JOSHUA MORFORD
Champaign,IL
Summary
I am Youth Minister with 12 years of experience in the field. I believe that Students are not just the Church of the Future, but are vitally important to the Church today. My goal in Ministry is first and foremost to seek out the lost and bring them to Jesus. I desire to see them transformed by Jesus into Kingdom Workers who will serve the Church and Kingdom today. I want to equip them with biblical truths, the support of their local Church, and a deep rooted faith in Jesus. Revival doesn't have to be something we just pray for. With faith in God and a boldness to follow him, we can see revival today in this generation.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Minister
Mahomet Christian Church
01.2023 - Current
- 32 students decided to follow Jesus and were baptized during my time at MCC.
- Student Ministry grew from around 15 total students when I arrived to 50+ active students. Our CIY MOVE trip year 1 had 10 students go, year 4 had 42 students go.
- Oversaw volunteer recruitment and training for high school and junior high.
- Helped mentor multiple students to volunteer in Jr High and Children's Church and other ministries of our Church and established a student leadership team to give students the ability to help lead their Ministry.
- Worked closely with Kids Ministry team on VBS, curriculum, and the transition between our various ministries.
- Preached on average 10-12 times a year in Adult Services.
- Worked closely with the Senior Pastor on the vision of the Church and on the goal of creating a church that makes disciples who make disciples.
- Ran the church's social media and helped maintain the website.
- Established a young adult's ministry.
- Oversaw multiple successful outreach events such as Fifth Quarters, Trunk or Treats, and other events that glorified the name of Christ in our community.
Youth Minister
South Haven Christian Church
04.2021 - 01.2023
- Took over Youth Ministry with 3 students upon arrival.
- Student Ministry had 15 active students upon departure.
- Baptized 4 students and 3 Adults.
- Was the Interim Senior Minister for 7 months and preached every Sunday to the Church.
- Organized and planned Trunk or Treat with 300 attendees.
- Spearheaded the Church's outreach programs.
- Planned countless youth events and activities.
- Identified and invested in future leaders of the Student Ministry through an internship and mentorship program.
- Invested in young families and saw several new young families come join the Church.
Youth Minister
Eastside Church of Christ
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Created a new Student Ministry Program.
- Grew Student Ministry to an average attendance of 25 students.
- Oversaw Kids Ministry through College Age Ministry.
- Assisted in wide scale congregational ministry strategy.
- Heavily involved in community outreach program.
- Organized and planned fifth quarter Student Ministry event with 125 students in attendance.
- Directed and planned multiple weeks of Summer Camp.
- Filled in the pulpit for 2 months
Youth and Family Minister
Novesta Church of Christ
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Oversaw birth through college ministry with approximately 80 students total.
- Student Ministry had average attendance of 30.
- Oversaw implementation of Orange Curriculum Church wide.
- Trained and recruited teachers and volunteers for all Ministry including new curriculum.
- Planned, organized and lead multiple Student Ministry trips and events.
Student Ministry Intern
Northview Church
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Preached 10 times to crowds of 100+ students.
- Learned the organization, vision, strategy, and tools needed to lead and organize large student Ministries.
- Worked closely with staff on organization of large events and planning.
- Learned a heavy emphasis of how Youth Ministry must be focused on the entire family, not just the student.
Education
BA - Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies
Cincinnati Christian University
Cincinnati, OH01-2014
Skills
- Preaching
- Teaching
- Making Connections
- Relational Ministry
- Meeting Students Where they are
- Empathy
- Social Media
- Technology
- Discipleship/Mentoring
- Volunteer Recruitment/Training
Timeline
Youth Minister
Mahomet Christian Church
01.2023 - Current
Youth Minister
South Haven Christian Church
04.2021 - 01.2023
Youth Minister
Eastside Church of Christ
01.2017 - 01.2021
Youth and Family Minister
Novesta Church of Christ
01.2014 - 01.2016
Student Ministry Intern
Northview Church
01.2013 - 01.2014
BA - Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies
Cincinnati Christian University
PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY
- I believe that a successful Student Ministry needs to have 5 key things:
- 1. Community where Students can come and build Christ focused relationships
- 2. Discipleship where students grow closer to the Lord and learn to disciple other students
- 3. A defined focus on the Family and the family’s role in Ministry
- 4. A healthy small group ministry where students interact together with the Bible
- 5. An atmosphere that is engaging, welcoming, and Christ-centered.
Section name
Check Out Videos of My Sermons on My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQz6BDxBD6aQD4jP8iRovDQ