ZECHARIAH BEKELE
BUCKEYE,AZ
Summary
Dedicated chaplain with expertise in grief support, spiritual care, and crisis intervention. Proven ability to foster resilience and well-being in diverse populations.
Empathetic chaplain experienced in leading community outreach initiatives and mentoring junior clergy. Skilled in crisis intervention and effective communication, ensuring holistic support for individuals during critical moments.
Dynamic chaplain specializing in ministry development and spiritual guidance. Known for strong interpersonal skills and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to enhance emotional well-being and community engagement.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Chaplain
Arizona State Department of Correction
26700 S. Highway 85 Buckeye, AZ 85326
04.2021 - Current
- Provided emotional and spiritual support to inmates, fostering resilience and well-being.
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions, addressing diverse spiritual needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans for inmates.
- Facilitated religious services and rituals, promoting community engagement within correctional facilities.
- Developed educational programs on ethics and personal development for inmate populations.
- Assisted in crisis intervention strategies, ensuring safety and stability during critical situations.
- Mentored junior chaplains and volunteers, enhancing team effectiveness and service delivery.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for holistic patient care, addressing both physical and emotional needs.
- Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to residents, family members and staff.
- Met with individuals, discussed issues compassionately and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual needs.
- Developed relationships with patients and families, resulting in increased trust and rapport during difficult times.
- Comforted family members, offered attentive listening and high level of emotional support.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Provided compassionate pastoral care in emergency departments, addressing the spiritual needs of patients experiencing acute distress or trauma.
- Provided spiritual guidance to patients and staff members by conducting regular counseling sessions.
- Delivered comforting presence during end-of-life situations, offering prayers and rituals to honor the patient''s beliefs and values.
- Delivered thoughtful eulogies at memorial services, honoring the lives of deceased patients while offering solace to grieving loved ones.
- Conducted crisis intervention sessions with individuals experiencing severe emotional distress, providing comfort and support during critical times.
- Applied knowledge regarding crisis interventions to assist in emergency situations.
Senior Pastor
SBC of Virginia
4956 Dominion Blvd Glen Allen, VA 23060
08.2019 - 04.2021
- Led community outreach initiatives, fostering engagement and spiritual growth among congregation members.
- Developed and delivered impactful sermons, enhancing theological understanding and worship experience.
- Mentored junior clergy, providing guidance on pastoral care and effective ministry practices.
- Coordinated church events, ensuring alignment with mission goals and community needs.
- Oversaw volunteer recruitment and training, strengthening church involvement in local missions.
- Facilitated conflict resolution within the congregation, promoting unity and collaboration among members.
- Managed budgetary decisions for church operations, optimizing financial resources for ministry effectiveness.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Enhanced spiritual growth for church members through regular pastoral counseling sessions and personalized guidance.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Built strong relationships with community organizations, collaborating on projects that aligned with shared values and goals.
- Led dynamic worship services on a weekly basis, fostering an atmosphere of spiritual reflection and connection for congregants.
- Expanded missions outreach efforts to include partnerships with international organizations, increasing global impact on communities in need.
- Facilitated spiritual growth opportunities through small group leadership development, empowering lay leaders to take on increased responsibilities within the congregation.
- Coordinated and spearheaded programs to increase church members' service throughout community.
- Managed budgets responsibly, allocating funds appropriately to support ongoing ministry initiatives and maintaining the long-term financial health of the church.
- Fostered an environment of inclusivity and acceptance within the church, welcoming diverse perspectives and backgrounds while cultivating unity around shared faith values.
Education
Master of Science - Bible And Theology
Global University
1211 S. Glenstone Ave Springfield, MO 6580405-2030
Master of Arts - Master of Theology
SWBT
2001 W. Seminary Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76115 12-2021
Master of Science -
Keller Graduate School Of Management
2 Easton Oval, Columbus, OH 4321910-2011
Skills
- Grief support
- Records management
- Spiritual care
- Ministry development
- Sermon preparation
- Proficient in [software]
- Marriage counseling
- Empathy development
- Pre-marital counseling
- Anger management
Timeline
Chaplain
Arizona State Department of Correction
04.2021 - Current
Senior Pastor
SBC of Virginia
08.2019 - 04.2021
Master of Science - Bible And Theology
Global University
Master of Arts - Master of Theology
SWBT
Master of Science -
Keller Graduate School Of Management
Clinical pastoral Education
Four Units Of Clinical pastoral Edication
experience
PRN Chaplain — Valleywise Health | 2025–Present
- Deliver compassionate spiritual care in a fast-paced healthcare environment
- Support patients and families during critical and end-of-life situations
- Partner with medical teams to address emotional and spiritual needs