UELE (waylay) HUNKIN
Bozeman,Montana
Summary
Faith-driven ministry leader with 25+ years of pastoral leadership, community development, and discipleship experience. Proven track record of building and launching discipleship programs, mentoring small group leaders, developing training curricula, and fostering healthy spiritual communities both online and in-person. Passionate about deep biblical teaching, relational leadership, and empowering volunteers to share Scripture's transformative power globally. Especially excited about sowing seeds of Torah study & Messianic Torah living!
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Pastoral Teaching & Mentoring Roles
New Heights Church, Central Community Church, Connect Church
Indianola, Iowa
01.2016 - 05.2023
- Delivered pastoral support and coached leaders, fostering development of healthy ministry teams
- Led Bible studies and mentored emerging ministry leaders, enhancing their leadership skills
- Coordinated pulpit supply and supported leadership development initiatives
Messianic Worship Singer/Songwriter
Shofar Praise Records
Bozeman, MT
08.2025 - Current
- Inspired by experiences in Israel to write, compose, record, produce and release EP singles In the Messianic Worship genre.
- Practiced singing exercises and studied with vocal coaches to develop voice and rehearse for recording.
- Composed and arranged music and recorded music in studios for all streaming services.
- UeleHunkinMusic songs found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, ITunes, Pandora, etc.
Owner & Remodeling Contractor
Kona Construction
Bozeman, USA
01.2018 - Current
- Managed premium residential projects, ensuring high quality and collaboration among team members
- Oversaw budgets and schedules, fostering strong client relationships through faith-centered business practices
Small Group Leader and Materials Creator
Connect Church
Bozeman, USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Developed engaging discipleship materials that facilitated spiritual growth
- Provided strategic input as an Advisory Leadership Team Member for ministry initiatives
- Coordinated logistics and team oversight as Security Team Leader
President
Restoring Hope International Missions Board
01.2007 - 06.2021
- Founded and led global mission organization to enhance community development and discipleship
- Cultivated partnerships and support networks among worldwide faith communities
- Established and nurtured ambassador networks of mission partners and volunteers
Owner & General Contractor
Rock Solid Construction, Inc.
Indianola, USA
01.2005 - 01.2018
- Directed multi-project operations for residential, commercial, and community revitalization, ensuring timely completion and quality standards
- Trained and supervised worksite teams while mentoring employees in faith-driven principles and supporting professional growth
Worship & Men's Ministry Leadership
Lutheran Church of Hope
West Des Moines, USA
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Expanded worship ministry across five campuses, engaging 26,000+ weekly attendees
- Facilitated men's discipleship programs emphasizing accountability, leadership growth, and biblical mentoring
- Coordinated men's Bible study groups, establishing accountability structures
Senior & Associate Pastor (Multiple Roles)
Various Church Plants & Revitalizations
Pacific Northwest & Midwest
01.1988 - 01.2010
- Senior Pastor - Indianola Nazarene Church, Indianola, IA (2002-2005): Grew congregation from 10 to 100 in 2½ years, developed long-term growth and financial sustainability plans, formed worship band and community partnerships.
- Senior Pastor - Fairfield Church of the Nazarene, Eugene, OR (1997-1999): Grew congregation from 50 to 200 in 2 years, merged with Christian school to expand ministry; started preschool and community outreach, raised $6 million for building, school, and ministry campus.
- Senior Pastor - Ferndale Family Church, Ferndale, WA (2001-2002): Planted church from Bible study of 6 families, grew to 100 in 2 years, started community outreach and missionary partnerships.
- Senior Pastor - Lynden Church of the Nazarene, Lynden, WA (1999-2001): Grew congregation from 100 to 200 in 2 years; founded area-wide pastoral prayer network of 20+ pastors and organized prayer retreats to foster community engagement.
- Associate Pastor - Coquille Church of the Nazarene, Eugene, OR (1995-1997): Expanded youth group from 20 to 60 in 2 years; developed church orchestra, choir, and worship team, enhancing Sunday services and community worship experience.
