Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
CDL Class B, No Restrictions
Timeline
Generic

James Blake

Pretty Prairie

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience in education and pastoral care, including impactful roles at First Mennonite Church and USD 311. Skilled in church leadership, classroom management and pastoral counseling, fostering student engagement and community relationships. Proven adaptability and strong communication abilities enhance team collaboration and drive successful outcomes in diverse environments.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Substitute Teacher

USD 311
09.2022 - Current
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.

Substitute Bus Driver

USD 311
09.2021 - Current


  • Cultivated strong relationships with parents, school administrators, and fellow drivers through open communication and professionalism.
  • Contributed to a positive school environment by providing friendly, reliable transportation services for students and staff.
  • Demonstrated flexibility by quickly adapting to last-minute route changes, driver shortages, or other unexpected challenges.

Pastor

First Mennonite Church of Pretty Prairie, Kansas
06.2021 - Current
  • 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.
  • Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
  • Volunteered at church-sponsored outreach events.
  • Served as mentor to children in church community, offering guidance and support.

Pastor

Ada/Minneapolis Baptist Churches
03.2017 - 06.2021
  • Strengthened relationships between families by initiating regular events and workshops catered to their needs.
  • Facilitated small group discussions aimed at deepening participants'' understanding of core biblical principles and themes.
  • Mentored youth group members, offering guidance and support in their personal and spiritual lives.
  • Distributed food and supplies to communities through mutual aid.
  • Improved community relations by initiating and leading interfaith dialogues and cooperative events, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
  • Led by example in personal and community stewardship efforts, inspiring members to live out their faith in environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives.
  • Facilitated spiritual growth and learning by creating and teaching comprehensive Bible study courses.
  • Supported families during times of crisis with compassionate pastoral care and practical assistance, reinforcing church's role as pillar of support.
  • Cultivated vibrant youth ministry, organizing camps and programs that encouraged spiritual growth and community service among younger members.
  • Provided pastoral care to individuals in need, offering counseling, guidance, and support during difficult times.
  • Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
  • Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
  • Volunteered at church-sponsored outreach events.

Director of Camping

American Baptist Churches of the Central Region
11.2016 - 08.2018
  • 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.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.

Youth Pastor

First Baptist Church Of Paola
01.2015 - 03.2017
  • Built lasting relationships with youth and parents or guardians.
  • Collaborated with church leadership to develop strategies for growing the congregation's youth ministry program.
  • Utilized various teaching techniques to effectively communicate biblical truths to young people in an engaging and relevant manner.
  • Ensured a safe environment for all participants during activities by adhering to strict safety guidelines and protocols.
  • Oversaw youth ministry budget and tracked all expenses.
  • Implemented creative solutions for generating excitement about youth ministry events using multimedia presentations, games, and live music performances.
  • Planned weekly groups as well as special events and overnight retreats.
  • Created an inclusive atmosphere that welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the youth group.
  • Recruited volunteers from the congregation to assist in various aspects of the youth ministry program such as event planning or leading small groups during Bible studies or retreats.
  • Empowered young people to take ownership of their faith journey through small group discussions and Bible study sessions.
  • Managed budgets responsibly while prioritizing spending on essential materials needed for effective programming in line with church goals.
  • Secured resources for youth ministry activities, managing budget effectively to maximize impact.
  • Increased attendance at youth events, implementing innovative outreach strategies that resonated with local community.
  • Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
  • Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.

School Bus

Kansas School Bus Company
03.2015 - 02.2017
  • 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.

Swing Shift Manger

McDonald's
08.2014 - 03.2015
  • Promoted a positive work culture, resulting in improved team morale and job satisfaction.
  • Increased revenue through the implementation of effective sales tactics and promotional activities.
  • Improved employee productivity by implementing efficient scheduling and task allocation strategies.
  • Implemented quality control measures that led to consistent product quality standards across all shifts.

Supervisor of Volunteer Youth

East Iowa Bible Camp
05.2014 - 08.2014

The role was then called, "Tag Team Leader".


Oversaw two groups, who volunteered to spend a month at camp, preforming kitchen and housekeeping duties.


