Jacqueline Ann Jones Rivas
Minister of Religion
Ilford,Essex
Summary
Spiritual leader with extensive experience in preaching and community outreach. Proven ability to motivate teams and implement strategic initiatives that drive engagement and foster collaboration. Focused on promoting spiritual growth and strengthening community ties through innovative programs.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
8
8
Certification
Work history
Senior Pastor
United Methodist Church Florida, New Horizon UMC
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
07.2022 - 06.2024
- Planned and conducted impactful worship services aligned with church mission.
- Spearheaded community service programmes, significantly boosting member engagement.
- Supervised staff across education, youth, and pastoral care programmes to ensure quality support.
- Coordinated fundraising events supporting local, national, and international mission projects.
- Established partnerships with local churches for joint worship services and resource sharing.
- Developed and preached engaging sermons weekly addressing societal issues from a Christian perspective.
- Provided pastoral care through visitation and counselling during challenging times.
- Organised outreach programmes to promote spiritual awareness in the wider community.
- Encouraged lay leadership development within congregation empowering individuals to take active roles in church ministry.
- Performed baptisms welcoming new believers into Christian fellowship according to prescribed rituals.
- Strengthened community ties by initiating social service initiatives such as food banks and shelters for homeless.
- Participated actively in ecumenical movements promoting unity amongst different Christian denominations.
- Advocated Christian ethics in public sphere contributing positively towards societal norms and values.
- Managed administrative duties efficiently ensuring smooth functioning of church activities.
- Coordinated fundraising events successfully supporting various mission projects at local, national and international level.
- Developed engaging sermons weekly, addressing societal issues from a Christian perspective.
- Championed causes related to social justice reflecting Christ's teachings on love, compassion, equality.
- Officiated funerals providing emotional support to bereaved families whilst honouring lives of departed souls respectfully.
- Established partnerships with other churches locally facilitating joint worship services and shared resources.
- Promoted interfaith dialogue by organising community meetings encouraging mutual respect and understanding between diverse religious groups.
- Organised outreach programmes to engage with wider community, promoting spiritual awareness and understanding.
- Facilitated Bible study groups regularly, enhancing scriptural knowledge and deepening faith among participants.
- Nurtured youth ministry activities for fostering Christian values amongst younger generation.
- Offered premarital counselling to couples preparing them for life-long commitment in marriage.
- Led congregation in worship, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.
- Conducted wedding ceremonies solemnising unions of couples in accordance with Christian rites and traditions.
- Coordinated and spearheaded programmes to increase church members' service within local community.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Led programmes such as worship, study, fellowship and service opportunities.
- Provided pastoral care for members of the church, offering counsel and support during challenging times.
- Supervised associate pastors and staff leading education, youth and pastoral care programmes.
- Worked with colleagues to promote responsible biblical stewardship.
- Built network of positive relationships with church members and local community.
- Raised congregational awareness of community needs.
- Oversaw administration and management of different areas of ministry.
- Counselled congregants asking for spiritual guidance.
- Offered impartial spiritual, moral and religious guidance to members of congregation.
- Provided pastoral care through visitation, counselling and prayer.
- Offered spiritual support at homes and hospitals at request of congregants.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals and baptisms.
- Wrote and preached engaging and informative sermons at weekly service.
- Used outreach programmes to help increase church attendees at weekly service.
- Facilitated group sessions to explore bible teachings.
- Visited different areas of community to spread awareness of activities and show support.
- Maintained open lines of communication with church members by writing content for church newsletters, bulletins and worship services.
- Planned church activities to help raise funds for charitable causes.
- Acknowledged contributions of local community to church through public announcements.
- Counselled individuals on variety of personal issues.
- Built positive relations with congregation members and wider community.
- Prepared and presented religious sermons on weekly basis.
- Led activities at camps, conferences and retreats.
- Promoted engagement in religious activities, resulting in high attendance rates.
- Cultivated inclusive dialogue with local community.
- Conducted religious services, rites and ceremonies in line with official guidelines.
- Represented religious institution by speaking and attending local events.
- Interpreted religious texts and created summaries.
- Planned and scheduled special events aligned with religious values.
- Observed confidentiality and acted with discretion to earn trust of community.
- Officiated at official ceremonies using established guidelines.
- Performed various administrative tasks to support in record keeping.
- Responded to enquiries about religious concepts, ceremonies and special events.
- Preserved sacred traditions, practices and beliefs of the Church faith through education and demonstration of Fresh expression of Ministry..
- Contributed to regular committee meetings, lending leadership expertise.