- Additional pastoral leadership roles across churches in Washington, Oregon, and Iowa (1988-2008): Led youth ministry and worship teams, consistently growing groups and launching new ministry initiatives that developed leaders.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia05.2027
Ordained Minister - Pastoral and Ministerial Studies
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO01.1996
Bachelor of Science - Education
Faith Baptist Bible College & Seminary
Ankeny, Iowa01.1989
Skills
- Small group facilitation
- Leadership training
- Bible study teaching
- Biblical instruction
- Pastoral care
- Spiritual mentoring
- Discipleship program design
- Community development
- Ambassador network development
- Volunteer support
- Community management
- Training curriculum development
- Recruiting volunteers
- Equipping leaders
- Strategic planning
- Organizational development
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Event coordination
- Group facilitation
- Written communication
- Verbal communication
- Training materials development
- Administrative documentation
- Reporting
- Relational communication
- Bible study design
- Discipleship curriculum
- Scripture teaching
- Conflict resolution
- System design
- Volunteer coordination
- Scaling initiatives
- Team building
- Mentorship
- Multi-project management
- Documentation
- Training delivery
- Social media engagement
- Google Workspace
- Project management
- Data tracking
Timeline
Messianic Worship Singer/Songwriter
Shofar Praise Records
08.2025 - Current
Small Group Leader and Materials Creator
Connect Church
01.2021 - 01.2023
Owner & Remodeling Contractor
Kona Construction
01.2018 - Current
Pastoral Teaching & Mentoring Roles
New Heights Church, Central Community Church, Connect Church
01.2016 - 05.2023
Worship & Men's Ministry Leadership
Lutheran Church of Hope
01.2008 - 01.2016
President
Restoring Hope International Missions Board
01.2007 - 06.2021
Owner & General Contractor
Rock Solid Construction, Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2018
Senior & Associate Pastor (Multiple Roles)
Various Church Plants & Revitalizations
01.1988 - 01.2010
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Liberty University
Ordained Minister - Pastoral and Ministerial Studies
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Science - Education
Faith Baptist Bible College & Seminary
Technical And Professional Skills
Bible study design, discipleship curriculum, Scripture teaching, pastoral care, Digital and in-person community development, conflict resolution, group facilitation, System design, training materials, volunteer coordination, scaling initiatives, Team building, mentorship, strategic planning, multi-project management, Written and verbal excellence, documentation, training delivery, relational presence, Facebook, Instagram, social media engagement, Google Workspace, project management and data tracking
Spiritual Foundation And Ministry Philosophy
I am a faith-driven servant leader committed to the mission of equipping believers to understand and apply Scripture in their lives. With decades of experience in discipleship, small-group leadership, and volunteer development, I bring both strategic thinking and relational warmth to community building. I believe effective community ministry requires pastoral presence, clear communication, consistent support, and systems that empower leaders to thrive. My passion is to shepherd God's people, steward resources wisely, and build communities where biblical truth transforms lives. I am drawn to Torah Class's mission of providing deep, verse-by-verse biblical instruction from a Hebraic perspective. The opportunity to develop the Ambassador Program and nurture communities of discipleship aligns perfectly with my calling and expertise. I am excited to help strengthen Torah Class's community while equipping hosts and participants to deepen their walk with God.