I worked in coordination with the Program Director, Head of the Kitchen, and the Camp Executive Director


I was responsible along with my counterpart to ensure volunteers:

Sleep Regular Hours

Eat and Drank Enough

Completed Their Assigned

Attended The Group Bible Study- Which I Completed

Interim Church Administrator

The Great Adventure Church
11.2013 - 05.2014
  • Collaborated with the Church Elders on strategic planning initiatives, supporting the growth and development of the congregation''s mission.
  • Developed comprehensive event plans, ensuring successful execution of church-wide gatherings and celebrations.
  • Improved internal communications through regular emails updating church members about upcoming events and announcements.
  • Managed church website

Home Health Aide

The Leverentz Family
03.2013 - 08.2013
  • Helped patients maintain personal hygiene through bathing, grooming, and toileting assistance when necessary for dignity preservation.
  • Maintained a clean and safe home environment for patients, reducing falls and accidents.
  • Assisted clients with daily living activities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
  • Performed light housekeeping duties including laundry linen changes sweeping vacuuming and mopping ensuring a clean and organized living space for patients.
  • Provided End of Life Care in collaboration with Hospice Staff

CNA

Good Neighbor Society
04.2011 - 04.2013
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and weight.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.

Youth Pastor Intern

Grace Evangelical Free Church
01.2011 - 05.2012
  • Mentored at-risk youth, providing guidance and support through challenging situations.
  • Led small group sessions for deeper understanding of biblical teachings, fostering personal connections among participants.
  • Organized regular social events that fostered a sense of belonging among young congregation members, helping them build lasting friendships within the church community.
  • Championed leadership development among youths by establishing mentorship programs and providing opportunities for them to lead small group sessions or serve in other ministry capacities.

CNA

Manor Care
05.2010 - 03.2011
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and weight.
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.

CNA

Pleasant View Nursing Home
09.2008 - 04.2010
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and weight.
  • Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.

CNA, Dietary Assistant

Brooklyn Community Estates
06.2007 - 09.2007
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and weight.
  • Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.

Education

Master of Arts - Biblical Counseling

Calvary Univeristy
Belton, Mo
05-2017

Bachelor of Science - Biblical Studies

Emmaus University
Dubuque, Iowa
05-2014

Skills

  • Preaching
  • Teaching
  • Pastoral counseling
  • Pastoral care
  • Classroom management
  • Adaptable
  • Student engagement
  • Patience and tolerance
  • Punctuality
  • Defensive driving
  • Passenger assistance
  • Safe driving techniques
  • Emergency procedures

CDL Class B, No Restrictions

10 years of holding a Class B CDL

5 years of driving school buses

2 years of driving a church bus

Timeline

Substitute Teacher

USD 311
09.2022 - Current

Substitute Bus Driver

USD 311
09.2021 - Current

Pastor

First Mennonite Church of Pretty Prairie, Kansas
06.2021 - Current

Pastor

Ada/Minneapolis Baptist Churches
03.2017 - 06.2021

Director of Camping

American Baptist Churches of the Central Region
11.2016 - 08.2018

School Bus

Kansas School Bus Company
03.2015 - 02.2017

Youth Pastor

First Baptist Church Of Paola
01.2015 - 03.2017

Swing Shift Manger

McDonald's
08.2014 - 03.2015

Supervisor of Volunteer Youth

East Iowa Bible Camp
05.2014 - 08.2014

Interim Church Administrator

The Great Adventure Church
11.2013 - 05.2014

Home Health Aide

The Leverentz Family
03.2013 - 08.2013

CNA

Good Neighbor Society
04.2011 - 04.2013

Youth Pastor Intern

Grace Evangelical Free Church
01.2011 - 05.2012

CNA

Manor Care
05.2010 - 03.2011

CNA

Pleasant View Nursing Home
09.2008 - 04.2010

CNA, Dietary Assistant

Brooklyn Community Estates
06.2007 - 09.2007

Master of Arts - Biblical Counseling

Calvary Univeristy

Bachelor of Science - Biblical Studies

Emmaus University
James Blake