Ron Handlon

Pastoral leader and U.S.

Army Reserve

Chaplain with senior and associate pastor experience spanning 2005–2018. Holds a Doctor of Ministry with a concentration in Biblical Hospitality. Brings experience in preaching, theological teaching, pastoral care, congregational administration, and staff development. Led congregations of 200–500 members and raised $2 million in capital initiatives. Combines a commitment to communicating God's love and grace with practical experience guiding teams and organizations.

Chaplain Captain at U.S. Army Reserve (2023-01 – Present)

• Provide crisis counseling and leadership coaching in high-pressure environments.
• Advise senior leaders on organizational health, resilience, morale, and team cohesion.
• Facilitate resilience and ethical decision-making training for people from diverse backgrounds.

Scrum Master at Optum / UnitedHealth Group (2021-01 – Present)

• Guide three or more cross-functional teams, helping people align priorities, resolve obstacles, and work toward shared goals.
• Mentor fellow Scrum Masters through Community of Practice sessions and facilitate working agreements that strengthen collaboration.
• Translate performance information into clear leadership updates to support planning and accountability.

Software Testing Engineer at HealthMarkets, Inc. (2018-01 – 2021-12)

• Designed automated and manual testing strategies to improve software quality and testing efficiency.

Senior Pastor at First Baptist Cocoa (2014-01 – 2018-12)

• Preached and taught Scripture, administered the sacraments, and planned and led worship in collaboration with ministerial staff.
• Oversaw congregational ministry administration and management in consultation with the church council, deacons, and other boards.
• Communicated the church's vision, mission, and strategy; promoted responsible biblical stewardship through education and advocacy.
• Worked with outreach committees to develop ministries serving the unchurched, inactive members, and new community residents.
• Provided pastoral care through visitation, counseling, and prayer in partnership with staff, committees, and congregational caregivers.

Senior Pastor at Buckhead Baptist Church (2008-01 – 2014-12)

• Developed and communicated the church's vision and mission, guiding staff and members in using their gifts in ministry.
• Preached Scripture with humility and care; taught to deepen theological understanding and support spiritual formation.
• Provided pastoral counseling and compassionate presence, offering comfort through attentive listening and words of assurance.
• Modeled God's love and grace in congregational leadership and relationships.

Associate Pastor at Buckhead Baptist Church (2005-01 – 2008-12)

• Preached each Sunday and taught Bible study and theology on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
• Provided counseling and visitation for church members and people beyond the congregation.

Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Hospitality – Mercer University's McAfee School of Theology (2013-05)

Master of Theology in Systematic Theology – Columbia Theological Seminary (2009-05)

Master of Divinity in Academic Research – Philosophical Theology – Mercer University's McAfee School of Theology (2006-05)

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy – Baylor University (1998-05)