Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

ELIJAH KWAKU BENYI

ROYERSFORD,PA

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience in spiritual care and patient advocacy. Proven ability to provide trauma-informed support and effective communication during crises, enhancing community outreach initiatives. Skilled in crisis intervention and team collaboration, dedicated to uplifting individuals through compassionate presence and guidance for patients with serious metal and emotional and spiritual distress.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

District Pastor

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2021 - Current
  • Advanced the mission of the church with strategic planning and vision casting initiatives.
  • Collaborated with local nonprofit organizations to address pressing social issues within the community.
  • Enabled worship team development by providing support and resources for skill enhancement.
  • Developed strong relationships with congregational members through consistent pastoral care and counseling.
  • Communicated regularly with church board members, maintaining transparency in decision-making processes.

Resident Pastor

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2021 - 01.2024
  • Spearheaded fundraising campaigns for mission trips and other charitable endeavors, generating significant financial support from both congregation members and outside donors.
  • Facilitated open forums for communication among church members, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Championed interfaith dialogue initiatives, fostering cooperation and understanding among diverse religious groups in the community.
  • Oversaw facility maintenance and improvement projects, ensuring a welcoming and functional physical environment for worship and ministry activities.
  • Provided compassionate pastoral care during times of crisis or grief, offering emotional support to individuals and families in need.
  • Enhanced spiritual growth of congregants through personalized pastoral care and counseling sessions.
  • Promoted family-focused initiatives, resulting in increased attendance at worship services and activities geared towards families with children.

School Counselor

Labone SDA Church School
01.2018 - 01.2020
  • Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
  • Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
  • Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.

Chaplain

Labone SDA Church School
01.2016 - 01.2020
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for holistic patient care, addressing both physical and emotional needs.
  • Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to residents, family members and staff.
  • Met with individuals, discussed issues compassionately and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual needs.
  • Developed relationships with patients and families, resulting in increased trust and rapport during difficult times.
  • Comforted family members, offered attentive listening and high level of emotional support.
  • Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
  • Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
  • Provided compassionate pastoral care in emergency departments, addressing the spiritual needs of patients experiencing acute distress or trauma.

School Chaplain

Labone SDA Basic School
01.2016 - 01.2020
  • Enhanced student spiritual growth by providing guidance and support through pastoral care.
  • Served as a resource for teachers seeking advice on incorporating faith-based principles into lesson plans or classroom discussions.
  • Advised school leadership team on ethical considerations concerning policy decisions, upholding the school''s values and mission.
  • Provided guidance to student leadership groups in organizing faith-based initiatives or events throughout the school year.
  • Provided pastoral counseling and support to students facing personal or academic challenges.

Guidance and Counselling Director

Labone SDA Basic School
01.2016 - 01.2020
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.

Church Pastor

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2015 - 01.2020
  • Provided pastoral care to individuals in need, offering counseling, guidance, and support during difficult times.
  • Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
  • Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
  • Strengthened relationships between families by initiating regular events and workshops catered to their needs.
  • Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
  • Fostered a welcoming environment for newcomers by creating an inclusive culture within the church community.
  • Helped to create welcoming environment for visitors and encouraged congregation to offer support.
  • Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.

Superintendent for Sabbath School Bible Studies

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Reviewed design specifications critically for accuracy, identifying potential issues before they escalated into costly delays or rework situations.
  • Resolved conflicts efficiently among team members, fostering a positive work environment that contributed to successful outcomes.
  • Reviewed plans and inspected ongoing construction to keep work in line with project goals.
  • Communicated effectively with clients throughout each stage of the project for transparency regarding progress updates as well as addressing any concerns raised promptly.

Class Teacher

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Evaluated student progress regularly, adjusting instruction to meet individual needs and ensuring mastery of concepts.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development, staying current with best practices in education and bringing fresh ideas to the classroom.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or tutoring sessions, extending opportunities for student growth beyond the school day.

Unit Head for the Upper Basic

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.

School Chaplain

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Enhanced student spiritual growth by providing guidance and support through pastoral care.
  • Served as a resource for teachers seeking advice on incorporating faith-based principles into lesson plans or classroom discussions.
  • Advised school leadership team on ethical considerations concerning policy decisions, upholding the school''s values and mission.
  • Provided guidance to student leadership groups in organizing faith-based initiatives or events throughout the school year.

School Counselling Director

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
  • Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.

Procurement Committee Member

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Attended committee meetings to propose, discuss and advance management and investment ideas.
  • Facilitated open communication among committee members, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
  • Evaluated progress towards established objectives, identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions.
  • Provided insightful feedback on proposed initiatives, ensuring their successful implementation and sustainability.
  • Reviewed and improved reimbursement and net receivable policies.

