Biography

As a Certified Lay Minister, I am devoted to serving my faith community in a variety of capacities. I am honored to serve as the pastor of Arlington Street United Methodist Church (ASUMC), where I lead worship, provide pastoral care, and work alongside the congregation to revitalize and grow our ministry in the heart of Nashua. Additionally, I serve as the treasurer of Tewksbury United Methodist Church (TUMC), where I help ensure the church’s fiscal health and accountability. My role as an ordained minister (see "Understanding my Ordination") also allows me the privilege of officiating weddings and funerals, providing comfort and solace to families during life’s most meaningful and challenging moments. I find great fulfillment in my responsibilities as an instructor and preacher, where I am able to inspire others through my teachings and sermons, helping them grow spiritually and live purposeful lives.

My commitment to service extends beyond the church walls. I am an active volunteer with organizations like One Brick, which connects individuals with meaningful community service opportunities, and For Goodness Cakes, a heartwarming nonprofit that provides custom birthday cakes and baked goods to children in foster care and youth facing adversity. As time allows, Joel and I also volunteer at the Nashua Soup Kitchen, providing much needed food to our loving community. These volunteer efforts allow me to give back to the community in ways that support individuals and families who are in need, reinforcing my belief in the power of service and compassion.

My career experience spans over 20 years of executive-level leadership in the immersive experiences, tours and attractions, and entertainment industries, where I have successfully led large teams, driven innovation, and overseen the development of memorable and engaging experiences for diverse audiences. Throughout my career, I have honed my ability to create dynamic environments that blend entertainment with education, ensuring that visitors not only enjoy their experiences but also leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

Prior to delving into operations, I held various leadership roles in the accounting and finance sectors for over 20 years, where I gained a deep understanding of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning. In these roles, I was responsible for overseeing financial reporting, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards. My experience in accounting and finance gave me a solid foundation in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions that directly contributed to the growth and stability of the organizations I worked for.

Throughout my career in finance, I held key leadership positions such as Accounting Manager and Controller, where I led cross-functional teams, worked closely with executive leadership, and played a pivotal role in financial decision-making processes. I developed expertise in creating and managing financial models, optimizing cash flow, and implementing cost-saving measures, all of which were critical to improving profitability and driving financial efficiency.

One of my key achievements was leading financial transformation initiatives, where I collaborated with IT and operations teams to integrate new financial systems and improve reporting processes, enabling the company to make more informed decisions and streamline operations. My ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders allowed me to bridge the gap between finance and other departments, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.

This extensive background in accounting and finance provided me with a unique perspective when I transitioned into operations. It allowed me to approach operational challenges with a strong financial lens, ensuring that decisions were both strategically sound and fiscally responsible. The skills I developed in financial leadership—such as strategic thinking, risk management, and process optimization—have been invaluable as I transitioned into operations and broadened my scope of influence within the business.

In addition to my leadership roles in business, I have a strong background in full-cycle human resources, talent acquisition and corporate training, which ignited my passion for teaching and mentoring others. This path led me to BeADisciple.com, where I developed and currently teach the courses Futureproofing Faith: Revitalizing Churches in the 21st Century and Bridging the Gap: Engaging 'Nones' with Spirituality and Faith. Additionally, I am currently finalizing the curriculum for Preaching and Reaching: Communicating Across Generational Divides, which will launch on August 18, 2025.  All three of these courses reflect my commitment to helping religious organizations navigate the challenges of modern times, offering insights into how faith-based communities can evolve, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through this platform, I am able to share my expertise in leadership, business operations, and church revitalization to help churches remain relevant and sustainable well into the future.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Operations from DeVry University, where I gained a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles that drive successful business management. My academic journey involved an in-depth study of key areas such as supply chain management, project management, financial analysis, and strategic planning, all of which have been instrumental in my career. Additionally, the program’s focus on integrating technology and data analytics into business decision-making has allowed me to stay ahead of industry trends and adapt to the ever-evolving business landscape. The critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills I developed during my time at DeVry University continue to serve me in navigating complex operational challenges in today’s fast-paced and competitive environments.

Beyond my professional career, I am deeply committed to my faith and my community. I have spent years cultivating a career in church leadership, where I’ve dedicated myself to supporting and guiding others through their spiritual journeys. As an auditor of church financial records, I ensure transparency, accuracy, and accountability, which are vital in maintaining trust and integrity within the congregation. My work in church leadership extends beyond auditing; I am also a published author, with writings that resonate deeply with individuals seeking guidance and inspiration in their own lives.

On a personal note, I am blessed to share my life with my husband, Joel. Together, we have created a warm and loving home in Nashua, New Hampshire, just an hour north of Boston. I am a proud father to Joshua, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Stephanie; and a devoted bonus father to Gabriel, who resides with his grandparents in the Philippines. I deeply value the opportunity to be part of their lives, offering love, guidance, and support across the miles. I am also affectionately known as “Pop Pops” to my two granddaughters, Maren and Emerson, whose presence fills my life with boundless joy. Every moment spent with my “Little Princesses” is a treasured gift. Joel and I also share our home with a lively collection of pets: five fish—Shy Guy, Yin, Yang, Janitor, and Custodian; three bunnies—Shanxi, Yuxi, and Zixi; and our spirited black and white lab, Bailey Jean. 

Through my work as a finance consultant, treasurer, pastor, author, auditor, instructor, and community volunteer, I strive to live a life of service, faith, and love. My career has been driven by a passion for helping others, guiding individuals and organizations toward growth and transformation. Whether through my professional roles or my volunteer work, I am committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of those I serve, and I continue to be inspired by the people I meet along the way.

If you’d like to get in touch, feel free to email me at Jerry_R_Miller@yahoo.com.

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