Jonathon VanGilst

Relational Leadership | Mission-Driven Collaboration | Team Empowerment

I am a mission-driven executive leader with a passion for helping organizations move from vision to execution. Throughout my career in church and nonprofit leadership, I have led staff teams, ministry leaders, volunteers, and strategic initiatives that align people, systems, and resources around a common mission.

My strength lies in translating big-picture vision into practical action. I thrive at building organizational clarity, strengthening operations, developing leaders, and creating environments where teams can do their best work. Whether leading change, improving processes, managing complex projects, or guiding strategic planning efforts, I bring a collaborative leadership style that balances relational trust with accountability and results.

As an Executive Pastor, I oversee ministry operations, staff leadership, strategic initiatives, budgeting processes, organizational development, volunteer engagement, communications, and cross-functional team alignment. I enjoy helping leaders gain clarity, removing obstacles that hinder progress, and creating systems that allow organizations to scale their impact without losing their culture.

My pastoral background has shaped my approach to leadership. I believe healthy organizations are built through strong relationships, clear communication, servant leadership, and intentional development of people. I am passionate about coaching leaders, empowering teams, and fostering cultures where individuals are equipped to grow, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully to the mission.

I am energized by opportunities to lead growing organizations, develop leaders, strengthen teams, and build systems that increase mission effectiveness and long-term impact.

Resume

Summary:
Mission-driven executive leader with experience leading strategy, operations, team development, and organizational growth in nonprofit and church environments. Skilled at translating vision into execution by aligning people, systems, and resources around measurable goals. Proven success leading teams, managing budgets, improving operational effectiveness, and developing leaders. Experienced in organizational growth, change management, stakeholder engagement, and building high-performing cultures.

Experience:

Executive Pastor | Redeemer Church | 2024–Present

Provide executive leadership for operations, strategic planning, communications, and organizational effectiveness for a congregation of 350+ weekly attenders.
Lead and develop 4 staff members, ministry leaders, interns, and volunteers, strengthening team alignment and engagement.
Oversee a $1M annual budget, improving financial sustainability through cost reductions, operational efficiencies, and disciplined resource management.
Partner with senior leadership to implement strategic initiatives that contributed to 5% attendance growth and strengthened organizational health.

Associate Pastor | Connections Church | 2021–2024

Developed organizational systems and processes that improved ministry effectiveness, team coordination, and leadership accountability.
Led and equipped 25 volunteer leaders overseeing ministry groups and key initiatives that supported church growth and engagement.
Directed newcomer assimilation efforts and implemented Google Workspace and Planning Center, streamlining communication and administrative workflows.
Established performance metrics and project management systems that improved decision-making, accountability, and execution.

Associate Pastor | Parkview Church | 2010–2021

Led youth and children's ministries through sustained annual growth of approximately 10%, increasing participation and community engagement.
Recruited, trained, and developed volunteer leaders, expanding ministry capacity and strengthening leadership pipelines.
Managed budgets, facilities, technology systems, and digital communications to support ministry operations and organizational objectives.
Delivered teaching, leadership development, and outreach initiatives that strengthened engagement and supported continued program growth.

Education:

Master of Divinity, Ministry Leadership Emphasis | Rockbridge Seminary
Master's Degree, Organizational Leadership with Counseling Emphasis | Crown College
Bachelor of Science | Crown College
Project Management Professional Certificate | Google

Skills:

Strategic Planning • Organizational Leadership • Operations Management • Team Development • Leadership Coaching • Change Management • Project Management • Budget Management • Process Improvement • Volunteer Engagement • Communications • Stakeholder Relations • Team Building • Financial Stewardship • Microsoft Office & Google Workspace.

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