wesley lewis, 257 mercury dr. orange park, fl 32073wesleylewis.com/storage/wesley lewis full...
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Wesley Lewis, 257 Mercury Dr. Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 955.8796 | [email protected] | wesleylewis.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Friends,
My name is Wesley Lewis, and I have recently heard of a vacancy at your church. I have been faithfully
serving the Lord at OakLeaf Baptist Church for over 11yrs, but have recently felt the leading of God toward
serving at a different church. This leading comes while I am very happily serving at OakLeaf Baptist, but I have
been patiently waiting for God to lead me to an opportunity.
Throughout my life, God has been leading me on a path of diversity. With roots in the small rural town of
Palatka, Florida, my first church home was a small Methodist congregation. I then attended Catholic school
during my teenage years and befriended people from many walks of life. As a college student, I headed to
Virginia to prepare for a life of ministry and then returned to Florida to serve faithfully at a conservative Baptist
Church. I can honestly say that God has been consistently leading me into the unexpected, and I am excited to
see where God leads me next.
On my résumé, you’ll see that I have a history of long term committed service. I have been under such
leadership all my life, and I have seen God do great things when people are faithfully committed to serving
Him. I am looking for a permanent home where I can serve and lead a group of believers to accomplish great
things for the Kingdom of God. Knowing that this work will not always be easy, I am committed to faithfully
serve where the Lord leads me. As a Pastor, I believe God has given me the gifts of Shepherd, Teacher,
Administrator, and Visionary. With these giftings and an overarching priority for strong Biblical teaching and
preaching, I believe, God will grow the local body and His Kingdom for His glory.
Through my ministry experience, God has equipped me with many pastoral and technical skills ranging from
conflict resolution to web design, and biblical teaching and worship leading to administrative management. God
has gifted me with a natural curiosity that allows me to quickly learn new skills, adapt to any given situation,
and understand the complex workings of systems and technology. God has allowed me to hone these skills
and abilities so that I can thrive in almost any ministry context. I have been successful at maintaining
meaningful relationships with staff and church members both past and present and have been complimented
on my patience, kind demeanor, and discernment when dealing with difficult situations.
On a personal note, I have been happily married for 14 years to the love of my life, Amanda. We have 3 young
children: Micah (7), Hannah (3), and Addie (1). I am a very hands on dad, as my wife and I try to raise each of
them to love and obey the Lord. To this end, I have committed to make my family a priority as I whole-
heartedly fulfill God’s call on my life. But this heart for family extends to my church family as well. My ultimate
desire for both my family and church family is to lead them into a growing relationship with Christ and each
other.
From the point at which I accepted Christ as a teenager and then trained faithfully through college and
seminary, to my 11+ years of serving as Youth Pastor and Executive Pastor at OakLeaf Baptist Church, I
strongly feel God has been preparing me for an opportunity to serve a local body of believers as Executive or
Lead Pastor.
With Grace and Peace,
Wesley Lewis
Wesley Lewis 257 Mercury Dr. Orange Park, Florida 32073
wesleylewis.com
(904) 955.8796
With a history of long-term committed service, unique
gifting in many areas, and proven leadership skills, I’m a
committed pastor with kingdom vision looking to serve a
local body of believers as Executive or Lead Pastor
Ministry Philosophy
“To Lead People into a Personal Growing Relationship with Christ”
Personal
Born: Palatka, Florida (1979)
Married: Amanda Lewis (Happily married since 2002)
Family: Micah (7), Hannah (3), Addie (1)
Salvation: June 1995
Ordination: OakLeaf Baptist Church (2012)
Education
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Lynchburg, VA
Masters of Divinity (2004) Specialization: Church Ministries
Masters of Religious Education (2009) Specialization: Pastoral Counseling
Masters of Arts in Religion (2004) Specialization: Youth Ministry
Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
B.S. Religion (2001) Major: Biblical Studies with Music Minor
Accolades: Recognized for “Outstanding Experiential and Ministerial Leadership Development”
by faculty of Liberty University
St. Joseph’s Academy St. Augustine, FL
Graduated (May 1997)
Ministry Strengths
Teaching Counseling Administration Worship Youth Apologetics VBS
AWANA Missions Shepherding Personnel Management Church Management Systems
Online & Text Giving Budgets & Finances Fundraising Leadership Transitions
Technical Skills
Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator Streaming Video Google Apps Microsoft Office
Networking Graphic Design Mobile Apps Website Design Print Design
HTML CMS Management (Wordpress, Joomla) Computer Hardware Marketing
Chrome OS Phone Systems Security
