Barry Neufeld

#16-46689 First Ave
Chilliwack, BC V2P 1X5
Ph 604-793-9053

Objective:
I am a mature student but with a youthful outlook. I have retired after 27 years with the government and want to put more time and effort into Christian Ministry. I relate well to at risk youth and I have a good rapport with First Nations persons.  I hope to graduate in the Spring of 2010, and until then, I am only looking for assistance with my tuition.
Education:
-Currently enrolled in Master of Arts in Christian Studies, ACTS Seminary. Predict Graduation in Spring 2010
-Certificate, Life Skills Coaching, University of the Fraser Valley, 1998
-B.A. Adolescent Psychology, Simon Fraser University, 1978
-Certificate in Biblical Studies, Music Major, Hillcrest Christian College, 1966
Professional Life Experience
-Restorative Justice Facilitator for the Provincial Youth Justice Court, 2003-2008
-Youth Probation officer: 1997-2003
-Youth & Adult Probation Officer & Family Mediator, 1985-1997
-Public School Trustee: Chilliwack School Board (15 years)
-Chairman, SD 33 Curriculum & Instruction Cttee
-Outgoing Chairman BC Probation Officer's Association
-Provincial Councilor: BC School Trustees Association
-Facilitator: Lower Mainland Restorative Action in Schools Network
Present activities:

-Charter member, Promontory Community Church
-Facilitator: DivorceCare program: Promontory Community Church (6 years)
-Bible Study Leader: What's So Amazing about Grace & Boundaries
-Currently in training for Celebrate Recovery Program leadership

Former Church Activities:
Member of the music team:
o        Promontory MB
o        Broadway MB
o        Creston NA Baptist
o        St Andrew's Presbyterian Chapel, UBC
o        Oak Ave United Church Surrey
o        Hillcrest Christian College deputation team
Music & Choir director:
o        Winfield Evangelical Missionary
o        Fraserview Alliance Church
o        First Presbyterian Church, New Westminster
o        Westminster Presbyterian Fellowship
o        Eagle Ridge MB
o        Blossom Valley Singers
Other Relevant former Christian Leadership roles:
-Founder & President, Positive Christian Singles: Willingdon MB Church
-Singles Ministry Leader:
o        Creston Baptist,
o        Broadway MB
o        Chilliwack Central MB
-Conference Delegate:
o        BC Conference of MB Churches
o        North American Baptist Triennial Conference.
-Pastoral Search Committee: Eagle Ridge MB, Creston Baptist
-Pioneer Club Leader: Creston Baptist.
-Adult Sunday school teacher:
o        Eagle Ridge MB
o        Broadway MB
o        Promontory MB

Gifts, Skills and Abilities:
I am a keyboardist and I arrange and sequence music on my computer. I also have skills in making videos, editing and preparing multimedia presentations: slide shows, and videos. I also have broad experience in Church Music: from the Old Scottish Psalms of the Presbyterian Church, Reformation Hymns, Revivalist music, Southern Gospel and contemporary praise and worship music. I have benefited spiritually and understood God better from my exposure to a wide variety of worship styles.

I believe that I am a good listener, and I believe that people feel comfortable opening up to me. I know my Bible well and can share with them God's direction, but I often find that an empathetic ear with a few questions is all they need to talk themselves into a Biblical solution for their problem. I value hospitality and several persons drop in on me to discuss their personal problems and elicit my spiritual advice.

Values and Beliefs
In my 26 years experience in the field of Justice, I have seen first hand the power of forgiveness and that people are tremendously impacted when they are given the opportunity to experience forgiveness. I understand how much it cost for God to forgive me, and I want to help others to understand and respond to God's love for them.

I have learned through my extensive involvement in community boards that the best decisions are made by the collective wisdom of a group of individuals committed to a common cause.

This has strengthened my belief and understanding that God not only works in individual hearts & lives, but that he speaks collectively to his people, the church. I have learned humility and patience because I understand that my opinions are not always the best for the group: that it is best to follow a mutually agreed upon course of action. Leadership requires the skill to inspire others to trust and follow. But leadership must make the best use of the gifts resident in the group that is being led.