Christian Ferris
Summary
Experienced spiritual care provider with strong foundation in providing compassionate support and counseling to individuals in challenging environments. Adept at fostering meaningful connections and promoting emotional healing through faith-based guidance. Skilled in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and team collaboration, ensuring adaptability to changing needs and reliable support for colleagues and those served. Focused on achieving impactful results through empathetic engagement and spiritual leadership.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Safety and Security (Deacon)
The Grove Church
04.2024 - Current
- Oversaw safety of guests, employees and and assets by enforcing and regulating security policies and procedures and monitoring and maintaining security systems.
- Directed security services and safety functions to align key processes with goals and objectives of organization and regulatory compliance.
- Developed and grew staff competencies through team development, implementation and support of specific training for various responsibilities.
- Coordinated emergency evacuation drills and exercises and developed and improved emergency procedures.
- Championed a proactive approach to risk management by staying abreast of industry trends, regulatory updates, and emerging technologies in the Safety and Security domain.
Contracting Consultant
Recon Drone & Data Services, Inc
05.2022 - Current
- Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Enhanced communication among team members to foster collaborative and supportive work environment.
President/Business Owner
Multiple Companies (List Provided Upon Request)
03.2015 - 12.2023
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
Pastoral Associate
New Heart Covenant Church
05.2015 - 06.2019
- Mentored lay leaders in their roles as ministers within the congregation, empowering them to effectively serve their fellow parishioners.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts for local service projects, strengthening community ties while demonstrating the importance of giving back.
- Fostered a welcoming atmosphere within the congregation by actively reaching out to newcomers, offering hospitality during events, and providing support as needed.
- Led small group discussions focused on exploring different aspects of faith, encouraging critical thinking and deepening spiritual connections among participants.
- Developed strong relationships with parishioners through regular home visits, pastoral counseling, and community outreach activities.
Insurance Broker
Family First Life
01.2013 - 02.2015
- Provided exceptional customer service by responding quickly to inquiries, resolving issues, and anticipating client needs.
- Educated clients on various insurance products, enabling informed decisions regarding their coverage options.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of insurance regulations, staying up-to-date on changes that could impact clients or business operations.
- Generated referral business from satisfied customers who shared positive experiences with friends and colleagues.
CPS Specialist
WV Department of Health and Human Resources
06.2012 - 12.2012
- Improved child safety by developing comprehensive safety plans in collaboration with families and service providers.
- Provided crisis intervention services to families experiencing emergencies, connecting them with appropriate resources as needed.
- Supported colleagues in handling complex cases, offering guidance and expertise based on years of experience in the field.
Adjunct Professor
Belmont College
09.2011 - 06.2012
- Taught [Area of expertise] courses, providing instruction to up to [Number] undergraduate students.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
Special Education Teacher
Windy Hill Middle School
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
President/ Business Owner
The Fellowship Group. Inc
03.2003 - 08.2009
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
Attractions Operator
Disney's Animal Kingdom
04.2001 - 01.2003
- Provided excellent customer service, addressing guest inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by collaborating effectively with team members and supervisors.
- Served as a knowledgeable resource for guests seeking information about park attractions, events, and amenities.
- Enhanced guest experience by operating attractions safely and efficiently.
Magazine Publisher
City Saver Coupon Magazine
04.1999 - 04.2001
- Implemented cost-saving measures while maintaining the highest level of product quality.
- Established clear communication channels among team members to facilitate collaboration on projects with tight deadlines.
- Expanded distribution channels by negotiating contracts with new partners and vendors.
- Successfully launched digital versions of print publications expanding reach into new markets and increasing overall revenue.
National Sales Director
Phish Precision Tools, Inc
04.1998 - 04.1999
- Managed large-scale trade shows and events, showcasing company offerings to potential buyers in various industries.
- Negotiated and closed agreements with large customers and monitored and analyzed performance metrics.
- Developed and implemented effective sales strategies and led nationwide sales team members to achieve sales targets.
- Established strong relationships with key clients for long-term business growth and retention.
