Zachary Woods

Growing up in a Non-denominational background, I was surprised that God only opened the door to the United Methodist Church for me after graduating Lancaster Bible College in 2017. Knowing that a logo on a door or impending denominational fractures did not hold any power over my passion for the Gospel, I embraced this new environment of the UMC with an open mind. Throughout my tenure as a Licensed Local Pastor, my only focus was to serve the local church, the communities we surround, and the people of each town I was planted in. Embracing multi-church ministry, the responsibilities of time management and balance were things that had to be learned quickly. My experience within the UMC from 2017-2023 shaped not only personal doctrine, but clarity as to what doctrines were important to stand firm on and learn how to differentiate secondary Christian tenets for the betterment of the Church. This is something that I have learned is a core value of The Alliance, and I am eager to continue that journey of discovery personally.

In 2023, after my two congregations broke away from the UMC due to unmanageable theological differences, my one congregation in Winfield offered me the full time position I currently hold as an Independent Pastor of a newly formed Independent Church. Navigating these challenging times of transition within the local Church's history I believe has granted me ample space to grow, learn, and discern where I am strong in my spiritual gifts, as well as where I should be seeking out aid for where I am weak.

My passion for discipleship I believe is my core strength as a Pastor. My belief of building a strong church through small groups is unwavering, and through my experience, this church-growth model has yielded fruit not only through statistical numbers, but through the spiritual growth of the congregants that buy into the importance of discipleship. I am also passionate about Preaching in regards to aiding the Church's vision, as I have tailored each year's Preaching Calendar to the overall needs of the local congregation. God has blessed my ministry through growth of each local congregation I have served, growth in myself, and the bringing of the lost into His fold as people find their faith in Christ as Lord.