Ministry Experience
Oakleaf Baptist Church Orange Park, FL
Executive Pastor (2014-Present)
Description: Working to increase the overall effectiveness of the ministries of the church
(Preschool-Adult) for church growth
Highlights:
● Helping to grow Church attendance from an average of 300 to 400 per week
● Overseeing leadership and direct involvement in preschool, children, VBS, Church office,
Sunday School, youth, deacons, finances, and more
● Fill-in Preaching/Teaching/Worship Leader responsibilities, including primary leadership
during Senior Pastor’s sabbaticals and vacations
● Transitioning to multiple services
● Working with Church Ministries and 25+ Non-Church Groups (Including HOA’s,
Homeschool Groups, Boy Scouts, FFA, Chick-fil-A, and other community organizations)
● Church Facility Calendar overhaul
● Setting policies for facility use and reimbursement
● Creating forms and contracts for facility use
● Facility Upgrades
● A/V, network, computers, security (cameras, locks, etc)
● Implementation of new Church Management Software
● Development of Child Check-in System
● Digital attendance record keeping
● Implementation of Online and Text Giving
Reference for this ministry: Robert Ball, Chris Lannom, Aaron Antrim
Youth Pastor (2005-2014)
Description: Working with Middle School - College to lead them into a growing relationship
with Christ
Highlights:
● Weekly preaching, teaching, and worship leading responsibilities
● Planning and Executing events, retreats, concerts, and programs
● Growing Youth Program from 12 to 70+ students
● Planning every aspect of Youth Camps & Retreats (speakers, musicians, games,
break-out sessions, graphics, materials, and finances)
● Developing/Leading Youth Praise Band
● Implementing and maintaining a Youth Internship Program since 2006
● Leading Adult/Student Mission Trips to New York City, Northern Virginia, Washington
D.C., Alabama, Dominican Republic and Haiti
● Seeing numerous students saved, discipled, and still living for Christ after their time in
the youth group
● Working with local high school and middle school programs (Football Team and
Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
Reference for this ministry: Ryan & Jennifer Raymond, John Freda, Candace Forney, Henry
Green, and Rebecca Collins
Other Experience from OBC:
● Dealing with difficult ministry situations
● Counseling families during times of crisis
● Partnering with Department of Children and Families, local Sheriff's Office, and State
Attorney's office
● Church member misconduct/church discipline while maintaining loving grace-filled
relationships
● Staff member misconduct and termination
● Facility break-ins and graffiti
● Managing multiple staff and leadership changes
● Maintaining a positive working relationship with all Church staff and ministry leaders
past and present
● Graphic design of ministry logos, event promotion materials, T-shirts, etc
● Church website design and management
● Designed all aspects of Youth space during building program
St. John’s Community Church - St. Johns, FL
Interim Pastor (2004-2005)
Description: Led church during leadership transition
● Weekly preaching/teaching responsibilities
● Taught small group Bible Study for Church members
Reference: Amos Price
Mt. Gilead Baptist Church - Dothan, AL
Summer Youth Internship (1998)
Reference: Jim Coskrey
Christ Independent Methodist Church - Palatka, FL
Summer Ministry Internship (1999 & 2000)
Reference: Ryan & Jennifer Raymond
References
Ministerial
Robert Ball, Senior Pastor, Oakleaf Baptist Church - Orange Park, FL
Contact: (904) 334.9406 Email:[email protected]
Clint Clifton, SBC City Missionary for Washington DC , Founding Pastor of Pillar Church
Dumfries, VA
Contact: (707) 508-9985 Email: [email protected]
Ryan & Jennifer Raymond, Youth Pastor, Grace Fellowship - Palatka, FL
Contact: (386) 546.8800 Email: [email protected]
Bill Gilmore, Senior Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church - Jennings, FL
Contact: (904) 304-6061 Email: [email protected]
Jim Coskrey, Administrative Pastor, Mt. Gilead Baptist Church - Dothan, AL
Contact: (334) 701.9468 Email: [email protected]
Dan Shafer, Pastor, All Nations Baptist Church - Queens, NY
Contact: (917) 533.7708 Email: [email protected]
Amos Price, Former Lead Pastor, Christ Independent Methodist Church - Palatka, FL
Contact: (386) 937.0738
Personal
John Freda (Personal Friend & Youth Parent)
Contact: (904) 404.6564 Email: [email protected]
Chris Lannom (Personal Friend & Deacon at OakLeaf Baptist Church)
Contact: (904) 446.5176 Email: [email protected]
Aaron Antrim (Personal Friend & Former Elder (Moved) at OakLeaf Baptist Church)
Contact: (858) 663.8115 Email: [email protected]
Josh Jablonski (Longtime Personal Friend)
Contact: (708) 420.0987 Email: [email protected]
Candace Forney (Former Student)
Contact: (904) 386.5978 Email: [email protected]
Henry Green (Former Student)
Contact: (904) 753.9769 Email: [email protected]
Rebecca Collins (Former Student)
Contact: (904) 517.6623
January 17, 2017
PillarChurch,SBC17286DumfriesRoadDumfriesVA22026ToWhomItMayConcern:
IamwritingtorecommendWesleyLewisasafaithfulministeroftheGospelandasincereandcompetentpastor. I haveknownWesleyandhiswifeAmanda formore thantwentyyearsandhaveseenthemfunctionsuccessfully invariousministrycapacitiesoverthattime.
