Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Pastor Natasha Woitzel-Kolles

Minot,ND

Summary

Creative and passionate Associate Pastor from Zion Lutheran Church, skilled in preaching and effective communication. Spearheaded community outreach and stewardship initiatives, leading to increased engagement and giving. Excelled in pastoral care and multicultural sensitivity, fostering inclusive environments and promoting spiritual growth. Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and teamwork, enhancing church operations and community service.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Pastor

Zion Lutheran Church
08.2018 - Current
  • Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
  • Provided pastoral counseling to individuals seeking guidance on personal or relationship issues, promoting emotional well-being within the congregation.
  • Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
  • Conducted home visits to offer prayerful support during times of crisis or illness, demonstrating compassion towards those in need.
  • Coordinated and spearheaded programs to increase church members' service throughout community.
  • Mentored youth group members, providing guidance and support for personal and spiritual development.
  • Managed volunteer teams for various ministries, ensuring effective use of resources and talents.
  • Raised congregational awareness of needs and contributions of youth to church life and operations.
  • Assisted in the recruitment and training of new volunteers, ensuring a strong support system for ongoing ministry efforts.
  • Fostered strong partnerships with local organizations by participating in joint community service projects aimed at improving quality of life for residents.
  • Facilitated weekly Bible studies aimed at deepening understanding of Scripture while fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
  • Championed diversity and inclusion within the church by promoting open dialogue and inclusive programming.
  • Enhanced congregation engagement by incorporating multimedia elements into sermons and presentations.
  • Collaborated with worship leaders to create meaningful worship experiences that connected with diverse audiences.
  • Oversaw financial stewardship with creative sermon series and worship ideas to communicate the importance of pledging and financial giving.
  • Helped to create welcoming environment for visitors and encouraged congregation to offer support.
  • Volunteered at church-sponsored outreach events.
  • Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to church and managed daily operations.
  • Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.

Pastor

Sheyenne Oberon Area Ministry
07.2010 - 07.2018
  • 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.
  • Helped to create welcoming environment for visitors and encouraged congregation to offer support.
  • Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to church and managed daily operations.
  • Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
  • Advised couples preparing for marriage via pre-marital counseling services tailored specifically towards their unique relational dynamics.
  • Enhanced congregation''s spiritual growth by delivering thought-provoking and engaging sermons.
  • Volunteered at church-sponsored outreach events.
  • Supported community development through organizing and leading outreach programs.
  • Assisted with organization and implementation of Sunday school activities.
  • Mentored youth group members, offering guidance and support in their personal and spiritual lives.
  • Designed innovative worship experiences that integrated contemporary elements alongside traditional practices.
  • Distributed food and supplies to communities through mutual aid.
  • Developed strong partnerships with local organizations to promote collaboration on various community initiatives.
  • Built lasting relationships within community, visiting schools and community centers to engage with youth and offer mentorship.
  • Collaborated with local charities and organizations to provide support and resources to those in need, amplifying church's impact on social welfare.
  • Supported families during times of crisis with compassionate pastoral care and practical assistance.
  • Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.

Education

Masters of Divinity - Ordained Ministry

Luther Seminary
St. Paul, MN
05-2010

Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts And Creative Writing

Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN
05-2003

Skills

  • Preaching/Public Speaking
  • Pastoral care
  • Grief care
  • Youth ministry
  • Experience in large and small congregations
  • Multicultural sensitivity
  • Crisis care
  • Stewardship experience
  • Fundraising organization
  • Creative arts ministry
  • Worship planning
  • Community advocacy work
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability
  • Organizational skills
  • Active listening

Accomplishments

    - Examples of multicultural work: 2016 Opening Borders Immersion in El Paso, TX and 2014 Workshop with Dakotah Oyate Lutheran Church Spirit Lake Reservation.

    - Attending my third year of a four-year Family Systems academy through the ELCA.

    - Co-founders of the non-profit Eddy County Community Cares Organization founded in New Rockford, ND in 2014 to provide mental health education and resources and to provide suicide awareness. During my time with the organization, we had multi fundraisers, suicide awareness walks, grief groups, and monthly meetings.

    - Member of Candidacy Committee, while serving in Eastern ND synod.

    - Served as Pastor Dean of the Prairie Rose Conference. As Dean I organized and planned our monthly meetings and consulted with the Bishop and Synod office on what to bring to the meetings on behalf of the synod office. I worked with the Prairie Rose Conference Pastors to create a safe, mutual space to discuss what was happening in our conference and parishes.

    - Currently active with the Minot Interfaith Allies Group. We work together to be present in our community to support our LGBTQIA+ community. Specifically in 2023 we had the first ever Pride float in the ND State Fair Parade and this was our second year with a booth at the Minot Pride festival.

Interests

I have a passion for the theatre and music I am currently a member of the Minot Chamber Chorale I have performed with the Minot State University summer theater program for two summers and last year was my first year performing with the Minot State University Summer Theater

Timeline

Associate Pastor

Zion Lutheran Church
08.2018 - Current

Pastor

Sheyenne Oberon Area Ministry
07.2010 - 07.2018

Masters of Divinity - Ordained Ministry

Luther Seminary

Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts And Creative Writing

Minnesota State University Moorhead
Pastor Natasha Woitzel-Kolles