Key Achievements - Community And Program Development
Successfully launched and scaled discipleship programs and volunteer networks across multiple church plants and ministry organizations, Trained and mentored 100+ volunteer leaders in Bible study facilitation, small group leadership, and relational ministry, Developed onboarding, training, and ongoing support systems for volunteers and group leaders, Established Restoring Hope International's global network, creating partnership systems and communication frameworks, Built prayer networks and leadership development pipelines that scaled from single groups to 20+ interconnected teams, Designed and implemented comprehensive small group initiatives with curriculum, mentor training, and accountability structures, Created discipleship pathways combining biblical instruction, life skills training, and mentorship relationships, Developed leadership training materials for pastoral teams and volunteer leaders, Designed accountability and coaching structures that fostered spiritual growth and relational accountability, Provided pastoral mentoring and troubleshooting for 100+ group leaders across multiple campuses and ministries, Managed relational dynamics in growing communities, ensuring spiritual health and alignment with ministry mission, Offered counseling, marriage support, and spiritual guidance within community contexts, Coordinated logistics and content for large gatherings (Christmas Eve services reaching 26,000 attendees, pastoral retreats, mission trips), Managed cross-campus communication and consistency across growing organizational structures, Maintained documentation, metrics, and reporting for community health and program effectiveness
Core Competencies
Small group facilitation and leadership training, Bible study teaching and biblical instruction, Pastoral care and spiritual mentoring, Discipleship program design and implementation, Building systems and programs from the ground up, Ambassador/volunteer network development and support, Online and in-person community management, Training curriculum development and delivery, Recruiting and equipping volunteers and leaders, Strategic planning and organizational development, Cross-functional collaboration and partnership, Event coordination and group facilitation, Written and verbal communication excellence, Training materials and resource development, Administrative documentation and reporting, Relational communication and pastoral presence
Additional Training And Certifications
- Leadership Development, Willow Creek Leadership Summit (2011-2014), John Maxwell 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Good to Great Management Training
- Specialized Ministry, Marriage Counselor Certification (1996), Men's Fraternity Leadership Training, Marriage Matters Facilitator Certification (2007), Financial Peace University Coaching
- Organizational Development, Christ Life Personal Management Training, Systems Thinking Management Training, Management Training for Mid-Size and Large Organizations
- Project & Technical, Construction Management Training, Google Workspace & Project Management Systems
- Biblical & Hebraic Studies, Creation Gospel Instructor Training (09/2023-Present), First Fruits of Zion Torah Club Member & Leader Training (11/2023-09/2025)
Technical And Professional Skills
Bible study design, discipleship curriculum, Scripture teaching, pastoral care, Digital and in-person community development, conflict resolution, group facilitation, System design, training materials, volunteer coordination, scaling initiatives, Team building, mentorship, strategic planning, multi-project management, Written and verbal excellence, documentation, training delivery, relational presence, Facebook, Instagram, social media engagement, Google Workspace, project management and data tracking
Spiritual Foundation And Ministry Philosophy
I am a faith-driven servant leader committed to the mission of equipping believers to understand and apply Scripture in their lives. With decades of experience in discipleship, small-group leadership, and volunteer development, I bring both strategic thinking and relational warmth to community building. I believe effective community ministry requires pastoral presence, clear communication, consistent support, and systems that empower leaders to thrive. My passion is to shepherd God's people, steward resources wisely, and build communities where biblical truth transforms lives. I am drawn to Torah Class's mission of providing deep, verse-by-verse biblical instruction from a Hebraic perspective. The opportunity to develop the Ambassador Program and nurture communities of discipleship aligns perfectly with my calling and expertise. I am excited to help strengthen Torah Class's community while equipping hosts and participants to deepen their walk with God.
Key Achievements - Community And Program Development
Successfully launched and scaled discipleship programs and volunteer networks across multiple church plants and ministry organizations, Trained and mentored 100+ volunteer leaders in Bible study facilitation, small group leadership, and relational ministry, Developed onboarding, training, and ongoing support systems for volunteers and group leaders, Established Restoring Hope International's global network, creating partnership systems and communication frameworks, Built prayer networks and leadership development pipelines that scaled from single groups to 20+ interconnected teams, Designed and implemented comprehensive small group initiatives with curriculum, mentor training, and accountability structures, Created discipleship pathways combining biblical instruction, life skills training, and mentorship relationships, Developed leadership training materials for pastoral teams and volunteer leaders, Designed accountability and coaching structures that fostered spiritual growth and relational accountability, Provided pastoral mentoring and troubleshooting for 100+ group leaders across multiple campuses and ministries, Managed relational dynamics in growing communities, ensuring spiritual health and alignment with ministry mission, Offered counseling, marriage support, and spiritual guidance within community contexts, Coordinated logistics and content for large gatherings (Christmas Eve services reaching 26,000 attendees, pastoral retreats, mission trips), Managed cross-campus communication and consistency across growing organizational structures, Maintained documentation, metrics, and reporting for community health and program effectiveness
Core Competencies
Small group facilitation and leadership training, Bible study teaching and biblical instruction, Pastoral care and spiritual mentoring, Discipleship program design and implementation, Building systems and programs from the ground up, Ambassador/volunteer network development and support, Online and in-person community management, Training curriculum development and delivery, Recruiting and equipping volunteers and leaders, Strategic planning and organizational development, Cross-functional collaboration and partnership, Event coordination and group facilitation, Written and verbal communication excellence, Training materials and resource development, Administrative documentation and reporting, Relational communication and pastoral presence