History
Woodland Community Church began in 1980 when a small group of people shared a bold vision: to plant a relevant, people-focused church in East Manatee County. This was an area they believed would soon grow with homes and businesses. With support from the Manatee Southern Association and West Bradenton Baptist Church, 8.14 acres were purchased on State Road 70. The first service was held on October 2, 1983, and the church, originally called Woodland Baptist Mission, began to grow. They met in local homes and buildings.
In 1984, James Kelley became our first full-time pastor. By March 10, 1985, we held our first services in the original Worship Center on our current property. On March 13, 1988, we officially signed our church charter and became Woodland Baptist Church.
On November 17, 1991, Larry Wells became our second full-time pastor. In 1993, we completed a two-story Education Building and launched Woodland Early Childcare Center. That same year, we expanded our property by 20 acres, bringing the total to 28.14 acres.
In October 1996, Dr. Tim Passmore became our third pastor. Under his leadership, we moved into a 450-seat Worship Center in 1998 and soon became known as Woodland Community Church. Growth continued with the addition of the Recreation Outreach Center and Life Group classrooms in 2002. In 2006, we opened our current 1,270-seat Worship Center to welcome the many people God was drawing in.
As our community continues to grow, so does our mission—just as it began: every number has a face, every face has a heart, and every heart matters to God. That’s why we’re here, walking daily with the Lord, committed to the journey until the work is complete.
In 1984, James Kelley became our first full-time pastor. By March 10, 1985, we held our first services in the original Worship Center on our current property. On March 13, 1988, we officially signed our church charter and became Woodland Baptist Church.
On November 17, 1991, Larry Wells became our second full-time pastor. In 1993, we completed a two-story Education Building and launched Woodland Early Childcare Center. That same year, we expanded our property by 20 acres, bringing the total to 28.14 acres.
In October 1996, Dr. Tim Passmore became our third pastor. Under his leadership, we moved into a 450-seat Worship Center in 1998 and soon became known as Woodland Community Church. Growth continued with the addition of the Recreation Outreach Center and Life Group classrooms in 2002. In 2006, we opened our current 1,270-seat Worship Center to welcome the many people God was drawing in.
As our community continues to grow, so does our mission—just as it began: every number has a face, every face has a heart, and every heart matters to God. That’s why we’re here, walking daily with the Lord, committed to the journey until the work is complete.
Facilities
Woodland Community Church was designed with the local community in mind. We are a Church, an Academy and a Community Center. The Worship Center which was completed in 2006 seats 1,270. It is a modern facility with a large lobby, coffee and snack bar, and a large media center. The School and Fine Arts Academy buildings, include a gym, kitchen facility, and many classrooms. In 2021 the church completed an addition to house the middle school and administration offices. Beside the buildings there is a park that is open to the public that has playground facilities, picnic areas, a 3/4 mile fitness trail, disc golf, soccer field, a beach volleyball court, and a prayer garden. Debt free, the Church sits on 28.14 acres.
