Paula Raley
Lake Charles,LA
Summary
Seasoned Lead Pastor offering 22 years of experience in pastoral care and spiritual leadership to growing church. Committed to creating thriving community and guiding individuals transformed by gospel. Successful background in organizational leadership, ministry program development and mission-oriented strategic planning.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Pastor
Freedom Life Church Of Lake Charles
07.2014 - Current
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Enhanced congregation growth by implementing innovative outreach programs and community engagement initiatives.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Recruited trained, and mentored volunteer leaders to assist in various ministries, enhancing overall effectiveness.
- Strengthened relationships among congregation members by facilitating regular fellowship events and opportunities for connection.
- Collaborated with church leadership to develop strategic plans for ministry expansion and sustainability.
- Managed facility upkeep projects to ensure a welcoming environment for all who entered church building.
- Assisted families during times of crisis by providing compassionate pastoral care, prayer support, and guidance.
- Implemented new discipleship programs aimed at deepening believers'' understanding of their faith journey.
- Fostered spiritual development through the creation and implementation of dynamic sermon series and small group studies.
- Supervised associate pastors and staff leading education, youth, pastoral care, and older adult ministry programs.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
Pastoral Associate
Glad Tidings Church
07.2002 - 06.2014
- Facilitated open communication among staff members through regular meetings and transparent decision-making processes, contributing to positive work environment.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts for local service projects, strengthening community ties while demonstrating importance of giving back.
- Contributed to church growth by designing targeted outreach programs aimed at attracting new members from diverse backgrounds.
- Developed strong relationships with parishioners through regular home visits, pastoral counseling, and community outreach activities.
- Oversaw the recruitment and training of new volunteers for various ministries, creating strong pool of dedicated individuals committed to serving their church community.
- Fostered welcoming atmosphere within congregation by actively reaching out to newcomers, offering hospitality during events, and providing support as needed.
- Provided compassionate pastoral care during times of crisis or personal struggle, offering support and guidance to individuals and families in need.
- Organized and led weekly Bible study sessions, promoting theological understanding and personal reflection among participants.
- Led small group discussions focused on exploring different aspects of faith, encouraging critical thinking, and deepening spiritual connections among participants.
- Developed and delivered engaging sermons that inspired spiritual reflection, personal growth, and a deeper commitment to living out one''s faith in daily life.
Manager
Huber Oil Of Lake Charles
03.1986 - 07.2002
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering pipeline of future leaders within organization.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Payroll & Paperwork
- Inventory Control
- Organization & Ordering of Inventory
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Christian Studies
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05.2024
Licensed With The Assemblies of God Fellowship - Christian Studies
Berean School of The Bible
Lake Charles, LA09.2004
No Degree - Psychology/English Education
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA08.1989
High School Diploma -
Alfred M. Barbe High School
Lake Charles, LA05.1985
Skills
- Preaching
- Pastoral Care
- Discipleship training
- Small Group Facilitation
- Sermon Preparation
- Teaching
- Congregational care
- Officiating
- Shepherding
- Staff Leadership
Affiliations
- Kingsway Fellowship
Certification
- Ordination License - June 2014-Present
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
Timeline
Lead Pastor
Freedom Life Church Of Lake Charles
07.2014 - Current
Pastoral Associate
Glad Tidings Church
07.2002 - 06.2014
Manager
Huber Oil Of Lake Charles
03.1986 - 07.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Christian Studies
Grand Canyon University
Licensed With The Assemblies of God Fellowship - Christian Studies
Berean School of The Bible
No Degree - Psychology/English Education
McNeese State University
High School Diploma -
Alfred M. Barbe High School
- Ordination License - June 2014-Present
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
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