Steve Schembri
Pastor, Shepherd, Connector
EXPERIENCE
Professional Statement
My professional experience is broad. I have held jobs ranging from food service to the Federal Government (TSA). I have been the co-owner of a business, and even worked at a Cold Stone Creamery in the mid 90's. Most importantly; however, I have served Christ through the Church for the greater part of my adult life. I have volunteered in youth ministry, lived in Mexico for a summer doing short-term mission work, led hundreds of students and adult leaders at summer camps, and taught countless kids and families about what it means to follow Jesus and be more like Him. These have been blessings that I did not deserve--manifestations of God's grace. I've learned that my example matters most when leading, and that actions speak louder than words. I've learned the value of hard work, and the importance of healthy boundaries. I understand the true value of my talents exists only in God's Kingdom, and feel God's call on my life to use them for His glory. God has used and continues to use my experiences to mold me into a better leader of His people.
Work Experience
Sales Associate - Sportsman's Warehouse
August 2016 - Present
I have been working at Sportsman's Warehouse in Avondale since it opened its doors. It is a traditional retail sales role in that I help customers and stock merchandise on the shelves. It has also been a great way to make friends with people outside my regular circle of Christian friends.
Children's Pastor - Pure Heart Church
February 2017 - October 2018
I had the privilege of leading the Children's Team at Pure Heart Church for just over 1.5 years. During this time, I was blessed by leaders pouring into me, opportunities to serve and lead, and getting to see God move in families in incredible ways. My team consisted of three directors and two coordinators. During my tenure we pioneered a culture shift in empowering parents as the primary spiritual influence in kids' lives. God used this season to sharpen key areas where I was dull, and I am a better follower of Jesus, husband, and leader because of it.
Lead Kids Pastor (East Valley) - Christ's Church of the Valley
March 2010 - January 2016
As a Kids Pastor at CCV, I had the opportunity to work at three of the valley-wide campuses. Among other responsibilities, I was in charge of CCV Kids Summer Camp, where we saw hundreds of kids accept Christ as their Lord and Savior, and increased from 450 students and 75 volunteers to 653 students and 105 volunteers over three summers. I also launched the Kids Ministry at the East Valley campus, raising 2nd-6th Grade attendance from 80 kids in 2013 to 130 through 2015.
Internet Sales Manager - Michael Crawford Subaru
June 2008 - July 2009
I spent just over a year working to turn my interest in Subarus into a profession. I learned valuable lessons in the psychology behind sales and negotiations, and the value of keeping one's integrity. I also witnessed the real struggles and fears of people who walk far from Christ.
Chief Operations Officer - Permanent Foundations, LLC
March 2005 - May 2008
Just shy of two years after graduating from college, I moved back to the Valley to operate a business with my dad. Our company distributed and installed foundation systems for manufactured homes. This was a great time of learning for me in the areas of communication, expectations, and what life was like outside the bubble of college life.
Resume
Skills
MS Outlook
MS Excel
MS Word
Power Point
Rock RMS
Arena ChMS
Ministry Platform
Planning Center
Google Docs/Sheets
Education
Hope International University - Fullerton, CA
1999-2003
In my four years at Hope, I didn't merely earn a Bachelor's Degree in Youth Ministry. I learned more about myself, people, and how we all work together in life, the world, and Church than any other time in my life. It was an incredible season of maturation, discovery, adventure, pain, frustration, and growth. I also had opportunities to spend a summer in Mexico serving the poor through Amor Ministries, mentor students at summer camps across the west coast, and spend incredible time with my closest friends. It was an invaluable experience that I am ever-grateful for.