Rev. John Roberts
Corpus Christi,TX
Summary
Dynamic and innovative Lead Pastor with extensive experience in growing church attendance, membership, and budgets through visionary leadership and creative outreach programs. Specializes in church growth strategies, pastoral care, and staff leadership. Proven ability to foster community, enhance worship experiences, and manage large-scale projects and teams effectively.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Pastor/Teaching and Executive Pastor
Grace Presbyterian Church
05.2013 - Current
- Created and implemented dynamic Worship services taking the church from attendance of less than 20 to 250. Grew membership from less than 50 to current status of 400 active members not including online community!
- Visioned a ministry to reach our community, bringing young families to church by creating: Kids Place At Grace, a full-time school. Currently: 210 kids in attendance with a budget of 1.3 million annually. Corpus Christi, Best of the Best over four times.
- Initiated renovation and expansion project of church facilities by an additional 12,000 square through a successful three year Capital Campaign.
- Created online congregation moving online members from consumers to contributors via discipleship, giving, and online participation.
- Oversight of all administration staff in all areas of ministry including guiding stewardship budget from 161 K to over current 1.9 million annually.
- Developed ministry teams to include Drama, Congregational Care, Multimedia, Youth and Children's, Worship Leaders, Worship Design, and innovative Outreach ministry (Beyond Our Congregation) that now provides clean water to thousands, and a "Night of Grace" to hundreds of homeless person.
- Revived and led the church through another "resurrection" through Covid-19 via creative fellowship events that brought new life: Dance Lessons, Painting Classes, Grief Share, Divorce Care, and Marriage Classes.
- Created Grace Sisterhood and Men of Grace programs for Women's and Men's ministry that average over 100 attendees per month per event.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling. Developing Care Teams.
- Effectively manage and lead a staff of three executive directors and forty eight employees.
- Acted as Worship Consultant for Mission Presbytery helping to revitalize congregations through dynamic worship and imaginative Biblical preaching!
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, personal and marriage counseling, retreats, weddings, and funerals.
- Expanded missions outreach efforts to include partnerships with international organizations, such as Good Works Honduras, Charity Waters, World Vision, and HNI Charities increasing global impact.
- Fostered an environment of inclusivity and acceptance within the church, welcoming diverse perspectives and backgrounds while cultivating unity around Jesus.
- Created and guarded a culture of "We welcome everyone who welcomes everyone!"
- Ensured effective communication across all levels of church operations by implementing streamlined systems for information dissemination among staff and volunteers through innovative technology such as church App, Push-Pay, and daily devotionals.
- Established systems for tracking membership data, enabling targeted follow-up efforts to retain first-time visitors effectively.
- Moderated Elders and Session Meetings.
Senior Pastor
Friedens United Church of Christ
03.2006 - 05.2013
- Took a Historical country church into a regional church adding two worship services to the worship menu, growing from 80 in worship to 450.
- Facilitated 1.5 million dollar Capital campaign to give complete facelift to entire church propeties.
- Initiated and established Friedens Early Learning Acadmeny, day school that now has over 100 kids in attendance.
- Grew the church operating budget by over 600 percent.
- Created Outreach Programs like Builders for Christ and the Ramp projects.
- Led effective pastoral care for congregation members, providing spiritual guidance and support during times of crisis or need.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
Lead Pastor
First Congregational Church, Escondido
05.2001 - 03.2006
- Added Worship Options to their Worship Menu including highly successful Modern Service and Mid-Week service.
- Grew attendance, membership, and budget by over 300 percent.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Built a reputation and culture of a church that welcomes everyone!
- 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.
Associate Pastor
St. John's United Methodist Church
09.1995 - 05.2001
- Started a highly successful "Seeker" Service on Sunday nights that averaged 200 new attendees and 50 baptisms of faith per year.
- Started a "Blended" Worship Service at competing times with our Traditional Service
- Helped church grow from 180 in attendance to 450.
- Tripled the church budget.
- Created innovative Outreach programs that helped to bring new people to Christ.
- 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.
- Streamlined administrative processes for more efficient communication between church staff and congregation members.
- Developed small group curriculums to encourage deeper relationships and spiritual growth within the congregation.
- Facilitated weekly Bible studies aimed at deepening understanding of Scripture while fostering a supportive learning environment.
Education
Master's of Divinity - Theology And Counseling
Southern Methodist University
Dallas Texas 05.1995
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Counseling
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX05.1991
Skills
- Dynamic and Innovative Preacher/Teacher
- Dreamer and Visionary
- Congregational Systems
- Crisis Management
- Organizational Management
- Preaching Excellence
- Marriage counseling
- Pastoral counseling
- Church growth strategies
- Staff Leadership
- Relationship Building
- Pastoral Care
Accomplishments
- Planned and led over 20 mission trips to Honduras, Costa Rica, Cuero Texas, New Braunfels Texas, St. Louis MO.
- Wrote and Published Best Selling Book: Caught Red Handed, Little Moments When God Showed Up Big.
- Raised over thirty thousand dollars for Clean Water Relief efforts through Good Works Honduras, HNI Charities, and Charity Waters.
- Created and funded "A Night of Grace" Program for homeless veterans and people on the street to reintegrate back into community. Program being replicated now by other churches.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Senior Pastor/Teaching and Executive Pastor
Grace Presbyterian Church
05.2013 - Current
Senior Pastor
Friedens United Church of Christ
03.2006 - 05.2013
Lead Pastor
First Congregational Church, Escondido
05.2001 - 03.2006
Associate Pastor
St. John's United Methodist Church
09.1995 - 05.2001
Master's of Divinity - Theology And Counseling
Southern Methodist University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Counseling
Texas State University