Rev. James E. Kirschenmann
Mundelein,IL
Summary
Mission-oriented Intentional Interim Pastor successful in developing robust ministry programs and serving as positive role model. Highly accomplished in helping members strengthen personal relationships with God while providing growth opportunities. Talent in program administration, operations management and spiritual leadership.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intentional Interim Pastor
Immanuel Lutheran Church
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to church and managed daily operations.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Led Adult Bible Studies and Confirmation Instruction.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and Confirmation. Also coordinated Farewell and Godspeed for retiring Pastor and a Lutheran Teacher.
- Helped to create welcoming environment for visitors and encouraged congregation to offer support.
- Word and Sacrament Ministry. Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to identify and carry out church mission.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of Open Arms Christian Child Development Center (Preschool ministry). Mentoring Center Director and identifying areas of growth.
- Worked with Transition Team to guide along path for readiness to call their next settled pastor. Training in determining Church Identity with Values, Mission, Vision and Strategy. Helped develop the Two Page Plan, laying out strategy for the next 5 years with annual goals. Helped the three Keystone Ministries identify their own "Ministry Action Plans" (MAP), aligning with the congregation's Two Page Plan.
- Assisted with the NLSA Accreditation process for Preschool.
Vacancy Pastor
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
09.2020 - 06.2022
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Word and Sacrament Ministry. Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Led programs such as Bible Study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
Vacancy Pastor
Immanuel Lutheran Church
09.2020 - 01.2022
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Word and Sacrament Ministry. Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Led programs Bible studies, and participated in fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Officiated special services such as funerals, baptisms, and Confirmations.
K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Co-Director
Lutheran Church Charities
10.2019 - 08.2020
- Identified and recruited potential volunteer workers.
- Prepared, coordinated and distributed information about yearly schedule of activities and classes.
- Kept program children safe and secure at all times with proactive monitoring strategies.
- Hired, mentored and supervised instructors and volunteer staff to carry out program goals.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
Sole Pastor - Dual Parish
Immanuel Lutheran Chapel
07.2016 - 10.2019
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Word and Sacrament Ministry. Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Development and administration of website.
- Led programs such as Bible Study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Served as mentor to children in church community, offering guidance and support.
- Distributed food and supplies to communities through mutual aid.
Sole Pastor - Dual Parish
Saint Paul's Lutheran Church - College Hill
06.2016 - 10.2019
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Word and Sacrament Ministry. Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Led programs such as Bible Study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and confirmation.
- Development and administration of website.
- Coordinated and spearheaded programs to increase church members' service throughout community.
- Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.
- Served as mentor to children in church community, offering guidance and support.
- Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to church and managed daily operations.
- Led revitalization programs in collaboration with partner churches.
- Coordinated with Lutheran Housing Support in providing affordable housing in neighborhood.
Vicar
Saint Paul's Lutheran Church - College Hill
06.2015 - 06.2016
- Assisted with organizing religious activities and services.
- Supported religious leaders in performing various duties.
- Assisted with fundraising activities.
- Participated in religious ceremonies and events.
- Participated in various outreach programs.
- Attended meetings with religious leaders.
- Prepared and distributed religious materials.
- Developed and implemented educational programs for youth.
- Facilitated worship services, encouraging participation from congregation.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications for ministry plans in collaboration with partner church on John-Paul Initiative.
- Facilitated religious classes and forums.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations while leading implementation of the plan for the John-Paul Initiative.
- Provided guidance to members of congregation.
- Educated members of congregation on religious beliefs and practices.
- Wrote and delivered sermons.
Education
Making Sense of Ministry in The Digital Age
Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WI02.2023
MBA - Business Leadership And Organizational Change
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ12.2021
Certified As Intentional Interim Minister - Transitional Ministry
Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association
Online03.2021
M.Div. - Practical And Historical Theology
Concordia Seminary
St Louis, MO05.2016
Skills
- Counseling
- Membership Databases
- Planning Worship Programs
- Lecture Development
- Content Writing
- Strategic Planning
- Officiating
- Spiritual Guidance
- Bible Studies
- Cost Savings
- Christian Education
- Disciple-Making
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Sourcing Support
- Ministry Design
- Inspirational Leadership
- Committee Leadership
- Funeral Service Coordination
- Interdenominational Networking
- Preaching
- Teaching
- Community Support
- Leadership Development
- Crisis Management
- Administering Social Media Accounts
- Performance Improvement
- Emotional Support
- Administration Management
- Emergency Care
- Hospice Visits
- Staff Meetings
- Revitalization Planning
- Operational Reporting
- Workflow Coordination
- Public Speaking
- Outreach Initiatives
- Software and Hardware Implementation
- Group Activities
- Active Member Engagement
- Improvement Plans
Websites
Affiliations
- Member of LuTMA
- Member of National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
- Member of Delta Mu Delta Society of Business Management
Certification
- Certified Intentional Interim Pastor, LuTMA
- Gold Level Partner, ConstantContact.com
Additional Information
Member: ACRBO - Association of Computer Repair Business Owners
Timeline
Intentional Interim Pastor
Immanuel Lutheran Church
01.2022 - 07.2023
Vacancy Pastor
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
09.2020 - 06.2022
Vacancy Pastor
Immanuel Lutheran Church
09.2020 - 01.2022
K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Co-Director
Lutheran Church Charities
10.2019 - 08.2020
Sole Pastor - Dual Parish
Immanuel Lutheran Chapel
07.2016 - 10.2019
Sole Pastor - Dual Parish
Saint Paul's Lutheran Church - College Hill
06.2016 - 10.2019
Vicar
Saint Paul's Lutheran Church - College Hill
06.2015 - 06.2016
Making Sense of Ministry in The Digital Age
Concordia University Wisconsin
MBA - Business Leadership And Organizational Change
University of Phoenix
Certified As Intentional Interim Minister - Transitional Ministry
Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association
M.Div. - Practical And Historical Theology
Concordia Seminary
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