Washington Conference commissioned Auburn Adventist Academy chaplain Jennifer Woody on Dec. 16, 2017.
A life of ministry is what Woody knows best. Her parents, Richard and Mary Halversen, modeled a life of ministry whether through evangelism or pastoral ministry. All three Halversen children work in ministry — a principal/teacher, pastor and chaplain.
“She was born screaming,” Richard Halversen reminisced during his daughter’s commissioning service, “and she’s continued to use her lungs for God’s glory. God called her to be a proclaimer of good news.”
Woody began her career as a paralegal for the General Conference’s religious liberty department. She transferred to the North American Division’s women’s ministries department where Mary Maxson, pastor, encouraged her to study theology.
Woody began her theology degree, moved to the Seattle area with her husband, Justin, and joined in planting a church. Their family expanded with the addition of Sydney, now 15 and a freshman at Auburn Adventist Academy, and Sierra Sky, now 12 and a sixth-grader at Buena Vista Elementary in Auburn.
After the church plant, the Woody family moved to Monroe, Wash., where Jennifer Woody continued her education, served as an elder and eventually became head elder.
Soon after completing her degree, Woody received a call to serve as a dean and chaplain at Auburn Adventist Academy. After one year, she became a full-time chaplain and Bible teacher for grades 10 and 12 for three years.
Woody next served as youth pastor at Pacific Union College Church and chaplain/Bible teacher for Pacific Union College Preparatory School in northern California. While serving in Northern California Conference, Woody started her master’s program through Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., from which she will graduate this summer with her master’s in pastoral ministry.
“Jennifer changed the culture of our campus,” says Mark Witas, Pacific Union College Church senior pastor. “She modeled and taught students how to apply God’s Word in their own lives.”
Although they enjoyed their time in Angwin, Calif., the Woody family felt the Lord leading them two years ago to minister again in the Auburn community.
Woody is again serving as chaplain and Bible teacher of grades 10 and 12 for Auburn Adventist Academy. She’s had the privilege of baptizing many students and experiencing the joy of watching young people go into ministry themselves.
“I’m proud to be part of a heritage that is not ashamed on the gospel of Jesus Christ and not afraid to be real,” Woody says. “We must finish the work God has set before us. We must stay surrendered to God, and what He has begun, He will finish.”
Jennifer Woody and her family are surrounded in prayer.
Jennifer Woody is commissioned into gospel ministry.
