Personal Information Form

Allysen Schaaf3401 Brook Road Richmond, VA 23227allysen.schaaf6@gmail.com(336) 848-0651 ECCLESIASTICAL STATUSCertified ready for examination for ordination, pending a call and graduation from seminary,Salem PresbyteryCandidacy Date: February 7, 2012

CHURCH OF MEMBERSHIPForest Hills Presbyterian ChurchHigh Point, NC

FORMAL EDUCATIONUnion Presbyterian SeminaryRichmond, VAMaster of Divinity & Master of Arts in Christian Education (May 2014)• Union Presbyterian Merit Scholarship Recipient (‘10-‘14)• John W. Vinson Scholarship Recipient (‘10-‘14)• Bannerman Scholarship Recipient (‘10-‘14)• Campbell Memorial Grant Recipient (‘13-‘14)• Current GPA: 3.93

University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NCBachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science (May 2010)• Public Service Scholar• GPA: 3.514

CONTINUING EDUCATIONThe Blaze: A Conference for Youth Leaders, 2012Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, NC

PART III seek a full-time, first-call, ordained position as a Pastor in the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. I am particularly interested in positions that emphasize education, mission, pastoral care and working with youth, young adults and their families. I am open to urban, suburban, inner city and college environments. I seek to serve a church with anywhere from 150 members upward and I am open to a position anywhere in the United States. Understanding that living costs vary widely based on location, I am considering positions with a minimum effective salary of $40,000.

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LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)Spiritual MaturityPreaching and Worship LeadershipTeacherPublic communicatorTechnologically SavvyRisk TakerTask ManagerCollaborationInterpersonal EngagementInitiative

WORK EXPERIENCE

SEMINARY INTERN FOR YOUTH AND COLLEGE MINISTRY, 2011-CurrentFirst Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA Church size: 1500 members

• Congregational leadership: worship leadership through preaching, prayers and liturgy, guitar player in Contemporary Worship Band, Church-wide Service Day participant, homebound communion visits and outreach to elderly members

• Youth Ministry: writing and implementing curriculum for Youth Sunday School and Youth Fellowship; organizing and leading summer youth mission trips and Youth Conference trips; writing Advent devotional booklet for youth & families and for Nicaragua mission team; pastoral care to youth and families; developing youth leadership teams; planning and leading games, Bible study, music and activities for Youth Fellowship; Organizing and supporting youth in leading worship on Youth Sunday

• College Ministry: pastoral care and Bible study leadership for students of University of Richmond; organizing winter trip to Montreat College Conference and outreach to FPC college students during the school year.

• Additional: Supervised and mentored additional youth and college intern; served as the primary youth and college ministry coordinator during the extended absence of the Associate Pastor for Youth and College Ministry in 2013-2014 school year.

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CHILDREN’S WORSHIP LEADER AND YOUTH ADVISOR, 2010-2011Three Chopt Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VAChurch Size: 500 members

• Developed lessons and led worship for young children using the “Godly Play” curriculum• Prepared and implemented Bible studies, games, and youth fellowship activities• Supervised youth retreats, service projects and Youth Sunday Worship

CHAPLAIN INTERN, 2011UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NCTrauma 1 level hospital

• Completed one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education• Chaplain for Neuroscience ICU, Neuroscience Step Down, Rehabilitation and Infectious Disease units• Pastoral care and counseling with patients, families, nurses and staff• Preached and led worship for Interfaith Chapel once

CENTER MANAGER AND PERSONAL TRAINER, 2007-2010Student Recreation Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Center Manager• Greeted and accommodated needs of patrons• Trained employees on customer service and conflict resolution techniques• Planned events to enhance camaraderie and bonding between staff members Personal Trainer• Developed personalized exercise programs and motivated clients to achieve their fitness goals• Designed and led exercise programs: Women on Weights and Boot Camp

DAY CAMP COUNSELOR, SUMMER 2006Hartley Drive YMCA, High Point, NC

• Supervised 15-25 five year-old children each day• Assisted with camp-wide morning and afternoon music sessions• Led daily activities for campers including recreation and devotional lessons

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OTHER SERVICE TO THE CHURCH:

