Rev. Dr. Sharon (Shazzy) Britz
Spencer,Iowa
Summary
Motivated and energetic Senior Pastor committed to guiding followers of Christ in worship, prophetic preaching, evangelism & outreach, discipleship, spiritual guidance, and service. Offering several years' expertise in pastoral leadership with success in implementing mission and vision set forth by church leaders.
Known for strong leadership abilities and effective communication skills that foster a nurturing environment promoting personal growth within the congregation. Proven track record of making meaningful connections with congregation members and implementing impactful community initiatives.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Pastor
First Congregational Church
Spencer, Iowa
06.2023 - 09.2026
- Transitioned in 2023 after answering God’s call and moved from a lifelong Methodist background into service at First Congregational Church of Spencer, Iowa, serving as senior pastor for a little over 3 years.
- Preaching, teaching, mentoring, counseling, administering the sacraments, funerals, weddings, and confirmation; encouraged church growth through outreach and evangelism; and developed future leaders and volunteers.
- Built and maintained lasting relationships with the congregation through pastoral care, including regular visits and sharing communion with the homebound and nursing home members.
- Expanded community ministry through GriefShare, Blessing of Animals, Easter Extravaganza, Operation Christmas Child, first responder dinner, outdoor movie nights, blood drives, ecumenical worship gatherings, Easter sunrise services, and suicide awareness walk, while leading local and international all-age mission trips to foster deeper community connections.
- Promoted stewardship of facilities by engaging new groups, enhancing community involvement and resource utilization.
- Served on Hy-Noon Kiwanis board and scholarship committee, board member of AFSP and CAASA; spoke at community events; provided counseling to community members; supported addiction recovery; volunteered in RSVP pen pal program and high school leadership forums; led worship at local nursing home and served as spiritual director for Via de Cristo (Lutheran Walk to Emmaus) retreats.
Senior Pastor
Green Pond United Methodist Church
06.2020 - 05.2023
- Green Pond United Methodist Church: Senior Pastor. Transitioned to Green Pond United Methodist Church from Chiquola/Donalds Charge, as ordered by the Bishop.
- Duties: As described above.
Campus Minster & Senior pastor.
Greenwood and Anderson Districts
Greenwood and Anderson, South Carolina
01.2017 - 06.2020
- I worked as Wesley Campus Minister while also serving as Youth and Student Ministries Pastor.
- Led campus ministry programs at Lander University and Piedmont Technical College. - (Lander University & Piedmont Technical College).
- Led worship services and preached biblical messages for campus communities.
- Coordinated ministry programs with campus ministry partners and the local church.
- Organized mission trips both domestically and abroad.
- Facilitated Bible study classes on a weekly basis for youth group and college-age students.
- In 2018, I accepted an appointment as Senior pastor of Donalds United Methodist Church and Chiquola United Methodist Church in the Anderson District of South Carolina, while continuing to serve as Wesley Campus Minister until June 2020, when I was appointed to Green Pond United Methodist Church.
Counselor/spiritual formation facilitator - Temporary assignment
Teen Challenge Jacksonville Women’s Center
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Moved to the USA to fulfill my ministry calling.
- After relocating to the USA, I took up a temporary assignment while waiting to start my appointment with the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church in January 2017.
- Provided individual counseling for women in a residential recovery program.
- Evaluated client needs and crafted tailored recovery care plans, enhancing individual recovery journeys.
- Coached clients in life skills, accountability, and spiritual growth, supporting holistic development.
- Led group sessions using faith-based and trauma-informed support methods.
- Facilitated Bible studies and spiritual encouragement sessions, fostering community and personal growth.
- Coordinated with ministry staff on resident behavior and progress.
- Documented counseling notes and maintained confidential case records.
