Two Worlds. One Voice.
Helping church leaders navigate AI and technology without losing their theological footing
Dr. Virgil M. Woods is a pastor, author, tech designer, and entrepreneur who lives at the intersection of faith and innovation. With 25+ years in the pulpit, a Doctor of Ministry from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and 30 years of professional graphic design and digital media experience, Dr. Woods doesn’t just talk about technology — he builds with it. He is the voice church leaders turn to when they want to embrace the future without abandoning their foundation.
“I define myself as a living bridge — between church, digital technology, and the tools that are reshaping how we do ministry.”
Pastor.
25+ Years. Five Churches. One Calling.
Dr. Woods has served as senior pastor in Iowa, Ontario, Illinois, and Indiana — leading churches through growth, financial turnaround, and community transformation. At every stop, he didn’t just preach; he built. He grew congregations, acquired facilities, paid off mortgages, and modernized ministries. Today he serves as Senior Pastor of First AME Church in Gary, Indiana, and Co-Director of Church Growth and Evangelism for the Fourth Episcopal District.
His personal ministry motto says it all:
“No Unemployed Christians.” Everyone has a role. Everyone has a gift. Everyone has work to do in building God’s Kingdom.
Bethel AMEC, Clinton IA
Attendance: 35 → 105
Grant AMEC, Toronto ON
Attendance: 150 → 315
Allen Chapel AMEC, Rockford IL
Attendance: 65 → 425
Acquired multimillion-dollar facility
Grant AMEC, Chicago IL
Attendance: 105 → 225
Led church out of debt
First AMEC, Gary IN
Modernized technology
Gym renovation
Paid off church mortgage
Scholar.
Where Theology Meets Technology
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Northwestern University Campus
Study
Leadership & Congregational Development
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
Excellence
Systematic Theology Excellence Award
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Upper Iowa University
Minor Degree
Mathematics
Clinical Pastoral Education
Sankofa CPE / ACPE
Key Area
Diversity & Inclusivity in Pastoral Care
Author.
Six Books. One Mission: Equipping Leaders to Lead.
Dr. Woods has published six books for church leaders — covering pastoral transitions, reaching the unchurched, spiritual disciplines, digital ministry, and more. Each title is a practical tool forged from decades of ministry experience.
Tech Builder.
He Doesn’t Just Talk About Technology. He Builds With It.
Most people who talk about AI in the church have read about it. Dr. Woods has been building with digital tools for over 30 years. As a professional graphic designer, web developer, videographer, and photographer — trained in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, CapCut, Final Cut Pro, WordPress and more — he brings technical fluency that most faith leaders simply don’t have.
In 2013, he founded Woods Digital Solutions, a full-service digital media company serving churches, ministries, and organizations across the country. What started as a passion for helping churches present themselves professionally online has grown into a portfolio of satisfied clients and a proven track record of results.
That hands-on experience is what makes Dr. Woods different. When he teaches church leaders about AI, he’s not guessing. He’s been in the lab.