UNION PRESBYTERIAN SEMINARY• Student Representative to Board of Trustees 2013-2014• Member of the Worship Committee 2012-2014• Planning Team Chair of inter-seminary Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, 2011-2013• Member of Sports & Recreation Committee 2010-2014• Student Government Representative 2010-2012

MASSANETTA SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE, JULY 2014Massanetta Springs, VA

• Recreation Director for July Middle School Conference• Plan and implement activities, recreation and other community building activities that embrace our call to re-create and

praise God through movement, laughter and fellowship• Prepare and encourage Activities Team of High School Youth leaders in the implementing of recreation activities

PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES YOUTH CONFIRMATION RETREAT 2011 & 2012Richmond, VAPlanning Team 2011

• Planned the annual confirmation retreat for Presbytery of the James• Created and ran a workshop on “Creative Exploration of the Psalms” for participants

Music Leader 2012• Played guitar and sang to lead participants in morning and evening worship

MONTREAT YOUTH CONFERENCE SMALL GROUP LEADER 2010Montreat, NC

• Adapted and implemented small group activities for 25 high school youth including icebreakers, study and discussion of scripture and creative responses to the conference theme, “In These Waters”

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PRESBYTERIAN CAMPUS MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM 2007-2010 University Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, NCCampus Ministry Size: 60-70 members

• Moderated bi-monthly Leadership Team meetings as President (’09-’10)• Planned monthly service activities as Service coordinator (’08-09)• Coordinated weekly dinners as Kitchen Coordinator (’07-’08)• Led two programs a semester for campus ministry (’07-’10) • Coordinated music team & played guitar for weekly gatherings (’07-’10)• Planned and led student worship services at various partner churches in Chapel Hill• Served on planning team for weekend beach retreat for NCSU and UNC Campus Ministries (’09)

ELLIOTT WOODS TUTORING PROGRAM 2006-2010Church of Reconciliation Chapel Hill, NC

• Served as mentor and tutor for children of equal-housing neighborhood• Coordinated group of tutors and bi-yearly field trips as program coordinator (‘08-‘10)

MASSANETTA SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE 2005Massnetta Springs, VA

• Small group leader for Middle School Conference Participants• Activities Team Member- lead games, energizers and other conference activities

FOREST HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHHigh Point, NC

• Guest Preacher and worship leader (‘11-Current)• Teacher and music leader for Vacation Bible School (‘06-‘10)• Chaperone for summer youth trips (‘06-‘10)• Creator new fellowship opportunities for young adults (‘06-‘10)• Worship liturgist• Youth Elder (’05-’06)• Mission Trip to Washington, DC (‘06)• Mission Trip to Tennessee (‘03)

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NARRATIVE QUESTIONSDESCRIBE A MOMENT IN YOUR RECENT MINISTRY THAT YOU RECOGNIZE AS ONE OF SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT.Recently I traveled alone to Ghana, Africa and spent two months living with and learning from our brothers and sisters of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ghana. While living in Ghana, I was often called on to do things that initially made me uncomfortable such as praying in the home of elderly shut-ins who didn't speak English or preaching for congregations that spoke the Ewe language and were part of a different culture than my own. It took a lot of prayer and trust in God to ease my anxieties, but each time I questioned, "Am I qualified to do this," God answered my prayer, "You can do this and I will help you." This was a fruitful ministry experience because as I took the time to listen to God and those around me I saw what miraculous things God could do through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Practicing ministry in Ghana taught me how to be a humble receiver of other's hospitality, knowledge and different culture and church traditions. In being open to all people and situations I found that otherwise ordinary moments became holy. I also developed genuine relationships with Christians in Ghana and experienced the connectional church. Taking this courageous step outside of my comfort zone and traveling to Ghana gave me a glimpse of God's kingdom. I saw brothers and sisters from various backgrounds coming together with no boundaries between them, showing love to each other, worshiping God together, and challenging each other to live as Christ’s body.

