The members of Central Baptist Church are pleased to introduce our new pastor, Rev. Victor Velez, and invite the Great Bend community to meet him this Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Velez has been in ministry for over 25 years, working in Midwest churches in children, youth, and music ministries. He began ministry at age 13 leading worship at senior centers and continued through college, leading worship at homeless shelters, and local church youth and music programs as well.
In his mid-twenties, Velez accepted his first full-time church staff position in youth and music ministries. At age 28, he met the love of his life, a youth minister, herself. They attended seminary, married, and were blessed with five beautiful children who also joined in music, drama, and puppet ministries. In 2007, Victor’s wife passed away from cancer.
Velez is an accomplished musician, a composer, and studio musician. He is also a screenwriter and filmmaker in his spare time. In 1991, Velez graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Piano Performance from Southern Nazarene University, Bethany, Okla., and in 2005, he graduated with a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kan.
Velez is a father to five grown children and has three grandchildren. He and his son, Ian Velez, have moved from Belton, Mo., and are happy to be new Great Bend residents. Victor is excited to “bring a new season of ministry” to Central Baptist Church.
Please join us in welcoming Pastor Victor and Ian Velez to the Great Bend community this Sunday at Central Baptist Church, 3301 Lakin, at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.