- Developed and directed religious education programmes to facilitate study of Diversity and Equity. and Inclusion.
- Led weekly worship services.
- Offered spiritual and moral guidance in line with Christian and Global Missiologyteachings.
- Enhanced congregational experience by incorporating music and arts into liturgical services.
- Contributed to regular committee meetings, lending Pastoral and Staff committees.
- Developed and directed religious education programmes to facilitate study of innovative leadership in the digital space of worship.
- Offered spiritual and moral guidance in line with counsilling and recoveriy group ministryteachings.
Senior Pastor
Gracepoint Methodist Church, Fourways Circuit
Johannesburg, Midrand
01.2004 - 05.2022
- Co-led establishment of Gracepoint, a diverse post-apartheid worshipping community in 2004.
- Spearheaded fundraising campaigns that generated one hundred million rand.
- Developed an organisational manual aligning polity with Methodist Church principles.
- Pastored community for eighteen years, fostering spiritual growth and engagement.
- Facilitated modern ecclesiology through virtual platforms, integrating ancient practices to enhance growth.
- Explored innovative ecclesial spaces such as school halls, office parks, and casinos.
- Established Lay Counseling and Addiction Recovery Ministry, offering spiritual support across affiliations.
- Prepared and delivered engaging sermons reflecting contemporary faith expressions.
- Managed administrative duties efficiently ensuring smooth functioning of church activities.
- Championed causes related to social justice reflecting Christ's teachings on love, compassion, equality.
- Provided pastoral care for members of the church, offering counsel and support during challenging times.
- Promoted interfaith dialogue by organising community meetings encouraging mutual respect and understanding between diverse religious groups.
- Encouraged lay leadership development within congregation empowering individuals to take active roles in church ministry.
- Organised outreach programmes to engage with wider community, promoting spiritual awareness and understanding.
- Nurtured youth ministry activities for fostering Christian values amongst younger generation.
- Offered premarital counselling to couples preparing them for life-long commitment in marriage.
- Participated actively in ecumenical movements promoting unity amongst different Christian denominations.
- Strengthened community ties by initiating social service initiatives such as food banks and shelters for homeless.
- Established partnerships with other churches locally facilitating joint worship services and shared resources.
- Coordinated fundraising events successfully supporting various mission projects at local, national and international level.
- Led congregation in worship, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.
- Conducted wedding ceremonies solemnising unions of couples in accordance with Christian rites and traditions.
- Performed baptisms welcoming new believers into Christian fellowship according to prescribed rituals.
- Enhanced congregational experience by incorporating music and arts into liturgical services.
- Advocated Christian ethics in public sphere contributing positively towards societal norms and values.
- Officiated funerals providing emotional support to bereaved families whilst honouring lives of departed souls respectfully.
- Developed engaging sermons weekly, addressing societal issues from a Christian perspective.
- Facilitated Bible study groups regularly, enhancing scriptural knowledge and deepening faith among participants.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Coordinated and spearheaded programmes to increase church members' service within local community.
- Led programmes such as worship, study, fellowship and service opportunities.
- Supervised associate pastors and staff leading education, youth and pastoral care programmes.
- Worked with colleagues to promote responsible biblical stewardship.
- Built network of positive relationships with church members and local community.
- Raised congregational awareness of community needs.
- Oversaw administration and management of different areas of ministry.
- Counselled congregants asking for spiritual guidance.
- Offered impartial spiritual, moral and religious guidance to members of congregation.
- Provided pastoral care through visitation, counselling and prayer.
- Offered spiritual support at homes and hospitals at request of congregants.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals and baptisms.
- Wrote and preached engaging and informative sermons at weekly service.
- Used outreach programmes to help increase church attendees at weekly service.
- Facilitated group sessions to explore bible teachings.
- Visited different areas of community to spread awareness of activities and show support.
- Maintained open lines of communication with church members by writing content for church newsletters, bulletins and worship services.
- Planned church activities to help raise funds for charitable causes.
- Acknowledged contributions of local community to church through public announcements.
- Counselled individuals on variety of personal issues.
- Built positive relations with congregation members and wider community.
- Prepared and presented religious sermons on weekly basis.
- Supported charity and missionary work in Diepsloot engaging in skills transfer and training.
- Led activities at camps, conferences and retreats.
- Promoted engagement in religious activities, resulting in high attendance rates.
- Cultivated inclusive dialogue with local community.
- Conducted religious services, rites and ceremonies in line with official guidelines.
- Represented religious institution by speaking and attending local events.
- Interpreted religious texts and created summaries.
