Woody White is new Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church, Atwood

By Doris Elmore
Staff Writer

At the young age of 25, Woody White became the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atwood on Sunday, August 1. Woody says it was an easy transition to step into the senior pastor’s position because Pastor Lanny Faulkner did a good job preparing the congregation for the change.

Born Travis Woodrow White, he would like to be addressed as Woody.

Woody and his wife Brittany have been married for 2 ½ years and presently reside in Decatur (actually Long Creek). Brittany is a Registered Nurse at Carle BroMenn Hospital in Bloomington. Eventually they would like to find a home in Atwood.

Woody grew up in Blue Mound and is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School, Macon. In 2016 he began his studies at Boyce College in Louisville, KY and graduated in May, 2020. He is the son of Tim White of Decatur. His mother is deceased.

He became an Ordained Minister in January 2018 at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, Decatur where he served four years as Student Pastor.

Woody says his interview went smoothly. His first call to be pastor came the same day the world shut down with COVID-19. Some interviews were through zoom meetings and the committee even met in a large garage so they could socially distance. At least they could actually be in the same room. Woody says he and Brittany have found people to be very pleasant and welcoming.

“I love being able to use what I learned in my studies to preach and proclaim the Good News of Jesus every Sunday morning,” says Woody. He has a passion to see others come to know about Jesus, who saved and radically changed his life.

Woody serves on the Constitution Committee of the Illinois Baptist State Association. He is also very active in the Central Baptist Association, where his church is a member.

You will find Woody at the First Baptist Church in Atwood Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and of course on Sunday.

Woody remarked that he has no big plans for the church, he just wants to continue with all the good programs already in place. He feels very fortunate to be chosen to become the Senior Pastor. They love their new church family.

With so many local activities cancelled this year, it has been difficult for Woody and Brittany to get around and meet members of the community. However, if you see him out, be sure and give him a big Atwood welcome. Welcome to Atwood Woody and Brittany White!