Javaris Wright
Lead Pastor
Fort Valley,GA
Summary
With over 20 years of experience in church leadership, I have served in a variety of roles including preaching, worship, church planting, children’s and youth ministry, and pastoral care. My ministry journey has focused on revitalizing declining congregations and ministries, launching multi-campus churches, and equipping leaders for sustainable growth both domestically and abroad.
It is my passion to preach and teach the uncompromised Word of God, to see people enter into an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ, be empowered by the Holy Spirit, become fully committed disciples, and fulfill their God-given destiny.
As both a communicator and worship leader, I’ve had the honor of preaching and leading worship at revivals, conferences, camp meetings, and large-scale events such as Winterfest and the Church of God General Assembly, ministering across the nation.
In addition to local church leadership, I serve on various boards within the Church of God at both the state and international levels—contributing to strategic planning, spiritual development, and the advancement of ministry initiatives.
Above all else, my greatest accomplishment in ministry is being a faithful husband to my wife and a devoted father to my children.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Lead Pastor
Destiny Church
Byron, GA
09.2019 - Current
- Successfully planted and led a thriving multigenerational, multicultural church, built on Spirit-led worship, strong biblical teaching, and intentional discipleship.
- Increased church attendance significantly through strategic outreach, relational ministry, and consistent gospel preaching.
- Preached and taught weekly; provided pastoral care through weddings, funerals, baptisms, counseling, and crisis support.
- Established small groups, new believers' classes, and a Next Steps assimilation program, creating clear pathways for connection and growth.
- Built strong ministries across all age groups—from children to adults—fostering long-term spiritual development.
- Raised up and developed emerging leaders, several of whom were sent out to become lead pastors and ministry leaders.
- Provide ongoing oversight and mentorship to senior pastors who previously served as staff members under pastoral leadership.
- Led remodeling and facility upgrades, including sanctuary, classrooms, and multipurpose spaces—enhancing church function and aesthetics.
- Directed impactful community outreach initiatives and led the church in both local and global missions efforts.
- Oversaw a successful church merger with 100% retention, integrating the merging congregation into the unified vision and mission.
Pastor
The Harvest Church
Nicholls, GA
08.2017 - 05.2023
- Successfully revitalized a declining congregation and rebranded Harvest Renewal Worship Center to The Harvest Church, marking a renewed vision and community impact.
- Launched Destiny Church as a thriving multi-campus extension, expanding outreach and spiritual influence.
- Successfully transitioned the church to the leadership of the Associate Pastor, ensuring continuity, health, and long-term sustainability.
- Provided visionary spiritual and administrative leadership across all ministry areas, including worship, discipleship, pastoral care, and outreach.
- Preached weekly sermons, led worship services, and officiated weddings, funerals, baptisms, and special services.
- Established a growing small group ministry, resulting in increased attendance, deeper community engagement, and stronger discipleship.
- Oversaw major renovation and expansion projects, including upgrades to the sanctuary, multipurpose center, classrooms, and restrooms.
- Integrated technology tools such as Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and ProPresenter to enhance worship and streamline operations.
- Supervised pastoral staff and ministry leaders, implemented effective communication systems, and fostered leadership development across all generations.
- Built strategic partnerships with civic leaders, nonprofits, and local schools to serve at-risk youth and families.
- Led successful community outreach initiatives in collaboration with city officials and school administrators.
- Cultivated a culture of spiritual growth, responsible stewardship, and alignment with the church’s mission and long-term vision.
Minister of Music
Covenant Church
Charlottesville, Virginia
08.2015 - 09.2017
- Revitalized the choir and rebuilt a strong, multigenerational music ministry.
- Produced major holiday music productions that engaged both the congregation and wider community.
- Recruited, trained, and developed worship leaders and musicians, fostering a pipeline of emerging talent.
- Led dynamic worship services and special events, incorporating diverse musical styles to unify and inspire.
- Utilized technology and media tools to enhance worship planning, lyric projection, and congregational engagement.
- Managed the worship arts budget and coordinated logistics for programs and events.
- Collaborated with pastoral staff to support the church’s mission and meet the spiritual needs of the congregation.
- Mentored team members in both musical excellence and spiritual growth to sustain a healthy worship culture.
Minister of Music
Lighthouse Tabernacle Church Of God
Central Islip, New York
08.2012 - 08.2015
- Founded and directed a thriving choir, increasing congregational participation and enriching worship through diverse musical expressions.
- Led dynamic, Spirit-filled worship experiences in both English and Spanish, including full services for a Hispanic church plant.