DESCRIBE THE MINISTRY SETTING TO WHICH YOU BELIEVE GOD IS CALLING YOU.I am confident God is calling me to a church where:

• members desire leadership to help them worship with joy and passion• members, of all ages and circumstances, are invited and excited to participate in the life of Christ’s church both in and

beyond the walls of the church • the staff and members appreciate tradition but are open to change, creativity and new ideas.

I believe that God is calling me to do ministry in a congregation where: • I can help connect the various generations of the church with each other• I can help build bridges between the congregation and the surrounding community and the world• there is a desire for mission by developing genuine, mutual relationships and furthering God’s kingdom in partnership

with all of God’s children. I believe God is calling me to:

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• work as a part of a team with other pastor(s) and ministry staff where all collaborate and share in God’s ministry together.

• work with youth and their families in a church where youth are honored as vital members of the congregation, just as any other age group.

• bring creativity, innovation and many mediums to the curriculum I write, worship experiences I create and all other opportunities that are offered for individuals to explore and share their faith in Christ.

• a congregation that will be open to the new ideas and creativity I will bring through my ministry• a congregation where I can extend my ministry beyond the youth of the church through worship leadership, pastoral

care, education, mission and outreach.

WHAT AREAS OF GROWTH HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED IN YOURSELF?One of my areas of growth is discerning how to balance my time between work and my personal life. I’m a loyal and energetic person who enjoys being actively involved in the communities I am a part of. While at seminary, I have found joy in planning chapel services for the community and cooking meals for my classmates. As a seminary intern I have found ways to engage in ministry outside of normal programming with our youth and college students through sending cards in the mail, supporting youth at their extracurricular events and taking college students on outings. In ministry and in life there is always more that can be done. However, I know that when I overcommit myself, my energy wanes and my gifts are not used as effectively. I am learning to say “no” to appealing opportunities in order to ensure that I have time to take care of myself and do what I am already doing, well. Another area of growth I have identified in myself is the ability to empower lay leaders. As 1 Corinthians 12 says, all are members of Christ’s body and all have been given gifts to serve. My challenge is to inspire others to see and use their gifts. Through one-on-one and group meetings with adults and youth of the church I serve, I have encouraged lay leaders to be confident in leading prayer and Bible study and have provided supportive resources. I plan to continue to improve in this area of ministry so that all members of Christ church feel excited, confident, and adequate to share their gifts.

DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU HAVE LED CHANGE.Growing up in the church, I was always excited to participate in youth group but never too excited to speak in front of the congregation. However, I had a youth pastor who felt it was important for youth to lead worship and articulate their faith in Christ. Now that I am comfortable doing these things, I look back at that time as a youth and appreciate all of the invitations and encouragement I received to be a leader. As the Youth Ministry Intern at First Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA I have prompted change to increase youth leadership in the church and within the youth group. I have encouraged and supported

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youth to write their own prayers, liturgy and sermons for Youth Sunday and have also recruited youth to help with liturgy and music on Sundays aside from Youth Sunday. Each summer during our attendance of the Montreat Youth Conference in Montreat, NC, I started a tradition of having the youth lead each evening’s devotion time, rather than the adult leaders, to give them experience leading in a safe environment. This year I developed groups of youth teams divided by their various gifts to lead and plan portions of our youth fellowship program for music, worship, small groups, Bible study and fellowship. I have also begun to connect youth to church committees and ministry teams in our congregation to utilize their individual gifts. I pray that my goal of encouraging and equipping youth to become vibrant leaders in Christ’s church for years to come is realized.

