THOMAS ACOSTA JR
Summary
Ministry-focused individual with experience serving youth, families, churches, and international teams. Background includes three summers as a camp counselor and active involvement in church through Sunday school teaching and kids' ministry. Known for flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in dynamic ministry environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Counselor
Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp
2023.05 - Current
- Preached to small and large groups of more 200+ people.
- Lead over 100+ bible studies and applied hermeneutics.
- Built strong communities in youth camps in cabins. Not one homesick camper in 3 summers.
- Set high standards for youth to help build independence and leadership through responsibilities.
- Led youth through daily prayers. Witnessed over 50+ campers becoming more comfortable praying in group time.
- Counseled 12 families during family camps. Witnessed faith grow and stronger family bonds.
- Implemented special education practices for 2 families with people with disabilities in them for a more inclusive camp experience.
- Ministered to people in tough situations like cancer and loss of loved ones through presence and prayer. Saw them become more content and hopeful.
- Ran vacation bible school in 12 churches in Iowa and in Minnesota.
- Started an international ministry by making internationals feel more at home in our country and meeting daily needs.
- Built a sand volleyball court. Fulfilled someone’s vision of adding this to the camp.
- Split wood project for campfires on a small team. Product enough for two summers.
Driver
Old World Pizza
2011.01 - 2021.01
- Delivered pizza to more than 300+ regular customers.
- Took customer complaints and sent out new orders or gave store credit. Led to higher customer satisfaction.
- Closed shop down. Everything always ready for next morning.
- Kitchen work when busy. Led to higher job satisfaction and less stress for cooks.
- Took big catering orders for parties and events. Led to higher community engagement.
- Ran pizza buffet and took customer requests. Led to higher customer satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Missional Ministries
Bethel University
05.2025
Associate of Science, Associate of Arts - Education Foundations, Liberal Arts and Sciences
Inver Hills Community College
05.2022
Skills
- Strong philosophical thinking, writing, research, public speaking, community building, storytelling, hermeneutics, faith formation, practical theology, active listening, flexibility, adaptability, resilience
Certification
Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED.
Date completed: 05/29/2025
Valid until: 05/29/2027
Timeline
Senior Counselor
Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp
2023.05 - Current
Driver
Old World Pizza
2011.01 - 2021.01
Associate of Science, Associate of Arts - Education Foundations, Liberal Arts and Sciences
Inver Hills Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Missional Ministries
Bethel University