My name is Ryan Woods. I am the Director of Youth Ministry at a Lutheran church in South Dakota. Behind that title, I get to help our youth build community and develop ownership in their Church Life and Faith Journey. My mission is to show our Youth that Church isn't some dull place where parents make you go until you graduate and move away, that Faith is personal and that they can take hold of that personal faith and work to bring joy into this world.

Out of my work, I get Hope! The youth of today are smart, creative and capable... I've seen it with my own eyes!
I’m inspired by Christ’s love. But what truly inspires me now is what comes out of that love. To be able to witness believers supporting others freely without expectation of reward, all because He loved us first. To be able to see young adults stepping up and learning to be leaders from that same love is truly amazing! It sounds cliche but in my heart I truly feel like it's that spirit that will carry us forward and keep our communities strong