council of the Rio Texas Conference
- Developed comprehensive meeting agendas to ensure all necessary topics were covered in a timely manner
Director of Youth Ministries
Barrington United Methodist Church
Barrington, IL
07.2019 - 05.2022
- Developed engaging youth programs that fostered spiritual growth and community involvement among participants
- Coordinated mission trips and retreats, enhancing youth engagement through meaningful service opportunities and fellowship
- Led training sessions for volunteers, empowering them to effectively mentor and support youth in their faith journeys
- Cultivated partnerships with local faith organizations, increasing outreach efforts and building a supportive community network for families
- Designed age-appropriate curriculum tailored to diverse learning styles, ensuring inclusive and impactful educational experiences for all youths
- Facilitated regular communication with families to address concerns, providing resources that support both spiritual and personal growth
- Collaborated with church leaders to develop a comprehensive youth ministry strategy, fostering spiritual growth and community involvement
Director of Student Ministries
Bandera United Methodist Church
Bandera, Texas
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Researched and created curriculum for weekly use in Sunday School and Youth Group activities
- Counseled youth and families regarding personal and social issues, family circumstances, and other situations as needed
- Planned and coordinated all youth activities, including, but not limited to, mission trips, weekly meetings, single-day outings, weekend retreats, and evening events, planning agendas, selecting and scheduling locations, and supervising coordination of materials
- Organized large-scale events to integrate church and community
- Recruited, trained, and supervised all volunteers in the youth program
- Coordinated interfaith dialogues with local religious leaders, promoting understanding and collaboration within the broader community
- Maintained compliance with church policies and safety protocols during all youth activities and events to ensure participant well-being
- Established mentorship programs connecting older youths with younger peers to foster community and faith growth
Education
Deacon in Full Connection -
Rio Texas Conference
San Antonio, Texas06.2026
Master of Divinity -
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
Evanston, Illinois05.2022
Professional Certification - Youth Ministry
Perkins School of Theology
Dallas, Texas01.2018
Master of Arts - Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas12.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
McMurry University
Abilene, Texas05.2004
Skills
- Effective communication
- Teaching bible studies
- Small group facilitation
- Mission-oriented
- Youth ministry
- Children's ministry
- Congregational care
- Leadership development
- Local missions
- Event organization
- Christian education
Affiliations
- Theta Alpha Kappa - Garrett Theological Seminary, President
- UM ARMY - National Board of Directors, President
- UM ARMY – Rio Texas Board of Directors, Vice President
- Hill Country Emmaus Community Board
- West Virginia Children’s Justice Task Force
- West Virginia Drug Endangered Children Task Force
- West Virginia Child Advocacy Network
- West Virginia Operation Reach Out Board
- West Virginia Defending Childhood Initiative Board
Timeline
Associate Pastor to Youth and Children
First United Methodist Church, San Marcos
06.2022 - Current
Youth Delegate Coordinator
Rio Texas Conference
01.2022 - Current
Director of Youth Ministries
Barrington United Methodist Church
07.2019 - 05.2022
Director of Student Ministries
Bandera United Methodist Church
08.2015 - 06.2019
Professional Certification - Youth Ministry
Perkins School of Theology
Master of Arts - Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
McMurry University
Deacon in Full Connection -
Rio Texas Conference
Master of Divinity -
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
Activities and Organizations
Trusted con Confianza Facilitator March 2018 - June 2025
Safe Ministries Team - Rio Texas Conference July 2025 - present
Publications
Discipleship Ministries. (2023). Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing trust within faith communities. Section three. Upper Room Books.