Meet our Senior Minister,
Leslie Woods

I am overjoyed to serve such a wonderful community! I began my journey here as a ministry consultant to launch the Youth and Family Ministry program back to a full-time program after the pandemic. However, my calling to this ministry to serve as Senior Minister was a few months prior to that.  I can remember walking in the doors for my first time to be a guest speaker and I felt it...the God-nudge. After much prayer - because I did all of the "but I can't, I am not ordained yet" thoughts - I received a firm question to ME from God.  The question, "What are you waiting for?"  I applied, have received Special Dispensation, and have been serving as Senior Minister since April 1, 2024.

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I graduate in June of 2025, but that is not the beginning of my ministry experience. I have over 30 years' experience serving in various ways: music team leader, youth minister, teacher, chair of Education Committee, administrator, and more. I knew since I was in my 20's that I was called to be a minister.  It is now my dream come true!

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My partner, Sam, and I have been together for 16 years. We have been foster parents to six amazing children.  Our only little living at home happens to be the cutest chihuahua ever, named Princess.  I am a native Texan with roots running 7 generations deep. I have a beautiful rose bush, the Himley Rose, that came over on the ship with my great, great, great grandmother. Cuttings have been passed down to every generation. 

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In my spare time, I love to draw, play guitar, sing, and dabble in various other arts.  I also enjoy writing and have published two children's books, a book and journal about grief, a mandala coloring book, and several other projects are in the works.