PENTECOST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastor Gary Wood
Pastor Gary Wood is an original native of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the son of the Late Charles and Frances Wood. He considers his Christian walk similar to that of David. He is the youngest son of six boys. As David was the youngest and chosen to be King, Pastor Wood was the youngest and chosen to preach God’s word. Just like David, Pastor Wood has had many struggles and many challenges to get where he is today. In recognition of his achievements, he gives God all the praise, glory, and honor for the great things God has done in his life!
Blessed from his mother’s womb, he received Christ at an early age. He went to Indiana University and later graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications. After college, he joined the United States Army. He was commissioned as an officer and served honorably as a personnel management officer for 20 years.
Pastor Wood continued his Christian growth while serving the Military. He worked as youth groups leader while in Germany, Mississippi, Indiana, and Texas. He loved to put on plays and conducted Clown Ministry and workshops for the youth. He worked in several brotherhoods, coach of the church men’s softball team, a member of the Nurses Guild, and sung in many choirs. He had a love for Sunday School and served as a Sunday School teacher, assistant superintendent and eventually superintendent while serving at Simmonsville Missionary Baptist Church in Killeen, Texas. Pastor Wood became a deacon in 1995, but much like Stephan in the bible, he had a greater calling and soon received his call into the ministry. He preached his first sermon in April of 1996 under the leadership of late Pastor H.E. Debose SR.
The Lord continued to bless Pastor Wood as he moved from Killeen, Texas to Slidell, Louisiana where he joined the Pentecost Missionary Baptist Church only planning to stay in Slidell for two years, and not knowing that God had a greater work for him.
OUR COMMUNITY
Pentecost Missionary Baptist Church has a long, proud history of serving the community of Slidell, LA. Through the dedication of our leadership, pastors and volunteers, we are committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are here to spread His message. We are open to worshippers of all ages and backgrounds, and strive to lead all who worship with us towards a deeper love for God.
MISSION/VISION
Pentecost Missionary Baptist Church is an inclusive church committed to Christ and His word. We are dedicated to sharing the love of Christ through ministry, fellowship and worship. Our church is not just a house of worship. At its core are the members and believers that come together to practice God’s word, celebrate His love and extend His gifts to all.
CORE VALUES
We have striven to create a strong community driven by the teachings of Jesus Christ, which are the guiding force in the lives of our growing congregation. Through our worship, activities and special community, we give our members the chance to become fully immersed in the wisdom and teachings of the Lord.