Andrew L.

Sparks
1534A Evangel Ct.

Springfield, MO 65802

330-506-3361

dsparks@oakgroveag.org

Salvation Narrative
At the age of 12, I was “confirmed” in the church that my family attended. That means that I was
able to recite the doctrines of the atonement, the deity of Christ, and the Trinity as it was outlined
in my study manual. Although each of these teachings are now foundational in my relationship
with Christ, at the age of 12, the rote repetition of these doctrines that had supposedly
“confirmed” me into the faith, did not take root in my heart. As a result, I spent the next 12 years
searching for fulfillment outside of Christ.
After three years at Cleveland State University as a mediocre student/athlete and without many
prospects for the future, I began work as a bartender. Motivated by the fast cash and social
environment, I quickly worked my way up to a management position. Having tasted a sense of
vocational success for the first time, I decided that I would entertain a career in the food and
beverage industry. One year after opening my first establishment however, a seemingly harmless
intrigue with drugs and alcohol had become a destructive addiction. My life was in a complete
shambles.
Through a lot of soul-searching, prayer and a series of sovereign events, God brought me to
Western Michigan Teen Challenge. It was there that I met God for the first time in a real and
non-propositional way. Once I received Christ into my heart, my fascination with drugs and
alcohol was replaced by fulfillment in Christ. Jesus had captivated my heart and all I wanted to
do was live for Him. While in Teen Challenge I was called into ministry, and after graduating the
12-month program, I moved to Springfield, Missouri to train for the ministry at Central Bible
College.
In the last three years and by the grace of God, I have gotten married to my lovely wife Alexa,
graduated CBC and been involved in many different ministries. Currently, my wife and I are
serving as Associate/Young Adult Pastors at Oak Grove Assembly of God in Springfield,
Missouri. Excited and passionate for the future, my wife and I are equipped to serve with a love
for God, a love for His church, and a desire to see people come to know and live for Christ.
Education and Credentials
High School Diploma (1999)
Howland High School

Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology (2009)

Central Bible College
* magna cum laude

License to Preach (2008)

A/G Southern Missouri District

Ministry Experience
Young Adult Ministry Leader, Oak Grove Assembly of God (05/2008-09/2009)

• Managed young adult coffee shop: purchasing, and operations

• Occasionally taught both Sunday school and Wednesday night young adult services

• Participated on “creative team” and helped to brainstorm innovative ministry methods.

Intern, Oak Grove Assembly of God (08/2008-12/2008)

• Continued responsibilities of Young Adult Ministry Leader including increased preaching

and teaching

• Operated sound and media equipment for church services

• Experienced the ministerial responsibilities of wedding/funeral preparation and

facilitation

• Engaged in hospital and nursing home visitation

• Participated in annual business meeting, board meetings and staff meetings

Associate/Young Adult Pastor, Oak Grove Assembly of God (01/2009-Present)

• Administered the sacraments

• Taught within each ministry of the church: nursery, elementary, youth, young adult, adult
and seniors

• Preached both Sunday morning and evening services

• Aided in the organization of Kids Camp, NYC missions trip, Fine Arts and summer
activities fund raising

• Managed and operated facility maintenance

• Managed many different outreaches to the local community

Work Experience
Sales Associate, Special Tee Golf (05/2000-02/2002)

• Responsible for in-store promotion and sales

• Oversaw shipping orders

Grounds Crew Coordinator, Central Bible College (09/2006-12/2007)

• Organized weekly informational meetings and employee schedules

• Managed the jobs and employees on work site

Customer Service Representative, T-Mobile USA (07/2008-01/2009)

• Provided customer care for troubleshooting/billing/activation of cell phone accounts

• Worked in a highly competitive environment

• Worked in a team environment with a unified goal

*Work experience between 02/2002 and 09/2006 was pre-salvation and included
management/owner within the food and beverage industry as noted above in the Salvation
Narrative.
3 Principles of Pastoral Ministry
1 Peter 5:1-4
1
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who
also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care,
serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to
be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but
being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown
of glory that will never fade away.
In these brief appeals of the great apostle Peter, one can extract three principles of pastoral
ministry that even Jesus, the “Chief Shepherd,” would commend as worthy of eternal honor
(v.4). In light of their source and their heavenly accolade, the following three principles are some
that I closely adhere to and that guide my behavior as a minister of the gospel.
1.) A pastor should not be motivated to serve by a sense of obligation but by the inclination
of his heart (v. 2b).
2.) A pastor should not be motivated by material gain but by each opportunity to serve (v.
2c).
3.) A pastor should not abuse his platform of spiritual authority but influence others by
setting a Christ-like example (v. 3).

Skills & Strengths

Tangibles: Through both secondary and post-secondary instruction, I have a working knowledge
of computers, the internet and various other types of technology. Also, through vocation, I have
gained general skills in outdoor and indoor facility/grounds maintenance.
Intangibles: I am an achiever. This strength brings me the energy that I need to work long hours
without burning out. It is the jolt that I can always count on to get me started on new tasks and
challenges. It is the power supply that causes me to set the pace and define my levels of
productivity. Also, I am responsible. This strength makes me utterly dependable. It forces me to
take psychological ownership for anything that I commit to, whether large or small, I feel
emotionally bound to follow it through to completion. You can count on me!
Hobbies & Interests
My wife and I are very active. We love camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking and many
other outdoor activities. I am also an avid sports fan. As an Ohio native, I am a fan of Cleveland
sports teams, yes, even the Browns. My wife, although from Michigan, has adopted my sports
teams as her own, and enjoys watching football with me on the weekends. I am an avid reader
and I love spending time with family and friends. Lastly, my wife and I enjoy cooking and
making meals together.
References
Pastor Ron Morein
Senior Pastor, Oak Grove Assembly of God
1320 S. Oak Grove Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
Cell: (417) 827-9786
E-mail: pastor@oakgroveag.org

Pastor Josh Yancey

Former Young Adult Pastor, Oak Grove Assembly of God
Springfield, MO
Cell: (417) 840-4233
E-mail: jjyancey@execs.com

Dr. Vince Medina

Bible/Theology Professor, Central Bible College
3000 N. Grant Ave
Springfield, MO 65803
Office: (417) 833-2551 ext. 1286
E-mail: vmedina@cbcag.edu

Pastor Sam Bombara

Pastor, Western Michigan Teen Challenge
440 Pontaluna Rd.
Muskegon, MI 49444
Office: 231-798-7927