Sister Sara Galyon
Lawrenceville,GA
Summary
Rostered Minister of Word and Service and ELCA Deaconess with 15 years of diverse youth ministry experience in both the UMC and ELCA. Committed to empowering the baptized to fulfill baptismal promises while fostering meaningful connections between the church and the world. Professional ministry leader with expertise in spiritual mentorship and congregational development. Delivered inspiring sermons and led successful community outreach initiatives. Known for strong collaboration with team members and adaptability to changing needs, emphasizing pastoral care and conflict resolution.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Minister of Families Youth and Congregational Care
Christ the King Lutheran Church
10.2022 - Current
- Primarily responsible for ministry with those aged 0-19 years,
- Facilitated worship services, providing spiritual guidance and support to congregation members.
- Developed and implemented community outreach programs to enhance church engagement.
- Collaborated with leadership to establish strategic goals for church growth and development.
Client Services Manager
Inspiritus
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Responsible for the Refugee Services program in Alabama, opening a new office in September 2021.
- Hired and trained staff, responsible for staff supervision.
- Resettled 56 Afghan Humanitarian Parolees in 3 months during a global humanitarian crisis.
- Represented Inspritus in faith based/community groups, built relationships within the community to further the mission of helping clients move from surviving to thriving.
- Tasked with overseeing the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, assisting parolees with obtaining benefits.
Director of Faith Formation/Youth Director
Messiah Lutheran Church
02.2017 - 09.2022
- Developed and implemented comprehensive faith formation programs for diverse age groups.
- Facilitated curriculum development aligning with church mission and community needs.
- Mentored volunteers, fostering a collaborative ministry environment.
Director of Youth Ministries
CYMT Graduate Resident, Placement: First UMC Covington, TN
06.2013 - 05.2016
- Developed and implemented engaging youth programs to foster spiritual growth and community involvement.
- Trained and mentored volunteer leaders, enhancing their skills in youth engagement and program delivery.
- Organized fundraising efforts to support youth activities, building relationships with families and community stakeholders.
Director of Youth Ministries
St Andrew UMC
09.2010 - 05.2013
- Served as the youth minister for a multicultural, multi ethnic congregation in North County St Louis.
- Oversight of Christian Ed, Youth Music, Youth Group, Youth participation in worship, and youth travel.
Substitute Teacher/Building Aide for ELL
Hazelwood West Middle School
08.2008 - 05.2013
- Facilitated classroom instruction across diverse subjects and grade levels.
- Moved from Substitute to building aide for the English Language Learning department, working with students speaking various languages, primarily Arabic and Kikuyu/Kiswahili.
- Developed a new method of serving students through drop in tutoring for any ELL student, facilitating more students meeting goals than the previous method of attending classes with a select few.
- Administered state required testing yearly for ages K-8th grade.
Education
M.A. - Youth Ministry
Memphis Theological Seminary
Memphis, TN05.2016
B.A. - Language and World Business
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN12.2005
Skills
- Volunteer recruitment and staff training
- Hiring and supervision of staff
- Fundraising
- Financial reporting and compliance
- Preaching, teaching, writing
- Working with diverse populations
- Pastoral care
- Grief support
- Small group facilitation
- Worship planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
Languages
Fluent in Spanish, basic understanding of Portuguese.
Publications
- Published through:
- Chalice press, Inside out Camping Resources
- UMC Young Adult Devotionals
- United Methodist Publishing House (LinC, BL4Y, Fathom, editor for Affirm)
- Articles with Youth Worker Journal and Youth Specialties Blog
- Faith Lens Blog
Timeline
Associate Minister of Families Youth and Congregational Care
Christ the King Lutheran Church
10.2022 - Current
Client Services Manager
Inspiritus
09.2021 - 09.2022
Director of Faith Formation/Youth Director
Messiah Lutheran Church
02.2017 - 09.2022
Director of Youth Ministries
CYMT Graduate Resident, Placement: First UMC Covington, TN
06.2013 - 05.2016
Director of Youth Ministries
St Andrew UMC
09.2010 - 05.2013
Substitute Teacher/Building Aide for ELL
Hazelwood West Middle School
08.2008 - 05.2013
M.A. - Youth Ministry
Memphis Theological Seminary
B.A. - Language and World Business
The University of Tennessee
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