Alright. Let’s dive into the story of Wooddale Church. In April 1943 a small group in Richfield Minnesota started “Wayside Chapel”. This humble beginning marked the start of what would become Wooddale Church.
Wooddale Church celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2023. This milestone offered a chance to reflect on its rich history. It was also a time to honor those whose service impacted countless lives.
Over the years several pastors have led Wooddale Church. These leaders include John D Lundberg and Leith Anderson. Kyle Robinson is the current senior pastor.
Wooddale has a strong commitment to planting new churches. Wooddale has started ten daughter churches throughout Minnesota. These include Bridgewood Church and Miracle City Church.
The church first met as a bible study group. College students and adults formed The Wayside Chapel. They gathered on Nicollet Avenue in Richfield.
The Wayside Chapel joined the Minnesota Baptist Conference. It changed its name to Wooddale Baptist Church.
Leith Anderson began his 35-year tenure as Senior Pastor. The church developed a clear philosophy and direction. It focused on equipping its ministry. Wooddale then made a major shift toward outreach. It relocated to provide adequate facilities for the future. Soon Wooddale became known as “A Place to Belong A Place to Become.”
Wooddale purchased 32 acres in Eden Prairie. This anticipated a nine-mile church move. The church shortened its name to Wooddale Church. This was to welcome people from all denominational backgrounds.
Construction began in the fall of 1983 to accommodate growth. The first phase of the new campus opened in July 1984. It included a multi-purpose worship room, administrative offices and classrooms. The second phase which included a gymnasium was occupied in November 1985.
Wooddale Church opened a new worship center to accommodate its growing congregation. A Visser-Rowland Pipe Organ was incorporated into the Worship Center. The steeple was designed as a beacon of hope.
Wooddale Church planted its first daughter church in Medina Minnesota. This was Woodridge Church. A group of Wooddalers provided the founding core.
Multiple worship styles began. This celebrated the diversity of worship styles. It also allowed for outreach to the community.
Wooddale has a history of innovation. It seeks new ways to reach people. A service started in a local restaurant and a radio ministry began. Faith Matters the radio ministry of Wooddale Church became syndicated nationally.
Wooddale Church voted to affiliate with The Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. This reflected the diversity of Wooddalers. It also enhanced outreach to people of various backgrounds.
An additional worship service called The Gathering began on Sunday nights. Teaching remained consistent among all worship services.
Wooddale opened its second campus in Edina. This offered a multi-site approach for services and bible study. The building was gifted from Colony Park Baptist Church.
An outreach ministry to Eden Prairie’s Somali population began. Volunteers reached out through tutoring and friendships.
Dale Hummel became the new Senior Pastor.
Wooddale Academy received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
The church launched Vision ’22. This sought to impart the hope of the gospel to 700000 people.
Consistent with Vision ’22 a third campus opened in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. This site offered a unique Sunday worship experience.
Lydia’s Coffeehouse opened its doors at the Eden Prairie campus. This provided a comfortable gathering place.
The 75th Anniversary Celebration thanked God. It also recognized those whose service has impacted lives.
7 Corners Coffee was launched as an outreach to the University of Minnesota.
Building upon its past Wooddale Church was called to realize a vision of living and leaving a Legacy of Hope.
Wooddale launched the Family Resource Initiative. This was to bring hope to households in the community.
In September 2023 Wooddale launched a new campus at the University of Minnesota called The Avenue.
In 2023 Miracle City Church was planted as Wooddale’s 10th daughter church.
After serving as Wooddale’s Executive Pastor since 2017 Kyle Robinson was called as Wooddale’s sixth Senior Pastor.
Today Wooddale Church continues to thrive. It has multiple locations and a strong commitment to outreach. Its story is one of faith and growth. It’s also a story of serving the community.