Wesleypassesthecharactertestof1stTimothy3andTitus1withflyingcolors.Heislevelheadedwithasharpmindandawideskillset.Hehasauniquelygiftedtodefusetensesituationswithgraceandhumilityandisthoroughlyequippedforpastoralwork.
Though Ihavenever servedon thesamechurchstaffwithWesley Ihaveseenhischaracterandworkethicinmultiplesettingsandcancommendhimwithconfidenceas“aworkerwhohasnoneedtobeashamed, rightlyhandling thewordof truth.” Iwouldhirehimintoanexecutive,technicalorpastoralrolewithoutreservation.
AmandaisanexcellentwifeandmotheraswellasanfittingcomplimenttoWesleyinministry.Sheissmart,discerningandcandid.SheandWesleymakeagoodteaminboththechurchandthehome.
Ifyou’dliketotalkmoreaboutmyexperiencewithWesleyandAmandapleasefeelfreetocontactmeatcclifton@namb.netorat703-508-9985 Sincerely, Founding Pastor of Pillar Church, SBC and City Missionary for Greater Washington DC North American Mission Board, SBC
Pillar Church SBC P.O. Box 622 Dumfries VA 22026 Pastor: Clint Clifton
PHONE (703) 508-9985 FAX (650) 479-2291 E-MAIL [email protected] WEB SITE http://www.pillarchurchsbc.com
April 28, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
I have had the privilege of knowing Wesley for over 15 years. I have watched him grow
from a college student, where he was an intern in my youth ministry, to a husband,
minister and dad. His passion to see people come to know Christ and grow in that
relationship is amazing.
He has a great ability to connect with people where they are and help them move to
where they need to be. Wesley is creative in his use of technology to connect with
today’s generation. He is a lead worshiper and can create environments where people
connect with God and each other.
We have partnered together on youth events to help connect our students together and
serve our communities. We have even served on the mission field together by taking
adults and students to the Dominican Republic over the span of 2 years. We worked at a
children’s home to put on a vacation Bible school and do service projects (painting,
building, cleaning, etc.).
His planning, budgeting and administrative skills helped to build a successful youth
program through the 11+ years that he has served at Oakleaf. His relational skills have
allowed him to continue to speak truth into the life of former students well into their
adult age.
His heartbeat is the same as Jesus, Love God and Love Others. I would highly
recommend my friend and partner in ministry for the lead position you have at your
church.
Sincerely yours,
Rev. Ryan Raymond
386.546.8800
2400 St Johns Ave
Palatka, FL
32177
GRACE FELLOWSHIP
January 16, 2017
To Whom It May Concern, I met Wesley over a decade ago, as a young interviewee for the position of youth pastor at Oakleaf Baptist Church. I was a member of the youth group myself at the time, and little did I know the profound role this man would come to play in my life. Two monumental phases of his influence included his spiritual direction throughout my time in high school along with aiding me through new challenges and leadership roles while I worked as his intern for two summers during college. Beyond even this, he would later go on to lead my husband and I through premarital counseling prior to wedding the two of us whom he'd mentored as teens. Suffice it to say, the years with which I spent under his guidance not only shaped the individual I would become, but allowed me a prolonged glimpse into the person and character of Wesley Lewis. Wesley was not what one would consider the "typical" youth pastor; he didn't jump around, act endlessly excited, or display generally extroverted traits. Instead, he offered a reserved, reflective, and discerning demeanor that drew others to him, both youth and adults alike. This deliberate consideration of his words and actions, along with his shocking ability to truly and kindly listen to the concerns of adolescents- so foreign to many adults- set Wesley apart as a unique individual, devoted to following not the status quo, but the call of Christ on his life. His determination to follow our Lord's calling is a reflection of the picture we see in Scripture of Christ himself. There is nothing showy about Wesley, only an honest and authentic desire to complete the task laid before him: to make disciples of all nations, not least of which those around him who have been placed in his spiritual care. During my time with Wesley, he has proven an intelligent, patient, and abundantly willing follower of Christ. Wherever he serves, he is sure to offer a thoughtful and humble nudge out of one's comfort zone, for the sake of continued growth for the Kingdom of God. I can think of no other person whom I would more heartily offer my highest level of recommendation to lead a church body. Please feel free to contact me at 858-652-1761 if you need any additional information or clarification. Sincerely, Candace Collins [email protected]
