Melissa Pratt
Scott Depot,West Virginia
Summary
Dynamic leader and gifted communicator with a proven track record in various ministry roles including Lead Pastor at Teays Valley Church of God, growing the congregation from 60 to over 500 in average attendance with over 1000 people calling TVCOG "home" over the course of my tenure. Skilled in organizational leadership and outreach/community engagement. Successfully managed two building campaigns and significantly increased budgets annually. Excels in coaching and inspiring teams, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and a commitment to Kingdom impact and growth. Currently sought out by others for coaching, prayer, and wisdom regarding their personal ministries. Passionate about seeing souls won for the Kingdom of God.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Pastor
Teays Valley Church of God
02.2007 - Current
- Led the church to grow from 60 people to a worshiping congregation of over 500 with well over 1000 calling our church "home."
- Shepherd the people.
- Serve as the primary preacher for two weekly services.
- Oversee administration and management of all areas of ministry including the recruitment and development of staff.
- Enhance congregational growth by implementing innovative outreach programs and community engagement initiatives.
- Led the church through two building campaigns and eventually relocated the church to a 5.2 million dollar facility on 74 acres.
- Recruit, train, and mentor volunteer leaders to assist in various ministries, enhancing overall effectiveness.
- Strategically built community partnerships which strengthened our presence and standing in the community, increasing our effectiveness in our mission to "Connect our Community to Christ."
- Strengthened relationships among congregation members by facilitating regular fellowship events and opportunities for connection.
- Manage facility upkeep projects to ensure a welcoming environment for all who enter the church building.
- Assist families in the church and community during times of crisis by providing compassionate pastoral care, prayer support, and guidance.
- Implemented multiple discipleship programs aimed at deepening believers' understanding of their faith journey.
- Oversee the financial management of the church, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and budget allocation, growing the budget from $185K to $1 million+.
- Provide spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
Associate Pastor
Dayspring Church of God
06.1995 - 01.2007
- Planned experiential, biblically-based, Christ centered worship services.
- Helped the congregation think theologically about worship and our "reasonable service" to God.
- Managed weekly rehearsal schedules, optimizing musicians' time commitment while maintaining high-quality performance standards.
- Implemented creative stage designs to enhance worship experiences, contributing to an inviting atmosphere for visitors and members alike.
- Contributed to budget planning and resource allocation decisions, enabling efficient use of church funds for worship-related expenses.
- Nurtured a culture of musical excellence within the worship team through regular feedback sessions and goal-setting exercises.
- Coordinated special event services such as holiday performances or guest speakers, enhancing the overall church calendar offerings.
- Expanded repertoire of worship songs by researching new music trends, addressing diverse preferences within the congregation.
- Provided pastoral counseling sessions as needed, offering spiritual guidance and support to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
- Ensured proper maintenance of audio/visual equipment used during services while staying current on technological advancements.
- Mentored worship team members, resulting in greater unity and overall skill improvement.
- Coordinated choir, orchestra and instrumentalists for worship services.
- Recruited skillful volunteers.
- Preached as requested.
- Other associate duties including funerals, weddings, pastoral care and visitation.
Education
Doctorate of Worship Studies (DWS) - Worship Studies
Institute For Worship Studies
Jacksonville, FL 01-2007
Master of Arts - Church Music
Asbury Theological Seminary
Wilmore, KY01-1995
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
Anderson University
Anderson, IN01-1991
Skills
- Highly Administrative
- Gifted Communicator
- Value Collaboration
- Ability to Execute a Plan
- Coaching/Counseling
- Kingdom Growth Oriented
- Ability to Network
- Organizational Leadership
- Problem Solving Skills
- Inspiring Leadership
- Music and Creative Gifts
Additional Leadership Capacities
Ministries Council Member-Current
Author of "Impact That'll Leave a Mark" published by Warner Press in 2018
Former MACU Board Member
Former Online Instructor at MACU
Former Instructor at Ohio Christian University
WV Credentials Committee-Current
Former Lifegivers Co-Director
Project Imagine Participant
Campmeeting Evangelist and Worship Leader
Former Special Assignment Missionary to Cyprus
Local Multi-denominational Ministerial Leader
Timeline
Lead Pastor
Teays Valley Church of God
02.2007 - Current
Associate Pastor
Dayspring Church of God
06.1995 - 01.2007
Doctorate of Worship Studies (DWS) - Worship Studies
Institute For Worship Studies
Master of Arts - Church Music
Asbury Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
Anderson University
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