PASTOR JASON WOODFORD
Elder Jason Woodford, Sr., a son of Deliverance lovingly known by many as “Jake”, is the founder and visionary of God-Encounter Church in Baltimore, MD.
From childhood Jason knew that God had His hand on his life. Before the phenomenon of social media, he had his cousin Quincy would make comedy videos of them being world-wide preachers of an international church called the “House of Prayer”. Ironically, today both are strong men of prayer.
Raised in a family full of musicians and preachers, God saw fit to bless him with the ability to do both. Seeing the Word of God coming alive in him at a young age, his grandmother, Apostle Christina Phillips would often decline speaking engagements to send him in her place. His love for youth was birthed through his aunt (then Youth Pastor) Pastor Carolyn Seawell. At the age of 17 he traveled far and near ministering with her, increasing within each experience. Because of their strong bond both naturally and spiritually they are still asked to minister together as a team and continue to support each other in ministry.
Coming from a large family of four sisters and five brothers, it came natural for Elder Woodford to start a family of his own. At the age of 19, Jason married his high school sweet-heart Cheltese Shelton. In their union of over 20 years, they’ve made six beautiful children James-Arthur (living in heaven), Jason Jr.,Jada-Christine, Jaidyn, Ja’el -Avrianna, Journee-Nicole.
In 2016, Elder Woodford was selected to be the Pastor-Elect of the New Freedom Baptist Church in Baltimore City, where he was to begin his Pastoral ministry upon completing graduate school. However, after much prayer, the Lord confirmed to him, his wife and leadership, HIS original intent for Elder Woodford, which was for them to establish a ministry.
In addition to all God is doing through Elder Woodford, he is establishing a cohort of innovators and revolutionaries who are assisting him in making God-Encounter Church a reality in the earth.
Understanding the importance of education, Elder Woodford, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Amora Theological Institute in North Carolina; a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Magna Cum Laude from Coppin State University. Receiving many academic awards and scholarships, Elder Woodford graduated from University of Maryland Baltimore, Advanced Standing Program with a Masters in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Behavioral Health.
Realizing that God has given him a dual-assignment, not only will he minister to the spirit of man, but also the mind of man through opening an Outpatient Mental Health Clinic in Baltimore City, called 90 Degree, LLC, “Learning and Living Life from the Right Angle”. One of Elder Woodford’s dreams is to get his M.Div., from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology.
His Kingdom-Assignments and Service:
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Served his home church at the East Baltimore Deliverance Church, as Youth Pastor and Assistant Minister of Music
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He established the Underground Student Ministries and The Ambassador Group, which focused on ministering to youth ages 6 to 25 both in the church and community.
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Traveled and served with Dr. Joel Ramesar in the country of India.
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The youngest ordained Elder in East Baltimore Deliverance 52-year history.
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Served on the Trustee Board, Pastoral Counsel, Deliverance and Prophetic Team and served 5 years as the National Youth Chairman, for the United Fellowship of Christian Churches and Ministries, Inc., under the leadership of Bishop Henry Tindal, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Elder Woodford is a loving and fear-less Man of God, who will unashamedly preach and teach the whole counsel of God. He walks in a mighty deliverance and prophetic anointing and is seen by many and big-brother/father-figure both naturally and spiritually.
Elder Woodford is proud to be a part of the legacy of the late Apostle Arturo Skinner, Apostle Charles O. Miles, Apostle Lonnie Sessoms (father in the faith), and his living grandmother Apostle Christina Phillips-Holtsclaw.
