Rev. Kent Svendsen
Full Time Evangelist
Biographical Info
Ordained Minister, Retired Army Chaplain, Certified Counselor, Social Justice Advocate
1988 – 2018 Church Pastor: Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church
July 1st 2018 – Present Full Time Evangelist
Founder: Partners In Christian Mission (Missionary Work In The Republic Of Panama)
Civilian Education Degrees Received
Judson College, Elgin, Illinois BA, Religion & Philosophy 1990
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois Master Of Divinity 1993
Basics In Nouthetic Counseling Certificate 1993
Marriage Prepare / Enrich Certificate 1997
Advanced Training Course – Nouthetic Counseling Certificate 1998
Rural Ministry Training April 2009
Army Reserve Chaplain (Retired in 2009 at the rank of Major with 27 yrs. of service)
14 years Experience As A Suicide Prevention Trainer for the United States Army
2013 commissioned by the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church to create a professional suicide prevention video. “Suicide Takes Another Life” (2014) The video can be accessed by the public at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MUH-lgR4L8
Advisor to the Western Hemisphere Institute For Security Cooperation 2001-2005
Full Board of Visitors Member (WHINSEC) 2005-2009
(The board oversees the school which trains police, military, and civilian authorities from Central, South American, and Caribbean Spanish speaking countries in leadership skills. They also emphasize training in the principles democracy and human rights protection. “I was personally involved with the creation and development of their human rights protection materials and training program.”)
In 2009 upon finishing 8 years of service for the school:
Named: “Ambassador of Good Will” by COL Felix L. Santiago (Commandant WHISEC)
WHINSEC is an official school within the Department Of Defense
“I hereby confer this honor with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities thereunto appertaining with our thanks for your tireless efforts to promote good will and a greater understanding of the efforts of the institute to strengthen democracy throughout the Americas.” (COL Felix L. Santiago, Commandant)
POST GRADUATE STUDIES AND WORK
Working with victims of PTSD
Extensive experience working with military veterans
Experience working with victims of sexual abuse, trauma, and neglect
Providing group opportunities for emotional and mental healing through guided meditation
Working with 12 step program activities as a tool for addiction recovery
Post Graduate Studies in personality development as relates to nature, nurture, environment, and experience
Board Member and founder of Kendall County Homeless Center Corporation (est. 2016)
The specific purpose of the corporation is to help homeless veterans and single mothers with counseling and transitional housing.