Our Story

In 1980 a handful of people met and began a great adventure.  They shared a vision that a church should be established in East Manatee County where one day there would be many business’ and housing sub-divisions. Their vision was that church should be relevant and that serving should be exciting. People should be as important to us as they are to God.  In 1983 Manatee Southern Association and West Bradenton Baptist Church purchased 8.3 acres of land on Hwy 70 east for a new church site in East Manatee County.  The church was founded in Bradenton as Woodland Baptist Mission.  
Under the sponsorship of West Bradenton Baptist Church our first meeting was held on October 2, 1983.  A satellite Sunday School was held at the home of the Strickland’s and the Fish and Game Association Building and Church services were at the Fish and Game Building.  Sunday and Wednesday Evening Services were held at the Bassler’s home.
 
In 1984 James Kelley became our first full-time Pastor.  March 10, 1985 our first services were held in the original Worship Center at our current site.  March 13, 1988 we signed our Church Charter and became Woodland Baptist Church. 
 
November 17, 1991 Larry Wells became our second full-time Pastor.  Completion of a two story Educational Building and the establishment of Woodland Early Childcare Center was in 1993. We then purchased an additional 20 acres of land behind the church bringing our total site acreage to the current 28.3 acres.  
 
October 1996 to the current time Dr. Tim Passmore became our third Pastor.  In 1998 we moved into a 450 seat Worship Center and shortly thereafter became known as Woodland Community Church. In 2002 a Recreation Outreach Center and much needed Life Group classrooms were completed.  In 2006 as the Lord blessed us and many people came seeking the Lord, we completed and moved into our current Worship Center which is a Gateway to Heaven for many.  A downtown campus was established in 2019 called Woodland DOWNTOWN: The Thursday Night Church.  
As you look around our community you will see that our adventure has continued the same way it began:  each number has a face, each face has a heart, and each heart matters to God.  This is why we are here on this daily journey with the Lord, and why we will stay on this journey until the job is done.    
Every Day Matters.    

The Vision of Woodland Community Church is create a community of authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.