Women’s Day Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Crystal M. Woodard
Rev. Dr. Chrystal M. Woodard, a native of Brooklyn, New York, has dedicated her life to serving the Church and community. Dr. Woodard began serving in ministry as a teenager, developing a deep love for God and a passion for Kingdom work that has guided her ever since. She views ministry not just as a calling, but as a sacred privilege and joy.
In 2009, Dr. Woodard formally answered the call to preach the Gospel and, two years later, delivered her initial sermon under the leadership of Rev. Bobby Hicks at New Home Baptist Church (NHBC) in Landover, Maryland, where she was licensed to preach. In June 2021, she was ordained at Mount Zion Baptist Church (MZBC) in Arlington, Virginia, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Leonard N. Smith.
Dr. Woodard served faithfully as a lead associate minister at both NHBC and MZBC, making significant contributions across various ministries. In 2022, she was appointed Senior Pastor of Dumfries United Methodist Church by Bishop Sharma Lewis, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold that position. Her leadership has since been recognized by the Mayor and Town Council of Dumfries, who named her both Woman of the Year and Pastor of the Year.
Dr. Woodard holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Post-Master’s Certificate in School Supervision and Administration from Johns Hopkins University, as well as a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Woodard is also an inaugural fellow of the Princeton University Theology and Leadership Institute and a graduate of the Howard University Executive Leadership Program and the AASA National Superintendents Academy. Most recently, she was awarded a $10,000 scholarship by the United Methodist Church to pursue further studies at Duke University’s School of Divinity.
In addition to her pastoral responsibilities, Dr. Woodard serves as a Special Education Instructional Specialist for Prince George’s County Public Schools. She is also the author of The Complete Minister’s Survival Guide: Before Ordination and Beyond.
Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:6–7:
Dr. Woodard’s greatest joys are being a devoted mother, proud grandmother, loving daughter—and a faithful servant of God, committed to preaching, teaching, and living out the Gospel with love and purpose.
