I am a recent sailing enthusiast I also play guitar and write songs My recent enthusiasm is for writing fiction Having lost over one-hundred pounds in the last two years I am learning to be more active and care for my health I am also learning Frenchslowly
Steve DeFields-Gambrel
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Dynamic Senior Minister known for delivering impactful sermons and facilitating community outreach initiatives. Committed to fostering spiritual growth and community impact through effective organizational management and compassionate pastoral care.
Expertise in organizational management and financial stewardship, fostering growth and inclusivity within diverse congregations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Minister
East Lynn Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Anderson, IN
10.2018 - 10.2025
- Led weekly worship services, enhancing congregation engagement and spiritual growth.
- Enhanced congregation engagement by delivering inspiring and thought-provoking sermons.
- Provided pastoral care to congregation members, offering support and guidance during times of personal crisis.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among congregants, promoting harmony and inclusiveness within the community.
- Guided church governance processes, ensuring transparent decision-making and adherence to established policies and procedures.
- During 13 months of online only worship, 80% of members had at least three points of contact with the congregation each week, leading to an online attendance double the in-person attendance when in-person worship resumed, and resulting in almost no decline in congregational giving.
- Encouraged volunteerism within the congregation by creating meaningful service opportunities and recognizing contributions of members.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
Senior Minister
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Vincennes, IN
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Led weekly worship services, enhancing congregation engagement and spiritual growth, providing inspiring sermons and bible studies.
- Organized special events such as weddings, baptisms, and memorial services with attention to detail and compassion.
- Provided pastoral and spiritual care to congregation members, offering ongoing support and guidance, particularly during times of personal crisis through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Developed and implemented community outreach programs, strengthening church presence in local area.
- Mentored junior ministers, fostering professional development and leadership skills within the team.
- Collaborated with church board to establish strategic goals, aligning ministry activities with mission objectives.
- Collaborated with other faith-based organizations on joint projects aimed at improving the well-being of the wider community.
- Spearheaded outreach efforts to grow the congregation''s membership and community impact.
- Managed a diverse team of staff and volunteers, promoting teamwork and effective communication.
- Regularly conducted performance evaluations for staff members, providing constructive feedback and professional development opportunities when needed.
- Encouraged volunteerism within the congregation by creating meaningful service opportunities and recognizing contributions of members.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
Senior Minister
Garfield Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) "The Circle Church"
Santa Cruz
08.2003 - 12.2014
- Led weekly worship services, enhancing congregation engagement and spiritual growth through inspiring sermons and teaching.
- Promoted a culture of inclusivity within the congregation, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of belonging for all members.
- Provided pastoral care to congregation members, offering support and guidance during times of personal crisis.
- Organized special events such as weddings, baptisms, and memorial services with attention to detail and compassion.
- Developed strong relationships with community leaders, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing local issues.
- Actively participated in denominational meetings and conferences, representing the interests of the congregation at regional or national levels.
- Championed social justice initiatives within the congregation, encouraging action on pressing issues like poverty alleviation or environmental stewardship.
- Strengthened interfaith cooperation through participating in dialogues with representatives from various religious traditions.
- Established support groups addressing specific needs among congregants, such as grief counseling or addiction recovery assistance.
- Implemented new worship styles and formats, appealing to a broader range of congregants'' preferences.
- Led fundraising initiatives that significantly increased financial resources for church programs and services.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.
- Guided church governance processes, ensuring transparent decision-making and adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Developed and implemented community outreach programs, strengthening church presence in local area.
- Collaborated with church board to establish strategic goals, aligning ministry activities with mission objectives.
- Collaborated with other faith-based organizations on joint projects aimed at improving the well-being of the wider community.
- Spearheaded outreach efforts to grow the congregation''s membership and community impact.
- Encouraged volunteerism within the congregation by creating meaningful service opportunities and recognizing contributions of members.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Took a congregation ready to close its doors into eleven years of vibrant ministry and community leadership, making a significant impact among the huge homeless population, doubling attendance, doubling revenue through community partnerships, and worked with city and county leaders to develop a ten-year plan to end homelessness in Santa Cruz County. A congregation of thirty elderly people found itself feeding over 10 people twice a week, offering showers, clothes, clean socks, and providing space for community activities that led to over 1,000 people utilizing the facility each month.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, INMaster of Arts - Divinity
Christian Theological Seminary
Indianapolis, IN05-2000
Skills
- Pastoral care
- Preaching excellence
- Financial stewardship
- Organizational management
- Visionary leadership
- Worship planning
- Biblical studies
- Pastoral counseling
- Relationship building
- Mission-oriented
- Church administration
Affiliations
Since 2018 I have been a Contract Assessor for Disciples Church Extension Fund's New Beginnings and Epiphany church transformation programs. Several times each year I conduct a full assessment of a church to help them engage in a process of radical transformation to meet the needs of a new era.
Interests
Timeline
Senior Minister
East Lynn Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
10.2018 - 10.2025
Senior Minister
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
01.2015 - 10.2018
Senior Minister
Garfield Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) "The Circle Church"
08.2003 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis
Master of Arts - Divinity
Christian Theological Seminary