Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

(Philippians 1:6)

Pastor Christine Woods truly exemplifies the beginning of a good work.  A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Christine Woods is a dynamic psalmist, speaker, preacher and teacher armed with a word of destiny for the masses.  Called at the young age of 23, her passion to see God’s Kingdom reign on earth has been demonstrated by her dedication and excellence in ministry.  She is the Co-founder and Pastor of Urban Empowerment Ministries, where she serves diligently next to her husband, Bishop Lester Woods, Jr., and is often called upon to speak a life-changing word to God’s people.

Since the founding and cultivation of Urban Empowerment in 2006, it has become one of the fastest growing ministries in Columbia, Missouri.  Her faith and dedication is evident through her leadership in various areas of ministry including Women Empowering Women (W.E.W.), a group founded by Woods to minister to the hearts of women, young and mature.  The purpose of this group is to empower women emotionally and spiritually to become the woman God intended them to be.  She also oversees other small groups including Men’s Fellowship, Singles Ministry, Marriage Ministry, College Connect, and Evangelism just to name a few.

Educated at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Woods holds two academic degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and a Master’s of Social Work.  Her desire to build God’s Kingdom transcends into her professional life through her love for helping people. She currently serves as a Crisis Counselor within the Columbia Public School District.

In addition to being a powerful woman of God and a respectable professional in the community, there’s no greater joy than that of being a cherished wife and an adored mother.  She has enjoyed over 14 years of marriage to Bishop Lester Woods, Jr., visioneer and founder of Urban Empowerment Ministries.  She is the mother of two adorable girls: Lesli (13) and Kiyah (9). She is also a daughter, a sister, a friend, and her love for family, the community, ministry, and most importantly God are evident in all of her undertakings.

First Lady Woods exudes poise, grace, and carries an anointing that is rare and precious.  Her determination to strive for excellence, lead with integrity, and serve with humility, gives her the confidence to know that the good work that has begun in her will be performed according to God’s will.