Woody has been the senior pastor of Blue Ridge Community Church since its inception on January 20, 1991 (which also happened to be his 44th birthday). He doesn't care much for the title “Doctor” though, so he's mostly known as Woody or, even more affectionately, as W (pronounced dubyah).

Raised in rural Concord, Virginia, with two brothers and a sister, he was a lovable and skinny little kid who was always on the go and into something. He started riding motorcycles at an early age and was always looking for adventure – still is. Some of his most memorable adventures have included climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Aconcagua, the highest peaks of Africa and South America, and traveling all over the world helping spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to people who haven't heard it.

He loves to learn, as evidenced by his educational credentials. He often says he squeezed a 4-year degree into 5 years at Virginia Tech where he got a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He went to Dallas Theological Seminary just because he wanted to learn how to study the Bible, but ended up with a Masters degree in Biblical Studies. That still didn't quench his thirst, so he went on to Denver Seminary for a Doctor of Ministry degree.

Woody loves to tell funny stories, and has no end of them to tell. That's just one of the many things he's good at. He's also a natural leader, an outdoorsman, an avid reader, and the best husband there is (according to his wife, Nan).

He loves being senior pastor of Blue Ridge because he gets to do the most important thing in the world, do it with people he loves, and use his spiritual gifts of teaching, leading and evangelism.

He does admit to having some pet peeves: people who drive too slow, stop on on-ramps, stay in the left lane, and are unwilling to try new things.

After being married to Nan for more than 39 years, he still gets teary-eyed when he talks about how much he loves her. His relationship with her is second only to the intense and deeply gratifying love he has for God.

send an email: brccinfo@blue-ridge.org
or check out Woody's blog