Meet Our Pastor
Leading With Vision.
Serving With Heart.
Pastor James Woods believes ministry reaches far beyond Sunday morning. His heart is to build people, strengthen families, serve the community, and create a church where every person can feel seen, valued, supported, and loved.
Alongside First Lady Bobbi Woods, he leads Greater Bethesda as a place of healing — where you can come as you are, grow in faith, and know you belong.
The Vision
A Vision for People.
A Heart for Baltimore.
At Greater Bethesda, leadership begins with people. The vision is not simply to gather a congregation, but to strengthen individuals, encourage families, deepen faith, and remain present in the community the church is called to serve.
People
Create a church environment where individuals are known, supported, prayed for, encouraged, and given room to grow.
Families
Strengthen generations through faith, teaching, mentorship, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to grow together.
Community
Build relationships beyond the church walls through outreach, service, programs, partnerships, and a consistent presence in the surrounding community.
Community Impact
Faith Beyond the Walls
The heart of ministry is not confined to a sanctuary. Through partnerships, programs, outreach, and service, Greater Bethesda seeks to be present wherever people need encouragement, connection, and support.
Community ProgramsCommunity Partnerships
Working alongside organizations and community leaders to help strengthen the surrounding community.
Outreach in Action
Extending compassion beyond Sunday worship through service, support, and meaningful connection.
Programs That Build People
Creating opportunities for individuals, young people, families, and neighbors to connect, grow, and thrive.
Greater Bethesda
The Church of Love
Greater Bethesda is a welcoming, faith-filled community gathered to worship, grow, connect and serve. Rooted in West Baltimore, our church continues its ministry as a place of healing, hope and belonging.
A Place of Healing.
The Person
The Heart Behind the Leadership
Ask Pastor Woods what ministry is, and the answer begins with people — the person sitting alone in the back pew, the family carrying something heavy, the young person looking for someone to believe in them.
Alongside First Lady Bobbi Woods, he has shaped Greater Bethesda around three convictions: that love should be freely given to everyone who walks through the doors, that hope belongs to the hopeless, and that the underserved deserve ministry that meets real needs.
That’s the church he hopes to keep building — one where faith is strengthened, families are supported, and love is carried into West Baltimore long after Sunday ends.
“Leadership begins with seeing people, serving people, and building something meaningful together.”
Next Steps
How Can We Serve You?
Whether you are looking for prayer, searching for a church home, hoping to connect with a ministry, or simply need someone to walk alongside you, Greater Bethesda wants you to know that there is a place for you here.
Prayer Request
Share what you’re carrying and our church family will stand with you in prayer.
Plan Your Visit
Let us know you’re coming and we’ll be watching for you on Sunday.
Contact the Church
Have a question, or need someone to walk alongside you? Reach out.
There’s a Place for You Here.
Come experience the faith, family, and community of Greater Bethesda. We would be honored to welcome you.
Sunday Worship — 11:00 AM2000 N. Fulton Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217