Rich JM Gelson
Summary
Accomplished Pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for over 25 years, excelling in preaching and engaging worship leadership alongside adaptive organizational leadership. Fostered significant community partnerships, enhancing congregational engagement and support. Skilled in pastoral care and crisis intervention, adept at facilitating small group discussions to deepen practical theological understanding.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pastor
Pilgrim Presbyterian Church
05.2015 - Current
- Designed innovative worship experiences that integrated contemporary elements alongside traditional practices.
- Developed strong partnerships with local organizations to promote collaboration on various community initiatives.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry in partnership with our church elders.
- Upheld church governance structure by effectively managing staff and volunteer teams while ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Facilitated small group discussions aimed at deepening participants'' understanding of core biblical principles and themes.
- Raised congregational awareness of needs and contributions of youth to church life and operations.
Pastor
Fairmount Presbyterian Church
09.2003 - 03.2015
- Planned and led weekly worship experiences.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry in partnership with our church elders.
- Developed strong partnerships with local organizations to promote collaboration on various community initiatives.
- Upheld church governance structure by effectively managing staff and volunteer teams while ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Facilitated small group discussions aimed at deepening participants'' understanding of core biblical principles and themes.
Associate Pastor
Lower Providence Presbyterian Church
09.1998 - 05.2003
- Led worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities
- Developed Small Group Ministry
- Coordinated special events such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
Education
Master of Divinity - Theology And Practical Ministry
Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton, NJ05.1997
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ05.1993
Skills
- Preaching and Worship Leadership
- Pastoral Care and Crisis Intervention
- Adaptive Organizational Leadership
- Administrative skills
- Community Service
- Small Group Facilitation
Certification
The Police Chaplain Program
Additional Information
- Completed The Police Chaplain Program and served as a road chaplain for the Phillipsburg Police Department
- Served as Vice-President of the Board for Safe Harbor Shelter on Easton, PA
- Served two-terms on the Board of Johnsonburg Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center
- Served on L.E.A.D. (Learn, Educate, Advocate, Develop Drug Free Community Coalition) of Phillipsburg, NJ
- Served as member of the Local Advisory Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse of Warren County, NJ
Timeline
Pastor
Pilgrim Presbyterian Church
05.2015 - Current
Pastor
Fairmount Presbyterian Church
09.2003 - 03.2015
Associate Pastor
Lower Providence Presbyterian Church
09.1998 - 05.2003
Master of Divinity - Theology And Practical Ministry
Princeton Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
William Paterson University of New Jersey
The Police Chaplain Program
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