Dave Bearden,
Lead Pastor/Elder

Follow on Twitter :: @davebearden
Read Dave's Blog :: DB's Journey

Dave Bearden grew up in Tallahassee, Florida where he attended North Florida Christian School, Tallahassee Community College and The Florida State University. He graduated from Florida State in December 1994 with a degree in Marketing. Dave is married to Debi and they have three children; Ben, Jonathan and Sarah Beth. Dave has served in local churches in Tallahassee and Memphis, TN as a Youth Pastor, College and Singles Pastor and Lead Pastor. Dave began serving at Woodland Hills Church in January 2006. Dave enjoys spending time his family, reading, playing golf and anything related to the Auburn Tigers. Dave’s passion as a pastor is to see people become fully devoted followers of Christ and serve Him in the local church and around the world.

Rusty Bailes,
Director of Worship &
Arts

The council of elders shall be made up of godly men qualified according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 who serve together as shepherds of the church, led by the lead pastor, sensitive to the needs of the congregation, and committed to the Lordship of Christ. Elders shall be held to a high standard as examples to the rest of the church.

The council of elders shall meet regularly to pray for the church, provide counsel, accountability and encouragement for the Lead Pastor and any approval needed for the effective leadership of the church. Elders are not primarily responsible for the implementation of the strategic plans for the church's ministry environments and opportunities. This responsibility falls to the pastoral/executive staff as directed by the Lead pastor and the council of Elders. However, the elders are responsible for evaluating the environments and opportunities of the church based on their appropriateness and effectiveness in furthering the overall mission of Woodland Hills Church. Normally the elders endeavor to meet at least monthly and to hold at least two prayer and planning retreats each year.

The lead pastor, as an elder, shall be considered the first among equals; his vote will count the same as that of others, but his counsel will be highly regarded. Elders duly elected shall prayerfully seek unanimous agreement in all matters since we believe the Holy Spirit guides in oneness of mind.