Health and Temperance Leader

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2014 - 12.2014

English Teacher

Oriens Complex School
01.2010 - 01.2012

Social Studies Teacher

Madina Senior High School
01.2009 - 01.2010

Church Treasurer

Seventh-day Adventist Church
02.2007 - 01.2008
  • Oversaw investment strategies to grow the church''s endowment fund responsibly while minimizing risk exposure.
  • Streamlined donation management through the introduction of an effective tracking system.
  • Offered strategic direction and collaborated with both senior management and team members to execute sound financial strategies.
  • Formed relationships with operational leaders and offered guidance on cash flow forecasting and management.

Social Studies Teacher

Catholic Junior High School
01.2006 - 01.2008

English Teacher

Konfourkrom D/A JHS
01.2004 - 01.2006

Welfare Club President

Seventh-day Adventist Teacher Training College
01.2004 - 12.2004

Student Chaplain

Seventh-day Adventist Teacher Training College
01.2003 - 01.2004

Class Teacher

Suhyen Methodist Primary
01.2003 - 01.2004

Church Elder

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2000 - 01.2001

Class Teacher

Royal Educational Complex
01.1999 - 01.2001

Church Clerk

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.1999 - 01.2000

Church Deacon

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Facilitated interfaith dialogues aimed at promoting understanding between different religious communities in the area.
  • Developed a successful program for integrating new members into the life of the church through small group involvement and volunteer opportunities.
  • Instituted comprehensive training programs for lay ministry leaders equipping them with the necessary skills to meet the needs of congregation members.

WORK HISTORY
Religious Experience
2021 to date: District Pastor, Accra West-End
2021 to 2024: Resident Pastor for Darkuman SDA Church
2015 to 2020: Church Pastor, SDA Church 37 Band Line,
2016 to 2020: Chaplain, Labone SDA Church School, Osu Accra
2018 to 2020: School Counselor, Labone Sda Church School, Osu Accra
2014 to 2015: Superintendent for Sabbath sch. Bible Studies, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Oyibi, Accra
2014: Health and Temperance Leader, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Oyibi, Accra
2007 to 2008: Church Treasurer, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Yeji Brong Ahafo Region
2003 to 2004: Student Chaplain, Seventh-day Adventist Teacher Training College, Koforidua Eastern Region
2004: Welfare Club President, Seventh-day Adventist Teacher Training College, Koforidua Eastern Region
2000 to 2001: Church Elders, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Yeji Brong Ahafo Region
1999 to 2000: Church clerk, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Yeji Brong Ahafo Region
1998 to 1999: Church Deacon, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Yeji Brong Ahafo Region Church Deacon
EDUCATIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
2016 to 2020: Labone SDA Basic School, Osu Accra
Job Title: School Chaplain
Job Title: Guidance and Counselling Director
2012-2015: Valley View Basic School, Oyibi
Job Title: Class teacher for Basic 3, Basic 6 and RME Teacher for JHS1-3
Job Title: Unit Head for the Upper Basic
Job Title: School Chaplain
Job Title: School counselling Director
Job Title: Procurement Committee member
2010-2012: Oriens Complex School, Frafraha, Adenta
Job Title: English teacher for Stage 6 and JHS1 & JHS 2
2009-2010: Madina Senior High school,
Job Title: Social studies teacher for form 1 & 2
2006-2008: Catholic Junior High School, Yeji Brong Ahafo Region
Job Title: Social Studies teacher for JHS 1,2&3
2003-2004: Suhyen Methodist Primary, Koforidua, Eastern Region
Job Title: Class teacher for Basic 2&3
2004-2006: Konfourkrom D/A JHS, Brong Ahafo
Job Title: English teacher for JHS 1,2 & 3
Job Title: RME teacher for JHS 1,2 & 3
1999-2001: Royal Educational Complex, Yeji Brong Ahafo Region
Job Title: Class teacher for Basic 3
WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES
2018: International Conference for Counselors and Associates (ICCA) on the theme: “Equipping Counsellors and Associates with Innovations to Satisfy 21st Century Clients” organized TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology in collaboration with Ghana National Association of Certificated Counsellors, Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra.
2017: International Conference for Counselors and Associates (ICCA) on the theme:
“Redefining Counselling Practices to Promote Social Development: An Agenda for Achieving the Sustainable Goals” organized TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology in collaboration with Ghana National Association of Certificated Counsellors, British Council, Accra.
2017: Bible Translation Summit organized by Bible Society of Ghana at Ridge Church, Accra
2015: Leadership Workshop organized by Bible Society of Ghana at the British Council, Ghana
2015: In-service Training for Teachers organized by Valley View Basic School, Oyibi Accra
2014: In-service Training for teacher on “New ways of Educating the child” organized by Valley View Basic School, Oyibi Accra.
2013: Conference for Teacher on the theme “the call, the change and the commitment” organized by West-Central African Division of Seventh-day Adventist Church at Valley View University, Oyibi Accra
2007: Leadership Congress on the theme “Leadership and Integrity” organized by General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist church held in Kumasi A/R
2007: Workshop on HIV/AIDS for Teachers in Pru District of Education, Yeji Brong Ahafo
PRESENTATIONS
2017: One day Presentation on “Study Habits among pupils” Labone Seventh-day
Adventist Basic School, Accra
2017: Study Habit for Junior High School students, Labone Seventh-day Adventist Basic
School, Accra
2017: One day Presentation on “Effect of stress on learning” Labone Seventh-day
Adventist Basic School, Accra
2018: Two days Presentation on “sexual abuse” Labone Seventh-day Adventist Basic
School, Accra
2018: counselling services for Osu Orphanage Home, Accra
2009: HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign organized by Valley View University, Oyibi Accra

