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Writing a brief Biography for Elected Lay Leadership Positions"
Some tips from the Nominating Committee!
This task bothers many members who aspire to a lay leadership position. The
Nominating Committee requires this biography so that the churchʼs membership knows
who you are. It sounds like a hard task. Actually it is very simple and easy; here are
few tips to guide you. These are only suggestions as there is no rigid format. !
Use 100-200 words in two or three short paragraphs.!
First, your life at The Riverside Church. Things you should mention:"
• When did you become a member?"
• All past elected positions"
• Volunteer positions and activities, e.g., organizing conferences, helping the Prison
Ministry or Maranatha, singing in some capacity, helping in the Worship Service"
• Other church activities that show your interests and passions"
Second, your professional life and career (present or past) outside the church
"
(Be very brief.)!
• Your present (or past) work "
• Duties and tasks that you do which might help you better serve the church"
• Other skills you can use in the church but not used in your career"
Third, what makes you a “real” person. Only mention what you are comfortable with."
• Where you grew up"
• Your family or children"
• Interests in art, literature, theater, or passions for music, etc."
• Other hobbies or interests"
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Sample Bios!
Sample #1"
I have been a member of Riverside since 2002. I was drawn to the diversity and welcoming environment
of the church as well as activities like the Young Adult Group and The Way. I am a tutor in the English
Conversation Program and a regular contributor to the Food Pantry. The Riverside Bible Walk Trip to
Israel in 2012 strengthened my faith and connection to my Church family."
My goals for the Church Council are to develop more social events for young adults and families,
enhance the Churchʼs social media presence, encourage economic empowerment within the
communities, and grow revenues to continue the great programs of The Riverside Church."
I received a Bachelorsʼ Degree in Accounting from Pace University in New York City. My career began as
an accountant at Deloitte with investment banking clients. For over 15 years, I have worked with
corporate clients as an accountant. In addition, I enjoy helping individuals build savings and reduce debt
working with Primerica Financial Services."
I am a native New Yorker living in nearby Washington Heights. I was raised in Queens in a family with
strong Christian values and community service. My leisure activities include crochet, working out, and
spending time with friends and family."
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Sample #2"
I am a family physician who serves the students of the Morningside Campus of Columbia University. I
joined Riverside in 2003 and have participated in Maranatha and worked as a member of the Design
Team. The Design Team was tasked with exploring the conflicts within Riverside and created forums for
members to better understand and communicate with each other as well as prepare a set of
recommendations for the Church Council. I have served as the Treasurer of the Sharing Fund and was
elected to the Nominating Committee in 2011. Currently I am the chair of the Nominating Committee."
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Sample #3"
Before I joined the church in 2003, I often worked with the Flower Guild decorating the nave for
Christmas and Easter. After joining, I worked on the Shower Project and then was appointed to the
Sharing Fund, where I remained for six years. Later I was elected to the MSJ Commission and also
served as their representative on the Nominating Committee. Living away from NYC for several years, I
maintained my Riverside membership and I completed my pledges each year. I was blessed to be
appointed again to the Sharing Fund as soon as I returned."
I have been blessed to be able to devote my 40-year career to promoting civil rights and social and
economic justice as a criminal defense attorney, affordable housing/community development sponsor,
and bond attorney for improving hospitals and nursing homes in low-income communities. Iʼve also
worked as an author, trainer and coach promoting diversity in the workplace. "
After growing up in a fire-and-brimstone Lutheran Church, I refused to enter a church for almost 20
years. Then I found Riverside Church, Rev. Coffin and Rev. Forbes. Being a part of the Riverside
community has been one of the most rewarding relationships of my life. The people, the church service,
the ministers, and the churchʼs unique legacy of social and economic justice fulfill my personal spiritual
needs, my understanding of Jesusʼs teachings, and my belief in the possibility of justice in this world. My
four years away from NYC confirmed my belief that Riverside Church is unique. I am thrilled to be
“home” and to again have the opportunity to serve the Riverside Church community and its mission in
the world. "