David Abbott
Cheney
Summary
Dedicated professional with expertise in grief support and pastoral care. Known for effective communication and relationship-building skills, fostering meaningful connections within diverse communities. Pastor with a strong focus on congregational care and spiritual growth of all congregants. Proven ability to implement strategic worship services, enhancing member engagement and satisfaction.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Bus Driver
Cheney USD 268
Cheney, KS
03.2023 - Current
- Ensure passenger safety through adherence to traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Ensure timely arrivals and departures by strictly adhering to schedules and effectively managing unforeseen circumstances.
- Perform bus driving duties while keeping student safety in mind to maintain good safety record.
- Collaborate with school staff to coordinate transportation needs for field trips, sporting events, and other extracurricular activities requiring off-site travel.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Goddard Public Schools USD 265
Cheney, KS
08.2021 - Current
- Support students with individualized education plans, enhancing learning outcomes and engagement.
- Develop strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Manage challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Maintain accurate records of student progress, enabling timely communication with parents and other stakeholders regarding individual achievements and areas needing improvement.
Senior Pastor
Great Plains UMC Conference
Chappell/Lodgepole, NE
07.2015 - 02.2020
- Developed and implemented strategic worship services, enhancing member participation and satisfaction.
- Mentored emerging leaders, providing guidance on ministry practices and personal development.
- Led effective pastoral care for congregation members, providing spiritual guidance and support during times of crisis or need.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to expand ministry offerings, ensuring alignment with the church''s mission and vision.
- Revitalized youth ministry programming by creating engaging events tailored to the interests of younger congregation members while still maintaining a focus on faith formation.
- Served as mentor to children in church community, offering guidance and support.
Education
No Degree - Religious Studies
Southwestern College
Winfield, KSSkills
- Pastoral care
- Congregational care
- Preaching
- Biblically based
- Grief support
- Disaster response
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
- Increased church attendance by 18-20%
- Started youth group that had 12-15 regular attendees, strengthening Bible knowledge and offering "real-world" advice
- Restructured children's after-school program and increased participation from 6 to 25 by end of 2nd year
- Welcomed 5 new members to congregation
- Led Confirmation Class that concluded with 9 new youth members and 2 baptisms
Timeline
Bus Driver
Cheney USD 268
03.2023 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Goddard Public Schools USD 265
08.2021 - Current
Senior Pastor
Great Plains UMC Conference
07.2015 - 02.2020
No Degree - Religious Studies
Southwestern College