Rick Velez
Pontiac,MI
Summary
At Bethany Baptist Church, I led a revitalization effort that culminated in a merger with the River Church, where I served as a Location Pastor with a strong track record. I boosted congregational engagement by guiding the church through a sensitive transition and carried out pastoral duties with consistency and care. With skills in pastoral counseling and revitalizing ministry programs, I led worship services and offered spiritual guidance, building a supportive and connected community. I am committed to excellence in administration and compliance, ensuring effective ministry operations. With over twenty years of experience in inner city and pastoral ministry, I have been dedicated to discipleship, welcoming new members, providing pastoral care, and preaching to the community. I have contributed to spiritual formation and disciple-making efforts and am eager to bring my passion and leadership to a growing church.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Location Pastor
River Church
03.2017 - 11.2018
- Supervised over 25 lay leaders and ministry workers leading education, youth, pastoral care, and various ministry programs.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission for over one-hundred-member congregation
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to church and managed daily operations.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms.
- Led in revitalizing Bethany Baptist Church via adoption by the River Church becoming number 5 of their multi-site ministry.
Associate Pastor
Landmark Baptist Church
07.2011 - 08.2012
- Assisted with organization and implementation of member visitation in a church of around fifteen hundred members.
- Helped to create welcoming environment for visitors and encouraged congregation to offer support.
- Served as a young adult Sunday school and small group leader of around 20 couples.
- Taught New Testament Survey at the Church's local Bible College
Ministry Daycare Director
First Baptist Church of Hammond
03.2007 - 08.2009
- Organized a start up ministry registered daycare according to the program standards of the state of Indiana requirements.
- Recruited, selected and retained quality, teachers and support staff.
- Brought center into full compliance with registration and safety regulations for fire and disaster preparedness, Department of Public Health codes and USDA nutritional guidelines
- Communicated with owners, board members and support team concerning personnel matters.
- Operated The Little Learners Daycare in accordance with the First Baptist Church of Hammond, and State licensing requirements.
- Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
- Interviewed 12 parents and children for enrollment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Pastoral Theology
Hyles-Anderson College
Crown Point, IN09-2004
Skills
- Mercy ministry
- Congregational care
- Preaching
- Discipleship and mentorship
- Preparing weekly sermons
- Led as an elder of a growing church revitalization
- Pastoral counseling
Timeline
Location Pastor
River Church
03.2017 - 11.2018
Associate Pastor
Landmark Baptist Church
07.2011 - 08.2012
Ministry Daycare Director
First Baptist Church of Hammond
03.2007 - 08.2009
Bachelor of Science - Pastoral Theology
Hyles-Anderson College
On a Personal Note
- My wife, Ruby, and I have been happily married for over 28 years, and we have two young adult children.
- Our family serves the Lord together at Briarwood Church and regularly experiences His work in our lives.
- I served as an ordained elder during a transitional period at Briarwood Church and now preach whenever needed.
- I was saved as a young boy in Upstate New York and felt called to preach the Gospel as a teenager in Florida. After graduating high school, I attended Bible college and spent over fifteen years working in inner-city ministry in Chicago. My ministry experience spans Indiana, Florida, and Michigan, with each place serving a unique purpose.
References
Todd Weber
Chris Cox
Randy Doc Johnson