“Helping people belong to Christ.” That’s the motto of Woodside Bible Church here in Detroit. This is not just another church. Woodside Bible Church is a multi-site church. It boasts 15 locations in the Detroit Metro area. Each week over 9000 people attend services.
Woodside Bible Church began its journey in 1955. It started as Big Beaver Baptist. Rev. Harold Moran and a few families held meetings in their homes. These meetings took place in the Troy, Michigan area. The church purchased a converted home at 3193 Rochester Rd that same year. The church remained at this address until 2005.
In 1962, the name changed to Troy Baptist Church. As the church grew larger auditoriums were built on the property. These expansions occurred in 1973 and 1980. The name changed again in 2002 to Woodside Bible Church. The church moved to its current location in 2005.
Woodside celebrated its 50th anniversary in July 2005. In September of that year, Woodside merged with Redeemer Baptist Church. This merger created the second Woodside location in Warren, Michigan. Over the next years, Woodside added another 13 locations.
By 2007, Woodside was one of the fastest-growing congregations in the nation. In 2010, Pastor Doug Schmidt helped form The Evangelical Pastors Network. This network provides inspiration and assistance for evangelical pastors.
In 2015, Outreach Magazine listed Woodside Bible as the 48th largest church in America. It was also the 56th fastest-growing church. Pastor Doug Schmidt retired in May 2019. Pastor Chris Brooks succeeded him.
Chris Brooks is more than just a pastor. He is a radio host, author, and family man. He and his wife Yodit have six children. They adopted three of them. Chris Brooks is currently enrolled in Asbury Theological Seminary’s doctoral program. He also hosts “Equipped with Chris Brooks.” It is a Moody Radio nationwide show.
Woodside Bible Church aims to build up a new generation. They want to foster Jesus-loving and world-changing leaders. The church offers a Woodside Kids program. It welcomes children from birth to the fifth grade.
There is a Detroit Campus here at 80 W Alexandrine. Services are held every Sunday at 10:00 AM. Fikre Prince serves as the Detroit Campus Pastor.
Woodside is a non-denominational Christian congregation. The Bible is central to their teachings. It guides them in understanding God and their place in His light.
Woodside Bible Church has a clear mission. They want to glorify God. They do this by helping people belong to Christ. They also help them grow in Christ. Woodside strives to reach the world for Christ. Their values include loving the Word and serving others. They value compassion and generosity. They encourage courageous living.
Whether you’re here in person or joining online. Woodside Bible Church offers a welcoming community. It is a place to strengthen your relationship with God. It is a place to connect with others.