- Planned and scheduled special events aligned with religious values.
- Observed confidentiality and acted with discretion to earn trust of community.
- Officiated at official ceremonies using established guidelines.
- Performed various administrative tasks to support formulation of a new church and developed digital record keeping.
- Responded to enquiries about religious concepts, ceremonies and special events.
- Preserved sacred traditions, practices and beliefs of Methodism as a movement of faith through education and demonstration of scared conversation, eg led lay Counselling Courses.
- Contributed to regular committee meetings, lending an extensive building program.
- Developed and directed religious education programmes to facilitate study of [Area of expertise].
- Led worship ceremonies to congregations of up to [Number].
- Offered spiritual and moral guidance in line with [Type] teachings.
Probationer Minister
Bryanston Methodist Church, Fourways Circuit
Sandton, Johannesburg
01.2000 - 12.2003
- Served as student probationer minister at Bryanston Methodist Church, managing largest congregation in Southern Africa.
- Developed integrated programme for 'Every Member a Minister Campaign' to enhance ministry engagement.
- Restructured virtual congregational database to improve accessibility and functionality.
- Led diverse worship services incorporating both traditional liturgical styles and contemporary approaches.
- Ensured adherence to ethical guidelines whilst carrying out all ministerial duties.
- Negotiated complex agreements for improved international relations.
- Managed successful political campaigns which led to increased party representation at the local level.
- Delivered speeches at various public events enhancing party visibility.
- Advocated for constituents' rights, resulting in significant local improvements.
- Liaised with media outlets and conducted interviews for improved transparency and accountability.
- Responded efficiently to constituent queries, providing accurate information and assistance when required.
- Oversaw constituency office operations to ensure smooth service delivery to constituents.
- Facilitated cooperation across different government departments fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Led international delegations, promoting British interests abroad.
- Boosted community engagement with regular town hall meetings and open forums.
- Participated in parliamentary debates, defending party positions effectively on various issues.
- Championed legislative change by liaising with key stakeholders and conducting thorough policy review.
- Voted on critical bills based on well-informed judgments acting in best interest of constituents.
- Implemented strategic initiatives for improved public service accessibility.
- Chaired committee meetings to streamline decision-making process.
- Developed new strategies with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance governmental efficiency.
- Reviewed national policies, ensuring alignment with constituents' needs.
- Drafted comprehensive policy papers to influence key legislation changes.
- Conducted research on emerging global trends influencing national policies accordingly.
- Represented religious institution by speaking and attending local events.
- Interpreted religious texts and created summaries.
- Counselled individuals on variety of personal issues.
- Contributed to regular committee meetings, lending [Area of expertise] expertise.
- Led activities at camps, conferences and retreats.
- Promoted engagement in religious activities, resulting in high attendance rates.
- Built positive relations with congregation members and wider community.
- Preserved sacred traditions, practices and beliefs of [Type] faith through education and demonstration.
- Prepared and presented religious sermons on weekly basis.
- Officiated at official ceremonies using established guidelines.
- Planned and scheduled special events aligned with religious values.
- Observed confidentiality and acted with discretion to earn trust of community.
- Led worship ceremonies to congregations of up to [Number].
- Offered spiritual and moral guidance in line with [Type] teachings.
- Cultivated inclusive dialogue with local community.
- Conducted religious services, rites and ceremonies in line with official guidelines.
- Responded to enquiries about religious concepts, ceremonies and special events.
- Developed and directed religious education programmes to facilitate study of counselling.
Probationer Minister
Trinity Methodist ChurchJohannesburg North Circuit
Linden, Johnnesburg
01.2002 - 12.2002
- Supported teaching and preaching ministry as probationer minister within traditional liturgical Methodist Church, embracing rich Wesleyan choral heritage.
Entrepeneur
Molly Mop
Klipportjie, Germiston
09.1991 - 10.1998
- Founded a cleaning company while completing a degree in Human Rights Law.
- Developed a staff empowerment programme centred on economic social justice.
- Successfully sold the business in 1998.
Minister of Religion
Methodist Church Britain
Ilford, Essex
09.2024 - Current
- Delivered weekly sermons, inspiring congregation towards positive actions.
- Offered grief counselling during bereavements, providing emotional support.
- Performed weddings, baptisms and funerals as per religious customs and traditions.
- Provided pastoral care through visitation, counselling and prayer.
- Visited different areas of community to spread awareness of activities and show support.
- Contributed to regular committee meetings, lending skills in developing vitalised churches for teh 21st Century expertise.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Coordinated and spearheaded programmes to increase church members' service within local community.