Radio Account Executive
K97 FM
01.1996 - 04.1998
- Collaborated with creative teams to develop engaging advertisements that aligned with clients'' objectives and resonated with target audiences.
- Expanded client base by attending networking events, trade shows, and conferences, promoting the station''s advertising capabilities effectively.
- Negotiated favorable contracts for both the radio station and clients, ensuring maximum value for all parties involved.
- Increased advertising revenue by identifying and targeting new business opportunities within the local market.
Media Center Specialist
West Liberty State College
09.1992 - 12.1995
- Facilitated effective communication between the media center staff, administration, teachers, parents, and community members as needed.
- Improved accessibility by developing user-friendly guides, tutorials, and instructional materials for media center tools and resources.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop curriculum-integrated library programming, fostering interdisciplinary learning.
- Increased student engagement with multimedia projects through tailored support and guidance.
Medical Orderly
Wheeling Hospital
10.1991 - 08.1992
- Developed excellent rapport with patients, fostering trust-based relationships that encouraged open communication about concerns or needs.
- Supported hospital efficiency by promptly addressing maintenance issues in rooms or reporting problems to appropriate personnel.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing attentive care and maintaining a clean, organized environment.
- Provided valuable assistance during emergencies, acting quickly to support medical staff in life-saving efforts.
Airborne Infantryman
US Army Fort Bragg
10.1987 - 09.1991
- Demonstrated leadership abilities by mentoring junior soldiers on tactics, techniques, and procedures related to Airborne Infantry operations.
- Utilized excellent navigation skills for accurate land navigation during movements or while establishing observation posts.
- Employed tactical knowledge effectively during engagements with enemy forces, contributing to positive results on the battlefield.
- Conducted security patrols to maintain situational awareness, resulting in reduced risks to fellow soldiers.
- Served as a reliable member of a cohesive team during deployments, overcoming various obstacles together in high-stress environments.
- Assisted with medical treatment for injured comrades when necessary, utilizing first aid skills learned during training.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Divinity & Chaplaincy
Christian Leaders College
Spring Lake, MI (Online)05.2025
Skills
Crisis Management
Pastoral Care
Nonviolent Communication
Spiritual Guidance
Bible studies
Proficient in Deescalation
Pastoral counseling
Problem-Solving
Spiritual leadership
Preaching
Teaching
Continuous Improvement
Adaptability
Volunteer Management
Accomplishments
Ordained Minister/ Officiant
Certified Building Contractor WV Current
Certified Roofing Contractor FL Current
Combat Veteran with Two Deployments
US Army Multiple Awards & Decorations (list upon request)
Affiliations
- Chaplain Phantom Airborne Brigade
- DAV
- Liberty Jump Team WW2 Reinactors
- VFW
- American Legion
Timeline
Director of Safety and Security (Deacon)
The Grove Church
04.2024 - Current
Contracting Consultant
Recon Drone & Data Services, Inc
05.2022 - Current
Pastoral Associate
New Heart Covenant Church
05.2015 - 06.2019
President/Business Owner
Multiple Companies (List Provided Upon Request)
03.2015 - 12.2023
Insurance Broker
Family First Life
01.2013 - 02.2015
CPS Specialist
WV Department of Health and Human Resources
06.2012 - 12.2012
Adjunct Professor
Belmont College
09.2011 - 06.2012
Special Education Teacher
Windy Hill Middle School
08.2009 - 08.2011
President/ Business Owner
The Fellowship Group. Inc
03.2003 - 08.2009
Attractions Operator
Disney's Animal Kingdom
04.2001 - 01.2003
Magazine Publisher
City Saver Coupon Magazine
04.1999 - 04.2001
National Sales Director
Phish Precision Tools, Inc
04.1998 - 04.1999
Radio Account Executive
K97 FM
01.1996 - 04.1998
Media Center Specialist
West Liberty State College
09.1992 - 12.1995
Medical Orderly
Wheeling Hospital
10.1991 - 08.1992
Airborne Infantryman
US Army Fort Bragg
10.1987 - 09.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Divinity & Chaplaincy
Christian Leaders College
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