Craig’s Career

I have been so blessed my career is also my calling.  Not everyone gets that opportunity and I know I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to serve God while being able to help support my family.  And I have been to a variety of places, serving in a variety of roles, all of which have served to help shape and develop me into the person I am today.  You may be surprised by some of the twists and turns my life has taken to end up here, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Berkeley Methodist United Church, Berkeley, CA

7/2018 – present

PASTOR – Provide pastoral leadership for the Berkeley community at BMUC.  Lead a team of paid and volunteer staff to effectively find new ways to reach people for Christ.  Currently serving on the Called to Wholeness Committee, the Trinity Redevelopment Committee, and as Circuit Leader for the BAO Circuit. 

• Increased outreach and social media presence
• Introduced hybrid worship and online giving to BMUC
• Helped develop stronger safety measures for kids and youth through Safe Gatherings training
• Led the effort to reinstate the Kato Scholarship Award
• Guided our church through the COVID pandemic being able to transition immediately to an online platform and back to in-person worship
• Coordinated joint NJAUMC Day of Remembrance service in 2021 and joint Good Friday service in 2022
• Returned the church to full apportionments

Palm UMC, Dinuba, CA

7/2012 – 6/2018

PASTOR – Provided pastoral leadership for the community of Dinuba.  Served on the District Committee on Ministry as the Communications Director for the Central Valley District.  Served on the Conference Communications Task Force.  Served on the board of the Fresno Extension Society.

• Led successful merger of two diverse communities in Dinuba
• Began outreach efforts through community engagement both in person and through social media
• Created new branding and social media strategy
• Moved the church into full apportionments
• Developed new Bible study and prayer groups as part of a strategy to deepen the faith of our members

United Japanese Christian Church, Clovis, CA

7/2009 – 6/2012

SENIOR PASTOR – Led a staff of five employees (including an Associate Pastor and a Japanese Language Pastor).  Offered pastoral leadership for the 350 members of UJCC.  Responsible for a budget of approximately $600,000.  Served on the NJAUMC Camping Board.

• Recognized among the Top 20 Churches in our Annual Conference in new members by profession of faith, worship attendance increase, students in confirmation, and total church membership increase in 2011 and 2012
• Created new ministries to engage people for Christ including adult mission, lay visitation, Men’s Group, and membership
• Created new website and expanded UJCC’s online presence
• Created the Faith and Family Trip to Disneyland to connect people to faith through real world experiences

Roswell UMC, Roswell, GA

7/2007 – 6/2009

ASSOCIATE PASTOR / ASSISTANT MINISTER – Led a team of seven employees, responsible for developing marketing and outreach strategies for the community. Responsible for a budget of $250,000+. Offered pastoral leadership for the 6,900 members of RUMC and the community.

• Developed outreach initiatives including new resident initiative, servant evangelism events, discipleship classes, and community outreach events
• Ministry leader for Job Networking bringing in over 500 people per month, 30% unchurched
• Developed RUMC Family Council and INVITE Council to integrate lay leadership in church initiatives
• Blessed a ferret

Little River Charge, Washington, GA

7/2006 – 6/2007

STUDENT PASTOR – Led three churches in pastoral leadership while attending Candler School of Theology

Education

Master of Divinity with Thesis

Candler School of Theology, Emory University (2008) – Thesis on Methodism and the Japanese Community on the West Coast; Sherman Scholarship recipient

Master of Arts, Political Science

California State University, Long Beach (1998) – Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

University of California, Los Angeles (1991)

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

University of California, Los Angeles (1991)

Additional Experience

SOCIAL MEDIA – Currently Disney Nerds Creator and Writer with over 10,000 followers on multiple platforms

MARKETING – SunTrust Banks, Direct Marketing Database Analyst; The California Credit Union, Market Research Analyst; McDonnell Douglas West FCU, Promotions Coordinator and Marketing Analyst; UCLA, Food Service Marketing Assistant