- Fostered community integration by conducting regular outreach programmes.
- Developed sermon topics relevant to current events, bringing awareness amongst congregants.
- Acknowledged contributions of local community to church through public announcements.
- Extended counsel and welfare support to those in spiritual need, such as [Type] and [Type].
- Conducted religious ceremonies to commemorate special occasions.
- Offered spiritual and moral guidance to congregation members through [Action].
- Led programmes such as worship, study, fellowship and service opportunities.
- Maintained church records and registers systematically for easy access and retrieval.
- Offered spiritual support at homes and hospitals at request of congregants.
- Represented religious institution by speaking and attending local events.
- Served as liaison between the church council members and the wider congregation.
- Led congregation of [Number]+ in inspiring worship services and prayer.
- Interpreted religious texts and created summaries.
- Led prayer meetings and bible study groups, fostering spiritual development.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Theology
United Theological Seminary
United States 08/2022 - 07/2023
Master of Arts, Contemporary Faith and Belief - Religion
Cambridge Theological Federation, Anglia Ruskin
Cambridge2021
Certificate in Business Management - Business
Gordon Institute Of Business
Johannesburg2005
Diploma of Religion - Religion
Theological Education by Extension
Johanensburg2001
Bachelor of Arts - Law
University of Witwatersrand
Johannesburg1991
Skills
- Preaching
- Spiritual leadership
- Community engagement
- Motivational collaborative team player
- Strategic thinker
- Innovative creative
Methodist Connexion
- 1989-1992 Member of the Geographic Circuit Task Team for Germiston Methodist Church and Katlehong Methodist Church.
- 1989-1995 Established Dikatole Children's Church and Creche.
- 1990-1992 Youth Leader Germiston Methodist Church.
- 1992-1996 Young Adults Home Church.
- 1997-1999 Woman of Worth Ecumenical Conference East London.
- 2000-2001 Phase 1 Student Representative President.
- 2003-2007 Assistant Secretary Central Synod.
- 2004-2018 District Trust Property Committee.
- 2008-2011 Vice-chair of the Central Synod.
- 2008-2014 Member of the Council of St Stithians Methodist School.
- 2014-2018 Served as Connexional Secretary for Discipline.
- 2016-2018 Superintendent Minister Fourways.
- 2017-2020 Methodist Conference Representative - Central Synod.
- 2020-2022 Superintendent Minister Fourways.
Certification
Basic Christian Lay Counseling Course
Anti-bias training
Family and Marriage of South Africa Counseling
Trauma and Rape Couseling
HOBBIES
Cooking
Baking
Cycling
Running
Birding
Timeline
Minister of Religion
Methodist Church Britain
09.2024 - Current
Senior Pastor
United Methodist Church Florida, New Horizon UMC
07.2022 - 06.2024
Senior Pastor
Gracepoint Methodist Church, Fourways Circuit
01.2004 - 05.2022
Probationer Minister
Trinity Methodist ChurchJohannesburg North Circuit
01.2002 - 12.2002
Probationer Minister
Bryanston Methodist Church, Fourways Circuit
01.2000 - 12.2003
Entrepeneur
Molly Mop
09.1991 - 10.1998
Certificate of Higher Education - Theology
United Theological Seminary
08/2022 - 07/2023
Master of Arts, Contemporary Faith and Belief - Religion
Cambridge Theological Federation, Anglia Ruskin
Certificate in Business Management - Business
Gordon Institute Of Business
Diploma of Religion - Religion
Theological Education by Extension
Bachelor of Arts - Law
University of Witwatersrand
Similar Profiles
Emily StambaughEmily Stambaugh
Pastoral Intern at Black Mountain United Methodist Church/Way in the Wilderness (UMC Extension Ministry)Pastoral Intern at Black Mountain United Methodist Church/Way in the Wilderness (UMC Extension Ministry)
Robert LandRobert Land
Pastor (United Methodist / Global Methodist) at United Methodist Church / Global Methodist ChurchPastor (United Methodist / Global Methodist) at United Methodist Church / Global Methodist Church
Amber Karkosky-LittenAmber Karkosky-Litten
Pastor at United Methodist Church and Church of the NazarenePastor at United Methodist Church and Church of the Nazarene
Thiyohupillai AntonypillaiThiyohupillai Antonypillai
Customer service representative at Tesco Supper StoreCustomer service representative at Tesco Supper Store
Aamir AyyubAamir Ayyub
Senior Marketing and Communications Officer at Queen Mary University of LondonSenior Marketing and Communications Officer at Queen Mary University of London