Donald Ward
Gruver
Summary
Dedicated pastor with expertise in facilitating Bible studies, preaching, and spiritual mentorship. Proven track record of fostering community connections and guiding congregational engagement to promote spiritual growth.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Pastor
Gruver Methodist Church
Gruver
07.2022 - Current
- Delivered pastoral care emphasizing community engagement, fostering deeper connections within the parish.
- Lead Bible study at The Manor (Hansford County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center) each Wednesday, lead a worship service on Sunday afternoon once a quarter, and bring Holy Communion to the residents and staff once a month (usually on Wednesday).
- Collaborated with area ministers to coordinate worship and fellowship opportunities, enhancing community outreach.
- Trained volunteers across various ministry areas, equipping them to better serve the congregation.
Pastor
First Methodist Church
Colorado City
07.2017 - 07.2022
- .Led weekly worship services, guiding congregational engagement and spiritual growth.
- Provided pastoral care to members, offering support during life transitions and crises.
- Organized community outreach programs, fostering connections with local organizations and residents.
- Delivered sermons, conveying biblical teachings with clarity and relevance to the congregation.
- Kept the congregation connected to each other through livestreaming services, making phone/video calls to church members and local nursiing home residents, and getting needed items for people in need during COVID-19 quarantine.
- Led Bible study at the Mitchell County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the residents each week.
- Worked with the community pastors for special worship services during Holy Week and Thanksgiving and to provide community rallies and prayer events to address social issues such as human trafficing and racial discrimination.
- Led Bible studies at county jail 1-2 times monthly, providing spiritual guidance and support to incarcerated individuals.
Pastor
Wesley United Methodist Church
Borger
01.2014 - 07.2017
- Executed duties specified for First Methodist Church in Stinnett, TX
- Coordinated neighborhood prayer walks and door-to-door visitation to foster community engagement
- Led mid-week Bible studies.
- Managed volunteer teams, providing training and fostering collaboration for church initiatives
- Visited and counseled church members, offering prayer and support to enhance pastoral care
Pastor
First Methodist Church
Stinnett
07.2011 - 07.2017
- Led weekly worship services, guiding congregational engagement and spiritual growth.
- Provided pastoral care to members, offering support during life transitions and crises.
- Delivered sermons, conveying biblical teachings with clarity and relevance to the congregation.
- Managed volunteer teams, training and collaborating to support church initiatives and enhance community involvement.
- Developed educational programs, expanding faith learning opportunities for all age groups and fostering deeper spiritual understanding.
- Provided spiritual guidance and direction to church members.
- Visited, counseled, and prayed with church members to provide pastoral care.
- Developed weekly sermons and delivered them during Sunday services.
- Coordinated community worship events with local pastors, strengthening inter-church relationships through 5th Sunday services and monthly prayer meetings.
Youth Minister & Associate Pastor
First Methodist Church
Dimmitt
09.2006 - 06.2011
- Facilitated weekly youth group meetings, fostering spiritual growth and strengthening community bonds.
- Developed engaging lesson plans that taught biblical principles and enhanced understanding among youth.
- Developed and coordinated youth ministry activities such as retreats, mission trips, service projects, bible studies, and worship services.
- Assisted senior pastor with hospital visitations and led adult Bible studies, providing support and spiritual guidance.
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministties
Tyler Street United Methodist Church
Dallas
03.2001 - 09.2006
- Developed and delivered sermons that addressed community needs and fostered spiritual growth.
- Coordinated church events, ensuring effective communication among volunteers and participants.
- Mentored junior staff and volunteers, fostering a supportive environment for personal development.
- Conducted weekly meetings with church staff and congregation to discuss upcoming events, services, and activities.
- Created Bible study classes to help people grow spiritually.
Youth Minister
First United Methodist Church
Seminole
03.1996 - 03.2001
- Created lesson plans and curriculum for faith-based education programs to deepen understanding and participation.
- Coordinated youth group meetings and activities to enhance community engagement.
- Planned logistics and provided spiritual preparation for mission trips, ensuring meaningful experiences for participants.
Education
Master of Arts - Course of Study For Ordination
Perkins School of Theology
Dallas, TX07-2019
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education (English)
McMurry University
Abilene, TX12-1995
Skills
- Preaching and teaching
- Bible study facilitation
- Congregation services
- Spiritual mentorship
- Community outreach
- Networking with clergy
Timeline
Pastor
Gruver Methodist Church
07.2022 - Current
Pastor
First Methodist Church
07.2017 - 07.2022
Pastor
Wesley United Methodist Church
01.2014 - 07.2017
Pastor
First Methodist Church
07.2011 - 07.2017
Youth Minister & Associate Pastor
First Methodist Church
09.2006 - 06.2011
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministties
Tyler Street United Methodist Church
03.2001 - 09.2006
Youth Minister
First United Methodist Church
03.1996 - 03.2001
Master of Arts - Course of Study For Ordination
Perkins School of Theology
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education (English)
McMurry University