Education
PhD - Christian Leadership (Church Revitalization)
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VACongregational History and Polity 1 and 2 -
NACCC
Master of Divinity -
Interdenominational Theological Center
AtlantaClinical Pastoral Education -
Spartanburg Regional Hospital
South CarolinaMaster of Science - Christian Counseling
Atlantic Coast Seminary
Mental Health First Aid (Adults & Youth)
Bachelor of Pastoral Leadership -
Newburg College of the Bible
National Certificate - Forensic Biology and Forensic Science- (Associate of Arts)
College SA
TLC Training - Counseling and working with children and families affected by cancer
Cancer Association of South Africa
01-2009
Advanced Driver Training -
Institute of Advanced Motorists
07-1992
Fire, Rescue, Hazmat, Trench Rescue, Fire Prevention, and Safety -
Fire Training Academy
Boksburg, South Africa01-1991
Ambulance Emergency Attendant Paramedic -
Johannesburg Ambulance Training College
01-1990
Skills
- Prophetic sermon preparation and delivery
- Worship planning
- Pastoral counseling
- Sacramental leadership
- Church administration
- Community outreach and evangelism
- Congregational care
- Public speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship building
- Emotional intelligence
- Discipleship
- Active listening
- Shepherding
- Teaching
- Addiction support
- Spiritual guidance
- Mission-oriented
- Grief support and counseling
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 1971-03-30
- Nationality: South African (USA Permanent Resident)
Languages
Language fluency: English, Afrikaans
ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS
Awarded the Hoyt L Hickman Award for excellence in Worship and Liturgy - July 2022 (Awarded to two students nationally each year)., Interdenominational Theological Center - Gammon Theological Seminary-2021- Inducted into the International Theta Phi Honor Society for retaining a GPA of 4.0 and served as Honor Society Chaplain., Awarded multiple awards at seminary graduation, such as the President Dean Scholarship Award three consecutive years, the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education Foundation Award, the United Methodist Excellence in Clergy Award, the UNCF Scholarship Award, and Dean’s List for an overall GPA of 3.98., United Methodist Global Ministries Communion Scholarship Award 2021-2022
ADDITIONAL MINISTRY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SINCE 2017
- 2025 Worship Committee for the Annual Ministerial Conference of the NACCC.
- Member of the Congregational Retreat Society for the NACCC.
- South Carolina Conference of United Methodist Connectional Ministries committee at the district and conference levels.
- Greenville district of the United Methodist Church “Think Tank” team.
- South Carolina Guardian ad Litem (Court Appointed Special Advocate).
- Chairperson for the board of directors of Green Pond Fire Department.
- Board member for the Upstate Citizen Review Panel, working closely with the Children’s Law Center of South Carolina.
- Board member for Voice of the Children Foundation- advocating for at-risk children in the foster care system.
- Facilitated Life Hurts, God Heals for teenagers, specifically working with at-risk youth and college-age students.
MINISTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA 2009-2016 (NORTHFIELD METHODIST CHURCH)
Lead Children’s Ministry Volunteer and Coordinator for grades 6-9
- Planning, ministering to students, leading worship, teaching the youngsters the doctrines of the Methodist Church, and partnering with and encouraging parents to support their children’s spiritual growth.
Alpha Course
- Overseeing and coordinating the Alpha Course for Adults and Youth.
- Alpha in Prisons: Leading large and small groups, ministering, discipleship, praying, and worshiping together.
- Attended the Alpha Prison Re-entry Symposium in Burlington, North Carolina, June 2015.
Prison Ministry
- Ministering to, praying, and worshiping with offenders.
- Worked closely with offenders as a mentor, facilitating spiritual growth.
Addiction Recovery
- Celebrate Recovery.
- Chapters (Relapse prevention-focused course).
- Empowered Seminar for Substance Abuse
- Counseling people affected by substance use disorders.
Timeline
Senior Pastor
First Congregational Church
06.2023 - 09.2026
Senior Pastor
Green Pond United Methodist Church
06.2020 - 05.2023
Campus Minster & Senior pastor.
Greenwood and Anderson Districts
01.2017 - 06.2020
Counselor/spiritual formation facilitator - Temporary assignment
Teen Challenge Jacksonville Women’s Center
06.2016 - 12.2016
PhD - Christian Leadership (Church Revitalization)
Liberty University
Congregational History and Polity 1 and 2 -
NACCC
Master of Divinity -
Interdenominational Theological Center
Clinical Pastoral Education -
Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Master of Science - Christian Counseling
Atlantic Coast Seminary
Mental Health First Aid (Adults & Youth)
Bachelor of Pastoral Leadership -
Newburg College of the Bible
National Certificate - Forensic Biology and Forensic Science- (Associate of Arts)
College SA
TLC Training - Counseling and working with children and families affected by cancer
Cancer Association of South Africa
Advanced Driver Training -
Institute of Advanced Motorists
Fire, Rescue, Hazmat, Trench Rescue, Fire Prevention, and Safety -
Fire Training Academy
Ambulance Emergency Attendant Paramedic -
Johannesburg Ambulance Training College