Gary Rivas
Senior Pastor
Camden,SC
Summary
Knowledgeable with profound understanding of spiritual leadership and community guidance. Guided diverse congregation through various spiritual and life events, fostering supportive and inclusive environment. Demonstrated effective communication and conflict resolution skills. A professional with deep commitment to spiritual leadership and pastoral care. Guided congregations through significant spiritual milestones and community initiatives. Known for fostering team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs. Valued for strong interpersonal skills and unwavering integrity. Skilled religious leader with deep understanding of pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and community engagement. Proven ability to lead, inspire, and support diverse congregations, fostering strong connections and growth. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Proficient in theological education, conflict resolution, and public speaking.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Pastor
The United Methodist Church
07.2021 - Current
- Enhanced spiritual growth for church members through regular pastoral counseling sessions and personalized guidance.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Coordinated and spearheaded programs to increase church members' service throughout community.*
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Coordinated and spearheaded programs to increase church members' service throughout community.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Facilitated spiritual growth opportunities through small group leadership development, empowering lay leaders to take on increased responsibilities within the congregation.
- Promoted social justice initiatives within the congregation by encouraging active engagement in advocacy work both locally and globally.
- Collaborated with church leadership to plan master calendar of events.
- Built strong relationships with community organizations, collaborating on projects that aligned with shared values and goals.
- Led effective pastoral care for congregation members, providing spiritual guidance and support during times of crisis or need.
- Increased annual giving by establishing robust stewardship campaigns, emphasizing the importance of financial commitment to ministry initiatives.
- Directed special events such as weddings or funerals with sensitivity to individual needs while upholding religious traditions unique to each situation.
- Expanded missions outreach efforts to include partnerships with international organizations, increasing global impact on communities in need.
- Provided crisis response and counseling to church members.
- Managed church staff effectively, providing clear direction and support while maintaining accountability for performance outcomes.
- Fostered an environment of inclusivity and acceptance within the church, welcoming diverse perspectives and backgrounds while cultivating unity around shared faith values.
- Strengthened community outreach efforts by implementing targeted programs, resulting in increased local impact and visibility.
- Nurtured a culture of volunteerism within the church community by developing opportunities for individuals to contribute their unique skills and talents in service to others.
- Worked with stewardship to promote responsible biblical stewardship.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to expand ministry offerings, ensuring alignment with the church''s mission and vision.
- Ensured effective communication across all levels of church operations by implementing streamlined systems for information dissemination among staff and volunteers.
Bishop
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa
01.2016 - 12.2020
- Supervised church staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment that encouraged teamwork and commitment to shared goals.
- Initiated interfaith dialogue events, promoting understanding and cooperation among diverse religious groups within the community.
- Established partnerships with local non-profit organizations to create joint service opportunities benefiting both the congregation and wider community.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive pastoral care plans, ensuring the spiritual growth and well-being of congregation members.
- Managed church finances responsibly, utilizing resources effectively to support ongoing ministries and projects.
- Recruited trained, and mentored volunteer teams to effectively serve the needs of the congregation and local community.
- Promoted social justice causes through advocacy efforts on behalf of marginalized populations within the broader community.
- Facilitated interfaith dialogue by organizing events with leaders from other religious communities.
- Supported families in times of need with compassionate pastoral care, counseling, and emotional support.
- Built trust among diverse groups by modeling empathy, understanding, and respect during difficult conversations or crisis situations.
- Established annual mission trips providing tangible benefits both locally and globally while fostering deep sense of commitment among participants.
- Strengthened parish community by organizing and leading regular outreach programs and events.
- Mentored seminary students through internships, offering guidance and support as they pursued their own vocational paths.
- Oversaw financial management of the church budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of funds and resources.
- Implemented improvements in communication strategies to keep congregants informed about upcoming events and activities.
- Initiated strategic planning process to guide future growth initiatives towards meeting evolving needs of the congregation.
- Developed strong relationships with local organizations to create partnerships for community service initiatives.
- Managed staff performance evaluations and professional development opportunities, fostering a supportive work culture within the church team.
- Increased donations significantly with strategic fundraising campaigns.
- Fostered supportive and inclusive church environment, welcoming members from diverse backgrounds.
- Guided individuals through personal challenges with compassionate pastoral counseling.
- Strengthened interfaith relations by participating in and hosting interdenominational events.
- Mentored junior ministers, nurturing their development and leadership skills within church community.
- Developed volunteer training program to increase efficiency and impact of charitable efforts.
- Coordinated with local authorities and organizations to provide support during emergencies and disasters.
- Bolstered church's online presence, expanding its reach with digital sermons and social media engagement.
- Streamlined administrative processes to enhance operational efficiency within church office.
- Organized and led community outreach programs to improve local engagement and support.
- Advocated for social justice issues, aligning church missions with broader community needs.
- Initiated youth programs to engage younger members, boosting participation by creating relevant and interactive activities.
- Cultivated culture of open communication and feedback among church staff and congregation.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Senior Pastor
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa, Johannesburg, Gauteng
01.2004 - 12.2015
- 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.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Associate Pastor
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa, Johannesburg, Gauteng
01.2000 - 12.2003
- Oversaw financial stewardship initiatives such as tithing campaigns which resulted in increased giving from churchgoers.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Mentored youth group members, providing guidance and support for personal and spiritual development.
- Raised congregational awareness of needs and contributions of youth to church life and operations.
- Conducted home visits to offer prayerful support during times of crisis or illness, demonstrating compassion towards those in need.
- Coordinated special events such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals, providing pastoral care during significant moments in congregants'' lives.
- Developed small group curriculums to encourage deeper relationships and spiritual growth within the congregation.
- Assisted in the recruitment and training of new volunteers, ensuring a strong support system for ongoing ministry efforts.
Education
Master of Arts - Theology
University Of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa12-2013
Skills
- Teaching
- Organizational Leadership
- Congregational care
- Pastoral Care
- Public Speaking
- Preaching
- Biblical Knowledge
- Discipleship training
- Crisis Management
- Organizational Management
- Sermon writing
- Preaching Excellence
- Financial Stewardship
- Shepherding
- Leadership Development
- Spiritual leadership
- Community Service
- Spiritual Guidance
- Mission-oriented
- Volunteer Management
- Church planting background
- Visionary leadership
Affiliations
- Concerned Clergy of Kershaw County
- Camden Community Clinic Board Member
- United Way of Kershaw County Board Member
Certification
- Ecclesiastical Endorsement – By respective religious denominations for chaplaincy roles especially in military, healthcare, and correctional facilities.
- Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS) - Various accredited theological institutions.
- Diploma in Ministry Studies (DMS) - Various religious education institutions.
- Ordained Minister Credential - Denominational Church Bodies or Non-denominational Associations.
Accomplishments
- Established solid presence in community, successfully growing church membership year over year.
- Supervised team of 110 Pastors.
- Collaborated with teams of Lay people and Pastors.
Timeline
Senior Pastor
The United Methodist Church
07.2021 - Current
Bishop
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa
01.2016 - 12.2020
Senior Pastor
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa
01.2004 - 12.2015
Associate Pastor
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa
01.2000 - 12.2003
Master of Arts - Theology
University Of Pretoria
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