STATEMENT OF FAITH I believe in the triune God, creator, ruler and redeemer of all things. God is mysterious yet personal and God’s children are invited to join and model the trinitarian community where all are loved and equally important. Humanity was created by God as good, but are unable to abstain from sin. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, humans live as forgiven children of God and are empowered to choose good. God loves unconditionally and God’s mercy pursues us every day. God is sovereign and able to do anything that is within God’s loving nature. God is like a shepherd who knows each sheep by name; like a father who welcomes his lost son home; like a loving mother who will never forsake her child. Christ is God incarnate and the greatest display of God’s love for the world. Christ is the way, the truth and the life and he displayed God’s love through his words, deeds and death on the cross. In response, all are invited to live their lives as a doxology to God, loving God who first loved us. Christ embodied a boundary-crossing faith which beckons all to live as disciples who extend God’s love and mission across borders. The Holy Spirit is the life and breath of God within and around us. Through the Spirit, God empowers us to do God’s work in the world. The Holy Spirit blows where it will. The beauty of this unpredictability is that there is always room for hope, creativity and new life. While God’s knowledge and power surpasses our own, Scripture witnesses to the nature, promises and work of God. From creation to revelation, psalms to parables, prophets to apostles, Scripture, through the Holy Spirit, reveals God’s word and we are subject to its comfort, challenge and teaching. The Church is the body of Christ. Its sole purpose is to serve and worship God. It consists of all believers and children of God across the world. All are one in Christ and the Church is called to live out this belief through hospitality, worship, service and reconciliation.

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The Christian life cannot be lived alone. It is a personal commitment to follow and serve Christ and also to support, pray for and join with other Christians striving to do the same. Our mission as Christians is ultimately rooted in God’s initiative, God’s plan and God’s gifts; not by our own authority do we participate in God’s plan but by Christ’s authority and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Through the Sacraments we experience God’s grace and are reminded of the remission of sins through Christ. In Baptism we affirm that before we know God, God knows our name and claims us. In the Lord’s Supper, a sign of Christ’s death and resurrection, Christ meets us at the table as the Church receives and practices the radical hospitality of Christ. Christ will come again. Scripture proclaims that new life in God’s kingdom awaits us. Only God knows the time and outcome of Christ’s return but until he comes, Christians are called to prayerfully discern how they can participate in the coming of God’s kingdom.

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OTHER LINKS AND RESOURCESBelow are links I desire to share with calling organizations.

Blog I kept while living in GhanaPost entitled, “It’s time to start living out the belief: ‘We are all one in Christ’” http://allysensreflections.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/its-time-to-start-living-out-the-belief-we-are-all-one-in-christ/Full Blog w/numerous posts and pictures: http://allysensreflections.wordpress.com/

SermonsSinging Loud for All to Hear (Luke 1:5-55) (AUDIO) https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/68830636/01%20Singing%20Loud%20for%20all%20to%20hear%20Luke%201_5-55%20Sermon.m4aSinging Loud for All to Hear (Luke 1:5-55) (TEXT) https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/68830636/Singing%20Loud%20for%20all%20to%20Hear.Sermon.ASchaaf.pdfWindows of Opportunity (Luke 24:13-35) (TEXT) https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/68830636/Windos%20of%20Opportunity.Sermon.%20ASchaaf.pdf

Lesson PlanHigh School Sunday School Lesson, “I Am the True Vine” https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/68830636/I%20am%20the%20true%20Vine.sunday%20school%20lesson.pdf

DevotionalsDevotional for Nicaragua Mission Team: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/68830636/Nicaragua%20Mission%20Devotion%20Day%203.pdfAdvent Devotion for Youth & Families: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/68830636/Advent%20Devotion.%20Joy.pdf

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REFERENCESI authorize those inquiring into my suitability to contact my references.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT SELF-CERTIFICATIONI certify below that no civil, criminal, ecclesiastical complaint has ever been sustained or is pending against me for sexual misconduct; and I have never resigned or been terminated from a position for reasons related to sexual misconduct.The information contained in my Personal Information Form on file with Church Leadership Connection is accurate to the best of my knowledge and may be verified by the calling and employing entity. I hereby authorize the entity to which my Personal Information Form is being sent to inquire concerning any civil or criminal records, or any judicial or proceeding involving me as a defendant, related to sexual misconduct. By means of this release I also authorize any previous employer, and any law enforcement agencies or judicial authorities or ecclesiastical governing bodies to release any and all requested relevant information related to sexual misconduct to the entity to which my Personal Information Form is being sent.I have read this certification and release form and fully understand that the information obtained may be used to deny my employment or any other type of position from the employing entity. I also agree that I will hold harmless the employing or judicial authority or any other entity from any and all claims, liabilities, and causes of action for the legitimate release of any information related to sexual misconduct.Allysen Elizabeth Schaaf, October 2013

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