First Assembly of God

Senior Pastors - Sidney & Gwen Woods

Senior Pastors - Sidney & Gwen Woods

Raised in a pastor's home by godly parents, Pastor Woods spent much of his growing up time in church and gave his heart to the Lord as just a young boy. However, regretfully he spent most of his teenage years running from God and did not come back to the Lord until his last year in High School. But it wasn't too long after this that he entered the ministry as a youth pastor, also met and married his wife Gwen, went back to college, and got his degree in Christian Ministry and Psychology. Since that time he and Gwen have followed the Lord in full time ministry for the past 32 years, of which 21 of those years have been spent in ministry at First Assembly. They have been privileged to see many people saved, delivered, discipled and become wonderful Christians serving in all capacities of the Church and even many following the Lord in Ministry on a full time basis. Pastor and Gwen have two grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and four beautiful granddaughters.

"We thank the Lord for His faithfulness through the years. We could not have asked for a better church family. We feel the best years are yet to come and we will continue ministering into the lives of people and fulfilling the vision that God has set before us."

Music Minister & Youth Pastor - Jarrod & Melissa Woods

Jarrod & Melissa Woods

Having also grown up in the church, Pastor Jarrod learned to love people and developed a heart for ministry. In the Fall of 2003 after graduating from college, he began leading Praise and Worship at First Assembly and helped develop and restructure the Youth ministry. Jarrod received his Master's Degree in Music from Lee University, and with his experience has opened our hearts to a new and broader perspective of worship to the Lord. He and his wife, Melissa have two beautiful girls; Mykenzie 10 yrs., Macey 8 yrs. 

"It's an honor and privilege to serve the Lord at First Assembly. I firmly believe that God has great things in store for our church as we continue trusting Him and looking to the future."

Office Manager - Angie Connally

Office Manager - Angie Connally

Angie accepted Jesus as her personal Savior at age 18. Angie has been the Office Manager at First Assembly of God for 10 years.
 
God has blessed her with a wonderful husband, J.P.,  Trey and Chelsie Connally, her oldest son and his wife, and Travis Connally, who is a student at Lamar.
 
Angie has served the Senior Pastor as his personal assistant, aiding him in carrying out his leadership and pastoral duties.
 
Her ministry is steward of the financial resources, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and all administrative duties of the church business office. She is dedicated to furthering the work and witness of the church by using her personal gifts and technical skills, and applying biblical principles in the administration field. She is a wonderful asset to the staff and church and brings much experience to the office she fills.
 
She is also involved in Saddlebags for Christ Ministry. 

"My greatest blessings call me Mom. I enjoy life to its fullest and love taking pictures of God's creation."



Articles & Resources for Church Workers

  • Starting a Greeter Program
    Four years ago I accepted the challenge of evangelism chairperson for our church. One of the first programs the pastor and I developed was the Sunday morning greeter program.
  • Motivating the Right Person into the Right Ministry
    One of the greatest challenges for most leaders is selecting and motivating the right people into the right ministry positions in hopes of minimizing turnover and frustration. Even in the smaller church with limited personnel, it is important to coordinate people and ministry as much as possible.
  • “I TRIED, BUT NO ONE EVER CALLED ME”
    “I tried, but no one ever called me” are painful words for a leader who has much work to do and not enough people willing to do it. These words are painful for the person who wanted to contribute, but was never called. These are also painful words for a person who is committed to helping people connect and contribute in meaningful ways within the church.