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
 Ghana Psychology Council (GPC)
 Ghana National Association of Certificated Counsellors (GNACC)
SKILLS
 Patient advocacy
 Spiritual care
 Trauma-informed practices
 Crisis intervention
 Emotional support
 Team collaboration
 Effective communication



LANGUAGES
 English
 Ghanaian Language (Twi)
 Novice Hausa


REFEREES:
Academic:
Pastor Josia Andor, PhD
Senior Lecturer,
Valley View University, Ghana
P.O. Box AF 595 Adentan
Ghana-West Africa
Email: Josiah.andor@regent.edu.gh

Denomination:
Pastor Albert Nana Doughan, Esq.
Southern Ghana Union Conference
albertdoughan@yahoo.com

Education

Master of Science - Counselling Psychology

University of Education
Winneba, Ghana
12-2024

Ph.D. - Theology/ Organizational Leadership

Northwest Christian University
Ghana, Campus
07-2024

Master of Arts - Master's of Theology

Regent University College of Science & Technology
Ghana
11-2023

Master of Science - Guidance And Counselling

Methodist University College
Ghana
06-2018

Bachelor of Arts - Theological Studies

Valley View University
Adentan, Oyibi-Accra
07-2014

Master of Science - Counselling Education

Eulogio Amang Institute of Science And Technology
Manila, UT
06-2014

Skills

  • Biblical teaching
  • Pastoral counseling
  • Vision casting
  • Spiritual leadership
  • Grief support
  • Multicultural sensitivity
  • Strategic leadership
  • Crisis management
  • Research and analysis
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Attention to detail
  • Active listening
  • Relationship building
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Professionalism
  • Conflict resolution

Timeline

District Pastor

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2021 - Current

Resident Pastor

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2021 - 01.2024

School Counselor

Labone SDA Church School
01.2018 - 01.2020

Chaplain

Labone SDA Church School
01.2016 - 01.2020

School Chaplain

Labone SDA Basic School
01.2016 - 01.2020

Guidance and Counselling Director

Labone SDA Basic School
01.2016 - 01.2020

Church Pastor

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2015 - 01.2020

Superintendent for Sabbath School Bible Studies

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2014 - 01.2015

Health and Temperance Leader

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2014 - 12.2014

Class Teacher

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015

Unit Head for the Upper Basic

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015

School Chaplain

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015

School Counselling Director

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015

Procurement Committee Member

Valley View Basic School
01.2012 - 01.2015

English Teacher

Oriens Complex School
01.2010 - 01.2012

Social Studies Teacher

Madina Senior High School
01.2009 - 01.2010

Church Treasurer

Seventh-day Adventist Church
02.2007 - 01.2008

Social Studies Teacher

Catholic Junior High School
01.2006 - 01.2008

English Teacher

Konfourkrom D/A JHS
01.2004 - 01.2006

Welfare Club President

Seventh-day Adventist Teacher Training College
01.2004 - 12.2004

Student Chaplain

Seventh-day Adventist Teacher Training College
01.2003 - 01.2004

Class Teacher

Suhyen Methodist Primary
01.2003 - 01.2004

Church Elder

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.2000 - 01.2001

Class Teacher

Royal Educational Complex
01.1999 - 01.2001

Church Clerk

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.1999 - 01.2000

Church Deacon

Seventh-day Adventist Church
01.1998 - 01.1999

Master of Science - Counselling Psychology

University of Education

Ph.D. - Theology/ Organizational Leadership

Northwest Christian University

Master of Arts - Master's of Theology

Regent University College of Science & Technology

Master of Science - Guidance And Counselling

Methodist University College

Bachelor of Arts - Theological Studies

Valley View University

Master of Science - Counselling Education

Eulogio Amang Institute of Science And Technology
ELIJAH KWAKU BENYI