Don W. Springer
30925 Brookdale Court. Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 5S3
[email protected]

PROFILE

People-first, relationship-driven leader with eight years experience in church ministry. Six years of pastoral/theological training has roundly broadened the practical education gained from hands-on ministry responsibilities. Primary passion is to educate and empower believers through the clear communication of God’s Word and purposes. Tested and affirmed gifting includes ministries of preaching, teaching and leadership administration.

EDUCATION and TRAINING

Master of Theological Studies, ACTS Seminaries. Working on Thesis, Classwork Complete.
Bachelor of Arts (Biblical Studies), Columbia Bible College. Graduated with Honours, 2001.
Pastoral Apprenticeship Program, Mennonite Brethren Church. Year-long, f/t assignment, 2001.
Prayer Counseling Certification. Year-long program through Elijah House Ministries, 1998.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE and ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Leadership

- Currently provide leadership to a small congregation without a pastor. In addition to preaching I am also helping
  them develop a plan for future growth and stability.
- Sat on the boards of the last two congregations attended. In addition to council I sit also on a “pastoral support”
  committee, a group of four chosen by the pastor to aid him in leadership and vision-casting.
- Planning, organization and leadership provided for several new and existing ministry projects. Includes small
  groups, outreach, Christian education, and presently, a weekly compassion ministry for the disadvantaged and
  homeless of Abbotsford.
- Currently provide oversight to a local warehouse involved in the importing and exporting of agricultural feed
  ingredients. Responsible for on-site operations and supervision of workers.
- Provided key leadership during a time of ecclesial tumult at my first Church. Pastor had been unduly dismissed and
  the board accepted my counsel and leadership (pastor was reinstated).

Preaching & Teaching

- Over the past five years I have had the opportunity to regularly preach and lead services in over a half-dozen
  different churches. Currently speak every Sunday morning.
- Have lectured at the University level, presented a paper at an academic conference and taught various adult
   education classes in churches and homes.
- Ability to preach and teach consistently affirmed as strongest gifts.

Discipleship

- It has always been a great burden of mine to come alongside those who are searching for a deeper faith. Primary
  focus has generally been on working with young men.
- Two years experience of mentoring leadership while in the student life department of CBC.
- In addition to one-on-one discipleship, a variety of small groups organized and led.
- Primary joy of teaching and preaching has always been to clearly identify tangible ways for audience to apply
  lessons. My goal is to deliver memorable, application-based messages.

Scholarship

- One of the chief influences for ministry and personal development comes out of a love for studying the figures and
  history of the Church; it is both an academic and spiritual discipline.
- Was selected to read a research essay at a graduate student conference in Indiana this past June. The paper is
  slated to appear in an upcoming edition of The Conrad Grebel Review.
- Accepted the invitation of a Trinity professor to serve as a university Research Assistant.
- Graduated from college with honours, received several scholarships there and at Seminary.

MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT

Maple Ridge Nazarene             Interim Pastor: Preaching, Church-growth                                               2005
Abbotsford Nazarene Church:  Young Adults/Men, Outreach, Leadership                                   2002 - 2005
Hillside Community Church:      Staff Member: Preaching, Outreach, Discipleship                         2000 - 2002
Burlington Free Methodist:        Summer Intern: Outreach, Youth, Preaching                                            1999
Columbia Bible College:            Student Life Leader: Discipleship, Bible Studies                          1998 -  2000
Youth Mission Intl.                    Short-term Mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil                                                 1997
Broadway MB Church:             Young Adults, Junior High Boys                                                 1996 -  1999

RECENT EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Warehouse Supervisor                                                                                                              2004 - 2005
  Global Agrisource
Teachers Assistant                                                                                                                    2003 - 2005
  Trinity Western University, Langley, BC
Associate Pastor                                                                                                                                   2001
  Hillside Community Church, Aldergrove, BC
Farm Labour                                                                                                                             2000 - 2003
  Rossdown Farms, Abbotsford, BC

HOBBIES