Edward B. Pullen JR

• Enhanced congregation growth by implementing innovative outreach programs and community engagement initiatives.
• Fostered spiritual development through the creation and implementation of dynamic sermon series and small group studies.
• Provided pastoral care to congregation members, offering guidance, support, and counseling when needed.
• Collaborated with church leadership to develop strategic plans for ministry expansion specifically in the area of Senior Ministry at local Assisted Living Home.
• Oversaw financial management for the church, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and budget allocation.
• Recruited trained, and mentored volunteer leaders to assist in various ministries, enhancing overall effectiveness.
• Strengthened relationships among congregation members by facilitating regular fellowship events and opportunities for connection.
• Led worship services (literally led with my guitar or by playing piano when worship leader was absent) with a focus on creating an inclusive environment that welcomed a diverse array of attendees.

Over the past 13 years in this role, I helped to plant over 40 churches and planted 2 churches personally. I helped to plant new works all over the State of Illinois. One of the churches I helped to catalyze started with 23 people (Mosaic) and was averaging over 300 when I left to become Director of Church Planting. This new work was planted in a town of approximately 12,000 and grew to this size in 6 years when I was the Teaching Pastor and lead planter.

While I was at Westview, progress was quickly made as we moved to a staff-led polity and grew by almost 100 people in just 22 months. After leading Westview to start a new service, we grew from an average of 215 when I arrived to an average of 300 when I left. This was a difficult pastorate and one that I probably should not have accepted as I look back upon the experience. The church had been in a downward decline for 30 years when I arrived and they said they wanted to change in order to grow. Change; however came very hard and took a toll on me.

Cornerstone grew in miraculous ways in a small town of about 15,000 people. Under my leadership, Cornerstone grew from 75 to 525 in worship attendance in 7 years. I led Cornerstone to move from a rented grocery store to a 14,000 square foot facility with 14 acres. I led Cornerstone to start a new campus 17 miles away fro the original church campus (and now they average 600 people). Giving increased from 120,000 to over 500,000 through my 7 year tenure. the greatest year of my ministerial life was 2005 when we baptized 65 people after an incredible spiritual awakening in our church. I should not have left Cornerstone as I look back - I left too soon.