Preaching with purpose
Tony Woodson's journey of faith and service
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Story and Photos by Clarissa Dean
Preacher Tony Woodson gives a sermon at State Street Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Ky. on Tuesday, March 25. The church hosted a March Educational Drive from March 24 to March 26. The theme was “Believing that God can do the impossible,” inspired by the bible verse Matthew 19:26.
Tony Woodson of Bowling Green, Kentucky, said he has been a firm believer of Christ his entire life. He said he travels to different churches across Bowling Green, including State Street Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
“It brings me joy to be able to travel and preach the word of God to different populations,” Woodson said.
Additionally, Woodson said he travels out of state for church conferences, showing his dedication to his faith.
“It’s kind of just like a bunch of people in one room who all have one thing in common– their love for God,” Woodson said.
Woodson said he also hosts online sermons with his wife, Keisha Woodson. He has a Facebook group titled “Greater New Vision Inspirational Ministries.” He said that he and his wife came up with the name together because they thought it would draw attention to his group.
“People from around the country join our sermons,” Woodson said. “I think I speak for my wife as well when I say that it’s a great feeling to talk about God both in person and online.”
Preacher Tony Woodson gives a sermon at State Street Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Ky., on Tuesday, March 25, during the March Educational Drive. “It was an honor to speak and share the word of God,” Woodson said.
Preacher Tony Woodson gives a sermon at State Street Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Ky., on Tuesday, March 25, during the March Educational Drive. Woodson is the president of the Congress of Christian Education, representing the event.
My faith will always be the most important thing to me.
- Tony Woodson
Preacher Tony Woodson’s name plate sits on his desk in his office, where he works at Shipping and Receiving on Western Kentucky University’s campus on Tuesday, March 25.
Diving deeper into his faith, Woodson said he is also the president of the Congress of Christian Education. He said that the group hosts adult classes that center around Christian ethics, discipleship processes, leadership in churches winning souls to Christ.
“It’s truly a joy to be able to share my faith with others in the Congress of Christian Education,” Woodson said. “It has given me a safe space.”
Aside from church involvement, Woodson said he is also the supervisor at Shipping and Receiving on Western Kentucky University’s campus. Shipping and Receiving consist of the campus postal services, surplus and shipping. As a supervisor, Woodson said he oversees all operations, including maintaining packages both inbound and outbound, and ensuring the reuse of items on campus.
Preacher Tony Woodson takes a drink of water on Wednesday, April 16, while talking to his co-worker, James Turner, in his office where he works at Shipping and Receiving on Western Kentucky University’s campus. Woodson said he enjoys his job as much as embracing his faith.
A sign is propped up on a shelf on Wednesday, April 16, in Preacher Tony Woodson’s new office, where he works at Shipping and Receiving on Western Kentucky University’s campus. “I am proud to have things representing my faith around my office,” Woodson said.
Preacher Tony Woodson stands on the loading dock on Wednesday, April 16, where he works at Shipping and Receiving on Western Kentucky University’s campus. Woodson was waiting for UPS to pull in.
Woodson said he incorporates faith in his work every day.
“The people here are amazing,” Woodson said. “I can’t imagine working with a better crew.”
Woodson said that what helps him incorporate his faith into his job is his decoration inside of his office. He said that Christian signs, crosses and a Bible can be found in his office.
“Whenever I am on a stressful phone call, I know I can look over and see my Bible and find immediate peace,” Woodson said.