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About Woodland Forest Church
Woodland Forest Church (WFC) is a welcoming, Christ-centered congregation located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). We are a small but diverse congregation of approximately 60 members who value authentic relationships, spiritual growth, compassionate service, and a commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. WFC is a church family that believes ministry is shared by all. We are committed to spiritual formation through Scripture, worship, fellowship, and service, and we seek to create a place where every person can grow in faith and use their God-given gifts. We affirm women in all areas of ministry and leadership and celebrate the many ways God calls individuals to serve. Our congregation has a strong sense of community and a deep desire to care for one another and our neighbors. Through ministries such as community outreach, missions, and our food pantry, we strive to be a visible expression of Christ’s love in the world around us. As we enter this next chapter of ministry, we are prayerfully seeking a pastor who will partner with us in nurturing spiritual growth, strengthening relationships, engaging our community, and helping us discern where God is leading Woodland Forest Church. We are looking for a pastor who values collaboration, embraces our CBF identity, encourages the gifts of all people, and will walk alongside our congregation as we continue to grow in faith and service. 
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Who We Are Looking For
Woodland Forest Church is prayerfully seeking a pastor who will walk alongside us as a spiritual leader, teacher, shepherd, and partner in ministry. We are looking for someone who is passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with God and who understands that ministry is built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to following Christ. The pastor we seek will:
Our next pastor does not have to come with all the answers. We are seeking someone who will join us in asking faithful questions, seeking God’s guidance, and discovering together how Woodland Forest Church can continue to share Christ’s love in our community and beyond. |
Why Woodland Forest Church?
Woodland Forest Church is a congregation where relationships matter. We know each other’s stories, celebrate each other’s joys, and walk together through life’s challenges. We are a church that values authenticity over perfection and believes ministry happens best when pastors and laity serve together.
Our congregation is in a season of prayerful discernment and renewed commitment to God’s mission. We are excited about the future and believe our next pastor will not be called to lead alone, but to partner with a faithful congregation seeking where God is leading us next.
Woodland Forest Church is a congregation where relationships matter. We know each other’s stories, celebrate each other’s joys, and walk together through life’s challenges. We are a church that values authenticity over perfection and believes ministry happens best when pastors and laity serve together.
Our congregation is in a season of prayerful discernment and renewed commitment to God’s mission. We are excited about the future and believe our next pastor will not be called to lead alone, but to partner with a faithful congregation seeking where God is leading us next.
Our Community
Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is a vibrant, growing city with a warm Southern spirit and a strong sense of community. With a population of just over 100,000, it offers the perfect blend of small‑town friendliness and big‑city amenities. The area is known for its hospitality, rich history, and deep cultural roots. Families, students, and professionals all find Tuscaloosa to be a welcoming place to call home.
Schools
Tuscaloosa and the surrounding communities offer a wide range of educational options. The Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems include several highly regarded elementary, middle, and high schools, along with magnet programs and specialized academies. Families also have access to private and faith‑based schools that provide strong academic and extracurricular opportunities. Education is a central part of community life, and churches often find meaningful ways to support students, teachers, and families.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is one of the most influential institutions in the region, bringing energy, innovation, and cultural diversity to Tuscaloosa. With more than 40,000 students, UA contributes significantly to the local economy and community life. The university offers world‑class academics, championship athletics, and a wide range of arts and cultural events. It also provides unique ministry opportunities—reaching college students, supporting campus ministries, and engaging with faculty and staff.
Local Industries
Tuscaloosa’s economy is strong and diverse. Major employers include Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International, healthcare systems, education, manufacturing, and a growing small‑business sector. The presence of both global companies and local enterprises creates stability and opportunity for families. This economic diversity also shapes the ministry landscape, offering ways to support working families, young professionals, and those seeking job training or career transitions.
Parks & Recreation
Outdoor life is a big part of Tuscaloosa’s charm. The city features beautiful parks, walking trails, and riverfront spaces along the Black Warrior River. Lake Lurleen State Park, just minutes away, offers camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. Families enjoy community sports, playgrounds, and year‑round events that bring neighbors together. These spaces often become natural extensions of ministry—places for fellowship, outreach, and connection.
Cost of Living
Tuscaloosa’s cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place for families and ministry leaders. Housing options range from established neighborhoods to new developments, with prices that are accessible for a wide range of budgets. Everyday expenses—groceries, utilities, transportation—remain manageable, allowing pastors and their families to thrive without financial strain.
Opportunities for Ministry
Woodland Forest Church is uniquely positioned for meaningful ministry in a diverse and growing community.
Opportunities include:
Tuscaloosa is a place where a pastor can build deep relationships, serve a wide range of people, and make a lasting impact
Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is a vibrant, growing city with a warm Southern spirit and a strong sense of community. With a population of just over 100,000, it offers the perfect blend of small‑town friendliness and big‑city amenities. The area is known for its hospitality, rich history, and deep cultural roots. Families, students, and professionals all find Tuscaloosa to be a welcoming place to call home.
Schools
Tuscaloosa and the surrounding communities offer a wide range of educational options. The Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems include several highly regarded elementary, middle, and high schools, along with magnet programs and specialized academies. Families also have access to private and faith‑based schools that provide strong academic and extracurricular opportunities. Education is a central part of community life, and churches often find meaningful ways to support students, teachers, and families.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is one of the most influential institutions in the region, bringing energy, innovation, and cultural diversity to Tuscaloosa. With more than 40,000 students, UA contributes significantly to the local economy and community life. The university offers world‑class academics, championship athletics, and a wide range of arts and cultural events. It also provides unique ministry opportunities—reaching college students, supporting campus ministries, and engaging with faculty and staff.
Local Industries
Tuscaloosa’s economy is strong and diverse. Major employers include Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International, healthcare systems, education, manufacturing, and a growing small‑business sector. The presence of both global companies and local enterprises creates stability and opportunity for families. This economic diversity also shapes the ministry landscape, offering ways to support working families, young professionals, and those seeking job training or career transitions.
Parks & Recreation
Outdoor life is a big part of Tuscaloosa’s charm. The city features beautiful parks, walking trails, and riverfront spaces along the Black Warrior River. Lake Lurleen State Park, just minutes away, offers camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. Families enjoy community sports, playgrounds, and year‑round events that bring neighbors together. These spaces often become natural extensions of ministry—places for fellowship, outreach, and connection.
Cost of Living
Tuscaloosa’s cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place for families and ministry leaders. Housing options range from established neighborhoods to new developments, with prices that are accessible for a wide range of budgets. Everyday expenses—groceries, utilities, transportation—remain manageable, allowing pastors and their families to thrive without financial strain.
Opportunities for Ministry
Woodland Forest Church is uniquely positioned for meaningful ministry in a diverse and growing community.
Opportunities include:
- College outreach — Connecting with University of Alabama students seeking community, discipleship, and spiritual grounding.
- Family ministry — Supporting parents, children, and teens through programs, mentoring, and community events.
- Community service — Partnering with local organizations, schools, and charities to meet practical needs.
- Discipleship and teaching — Helping believers grow in faith through Bible study, small groups, and personal mentoring.
- Outreach to underserved populations — Including food pantry ministry, benevolence support, and neighborhood engagement.
Tuscaloosa is a place where a pastor can build deep relationships, serve a wide range of people, and make a lasting impact