JOHN CONKLIN
Mt. Pleasant,MI
Summary
Dynamic professional with over 50 years of diverse experience in U.S. Army leadership, nonprofit program management, hospitality operations, sales, and 24 years in pastoral ministry. Expertise includes public speaking, strategic planning, grant writing, team leadership, mentoring, and large-scale event coordination. Known for cultivating strong community relationships, revitalizing organizations, and developing impactful programs for youth and adults. Actively pursuing part-time or full-time opportunities while remaining open to training in new fields, supported by a solid foundation in education and classroom management that fosters positive learning environments.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Mt. Pleasant Area Schools
Mt. Pleasant, MI
01.2024 - 06.2026
- Serve four school systems in the Mt. Pleasant area, delivering instruction across multiple subjects and grade levels
- Adapt quickly to diverse classroom environments while maintaining effective classroom management and student engagement
- Delivered instructional support across multiple subjects, fostering student engagement and understanding.
Pastor
Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church
Charlotte, MI
07.2020 - 06.2024
- Led healing and revitalization efforts at a large congregation recovering from significant institutional challenges
- Successfully restored congregational growth in faith, active ministry programs, and attending membership
- Researched, wrote, and delivered weekly sermons to a large and diverse congregation
Pastor
Unified Parish (Williamsburg, Fife Lake, South Boardman & East Boardman UMC)
07.2017 - 06.2020
- Managed worship operations across a four-church parish, coordinating schedules and service logistics
- Mentored two pastoral candidates through structured development programs, preparing worship schedules and supervising preaching rotations
Pastor
Scottville United Methodist Church
Scottville, MI
07.2009 - 06.2017
- Supervised staff and coordinated volunteers for all church operations and community outreach programs
- Served as county collection site coordinator for Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse)
- Organized “Waterfront Worship,” a major outdoor Christian concert attracting over 1,000 attendees featuring national artists
- Designed and delivered weekly PowerPoint-enhanced worship presentations
Pastor
Mesick & Harrietta United Methodist Church
Mesick & Harrietta, MI
12.2000 - 06.2009
- Developed long-range worship schedules (5–6 months) including scripture selection, music planning, and special event marketing
- Provided pastoral counseling, wedding preparation, funeral services, and community visitation
- Collaborated with area pastors to plan joint community worship services and build youth programming
- Licensed to administer sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion (December 2001)
Night Auditor & Assistant Manager
Parkshore Resort
Traverse City, MI
05.1998 - 12.2000
- Conducted nightly financial reconciliation and audit reporting for a new resort property
- Managed front desk operations including guest check-in, reservations, and customer service
- Maintained resort facilities including pool, hot tub, and common areas
Youth Director
Keswick United Methodist Church
Suttons Bay, MI
06.1997 - 05.1998
- Developed and led youth group programs and events for middle and high school students
- Assisted pastor with community outreach activities and provided pulpit supply as needed
- Coordinated joint services and Vacation Bible School with the local Ministerial Association
Assistant Manager
Grand Traverse Resort, Health Center & Spa
Acme, MI
05.1996 - 06.1997
- Supervised staff and managed scheduling for health center, spa, tennis courts, racquetball courts, and fitness areas
- Oversaw pool and spa operations, supply ordering, and food and beverage inventory
- Managed marketing and promotion of resort events for guest engagement
Director of Operations
Boys & Girls Club of Alpena
Alpena, MI
06.1987 - 04.1994
- Wrote successful grant proposals and managed federally funded youth development programs
- Designed and operated dropout prevention, dropout remediation, life-skills training, and tutoring programs for at-risk teens
- Secured U.S. Department of Labor grants to fund summer youth employment programs, placing and paying a dozen teens at county recreation sites
- Received the 1990 Midwest Region Boys & Girls Clubs of America Program Professional Award of the Year
Route Driver & Salesperson
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Jacksonville, FL
01.1985 - 01.1987
- Managed a delivery route servicing approximately 370 retail locations across north Florida
- Maintained customer relationships, product placement, and seasonal promotional displays
Assistant Store Manager
Southland Corporation (7-Eleven)
Jacksonville, FL
06.1983 - 01.1985
- Managed employee scheduling, vendor relations, inventory ordering, and store operations as a rotating assistant manager
Sales Representative
Scott Paper Company
Minneapolis, MN
05.1981 - 06.1983
- Built and maintained customer relationships across an assigned territory
- Executed product marketing strategies including shelf placement optimization and seasonal display construction
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI01-1974
Skills
- Public Speaking & Sermon Delivery
- Grant Writing & Program Development
- Team Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Mentoring, Training & Tutoring
- Event Planning & Coordination
- Strategic Planning & Organization
- Community Engagement & Outreach
- Customer Service & Relationship Management
- Empathetic & Intuitive Leadership
- Strong Knowledge of History, Geography, Civics & English
- Microsoft Word & PowerPoint (proficient); Excel (currently training); Python (introductory)
- Verbal and written communication
- Classroom management
- Online teaching tools
Certification
- Licensed Pastor, United Methodist Church (2001 – 2024)
- Certified Travel Consultant
- Chauffeur’s License (State of Michigan)
- U.S. Army Airborne Qualified
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Mt. Pleasant Area Schools
01.2024 - 06.2026
Pastor
Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church
07.2020 - 06.2024
Pastor
Unified Parish (Williamsburg, Fife Lake, South Boardman & East Boardman UMC)
07.2017 - 06.2020
Pastor
Scottville United Methodist Church
07.2009 - 06.2017
Pastor
Mesick & Harrietta United Methodist Church
12.2000 - 06.2009
Night Auditor & Assistant Manager
Parkshore Resort
05.1998 - 12.2000
Youth Director
Keswick United Methodist Church
06.1997 - 05.1998
Assistant Manager
Grand Traverse Resort, Health Center & Spa
05.1996 - 06.1997
Director of Operations
Boys & Girls Club of Alpena
06.1987 - 04.1994
Route Driver & Salesperson
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
01.1985 - 01.1987
Assistant Store Manager
Southland Corporation (7-Eleven)
06.1983 - 01.1985
Sales Representative
Scott Paper Company
05.1981 - 06.1983
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Eastern Michigan University
AWARDS
1990 Midwest Region Program Professional Award of the Year — Boys & Girls Clubs of America
MILITARY SERVICE
- United States Army — Active Duty | January 1975 – April 1981
- Separated at rank of Captain
- Completed Armor Officer Basic Course, Motor Officer Course (Ft. Knox, KY), and Airborne Course (Ft. Benning, GA)
- Served as Tank Platoon Leader and Battalion Support Platoon Leader, 3rd Battalion, 63rd Armor, Augsburg, Federal Republic of Germany
- Completed Armor Officer Advanced Course (Ft. Knox, KY)
- Served as Assistant Operations Officer/Air, 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor, and Assistant Operations Officer, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Ft. Riley, KS
- Earned Basic Airborne (Paratroop) Award