- Collaborated with church planters to launch a Hispanic congregation, providing worship leadership and supporting cultural integration.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored vocalists, musicians, and volunteers, cultivating a unified, multiethnic worship team.
- Actively involved in youth ministry by developing and mentoring youth worship teams and regularly preaching and teaching in youth services.
- Saw measurable growth in the worship department, both in participation and spiritual depth, by fostering a culture of excellence, discipleship, and unity.
- Planned and coordinated music for weekly services, special events, and holiday programs; managed scheduling and song selection.
- Utilized ProPresenter and PowerPoint to enhance lyric projection, congregational participation, and overall service flow.
- Managed the music ministry budget, secured necessary resources, and ensured alignment with church financial policies.
- Promoted team fellowship, spiritual development, and musical excellence while supporting pastoral leadership and advancing the church’s mission.
Minister of Music
Harvest Renewal Worship Center
Nicholls , Georgia
06.2008 - 06.2012
- Provided inspiring and motivational music ministry during worship services, programs and events to uplift, encourage and entertain people with positive messages and values.
- Planned, organized and led music ministry during worship services by motivating congregational participation and providing direction to choir members and musicians.
- Coordinated music and special vocals for worship services.
- Recruited volunteers for choirs and worship teams.
- Rehearsed choir and conducted choir warm-ups prior to services.
- Utilized central screen for lyric projection to teach unfamiliar songs to congregation.
- Promoted fellowship within the music ministry and helped recruit new volunteers.
- Bridged generational and cultural differences by selecting balance of musical styles for every service and presenting spiritual context.
- Promoted and empowered full participation of congregation by singing verses and acclamations designated for choir in dialogue with congregation and enriching liturgy with harmonies.
- Engaged congregation through musical worship experience by spreading vitality.
- Utilized technology in planning and presenting music to enhance worship message.
- Coached and mentored music ministry team members to become lifelong learners with respect to musical talents and spiritual development.
- Acquired music, equipment and supplies to perform designated duties in accordance with financial policies.
- Performed as versatile vocalist and instrumentalist to support inspirational worship services.
- Developed programs for holidays and unique events.
- Supported pastor in discerning and meeting spiritual needs and helped church members and guests develop sense of belonging.
- Held worship team accountable for facilitating God-inspired worship and continually encouraged, equipped and empowered volunteers.
- Led and inspired worship team members and guided team in following church processes, guidelines and mission.
Choir Director
Felloship Church
Lakeland , FL
01.2003 - 06.2008
- Successfully started and led a choir, bridging the gap between traditional hymns and contemporary worship to create a unified, multigenerational experience.
- Directed and arranged vocal and instrumental music for worship services, special events, and holiday programs.
- Planned and led rehearsals, provided vocal coaching, and ensured musical excellence and preparedness.
- Oversaw the administration of music programs, maintained ministry calendars, and assisted with event planning.
- Recruited and developed volunteers, growing worship participation and expanding outreach.
- Served actively in children’s and youth ministries, fostering worship engagement and spiritual growth across all age levels.
- Collaborated with pastoral staff to align worship with church vision and create impactful, Spirit-led services.
Education
Master of Arts - Ministry Studies Emphasis in Leadership
Lee University
Cleveland, TN 08.2020 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Lee University
Cleveland, TN 08.2016 - 01.2017
Doctor of Ministry -
Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries
Philippines 01.2024 - Current
Certificate of Completion - Ministerial Internship Program
Church of God School of Ministry
New York Church Of God 08.2013 - 02.2014
Skills
New member assimilation
Pastoral counseling
Congregational care
Spiritual leadership
Officiating wedding, funerals, and child dedications
Disciple-making
Preaching
Teaching
Organization and Time Management
Mission-oriented
Community service
Certification
Ordained Bishop Church of God, Cleveland, TN
Timeline
Doctor of Ministry -
Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries
01.2024 - Current
Master of Arts - Ministry Studies Emphasis in Leadership
Lee University
08.2020 - 07.2022
Ordained Minister
07-2020
Lead Pastor
Destiny Church
09.2019 - Current
Pastor
The Harvest Church
08.2017 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Lee University
08.2016 - 01.2017
Ordained Bishop Church of God, Cleveland, TN
06-2016
Minister of Music
Covenant Church
08.2015 - 09.2017
Certificate of Completion - Ministerial Internship Program
Church of God School of Ministry
08.2013 - 02.2014
Minister of Music
Lighthouse Tabernacle Church Of God
08.2012 - 08.2015
Exhorter
01-2012
Minister of Music
Harvest Renewal Worship Center
06.2008 - 06.2012
Choir Director
Felloship Church
01.2003 - 06.2008
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