Reverend Sherri Wood-Powe

Reverend Wood-Wood-Powe is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended public schools.  She believes it is important to be trained for this journey, thus she has earned the following degrees: a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College (Northampton, MA), a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University (Washington, DC), and a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology (Atlanta, GA).

Before receiving her calling to the ordained ministry, Reverend Wood-Powe worked as a public servant in Washington, DC.  She worked for the U.S. Department of Treasury, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Energy.  She is most fond, however, of the time she served on Capitol Hill as a policy analyst for the Ways and Means Committee.  She was integrally involved in social welfare and immigration issues.

As an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reverend Wood-Powe has served in the Second, Sixth and Fifth Episcopal Districts under the leadership of Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, Bishop Frank C. Cummings, Bishop John R. Bryant and Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, respectfully.  Reverend Wood-Powe also had the privilege of serving on the ministerial staff and Episcopal campaign of The Reverend William P. DeVeaux and The Reverend James L. Davis, who were both elevated to the Episcopacy. 

One of the highlights of the ministry of Reverend Wood-Powe was her appointment as pastor of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Olathe, Kansas.  Reverend Wood-Powe pioneered new territory as the first female pastor in the 128-year history of the church.  With a passion for ministry and a true gift for administration, Reverend Wood-Powe established a partnership with the Olathe School Board.  As part of the partnership, members of Saint Paul adopted the community elementary school, serving as tutors and providing assistance for everything from school supplies to nourishing meals.

At the 2009 Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Bishop Robert Schnase, Reverend Wood-Powe was approved to serve in the United Methodist Church as an elder from another denomination and appointed as the Associate Pastor of Saint James United Methodist Church.  Reverend Wood-Powe will serve as the Chief Ministry Officer dedicating her time to oversight of the ministries of the church.

Responsibilities for the African Methodist Episcopal Church include serving on the Board of Examiners, the Ministerial Efficiency Committee, and Assistant Secretary for the Conference; as well as, Dean of Instruction for the Kansas City District Sunday School Convention.  In addition to these responsibilities, Reverend Wood-Powe serves as adjunct faculty for Saint Paul School of Theology working with Contextual Education and instructor of worship for the United Methodist Church Course of Study. 

Reverend Wood-Powe has served the community as President and Vice President for the Methodist Ministers’ Fellowship of the Greater Kansas City area and as a board member of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

Reverend Wood-Powe is married to Dr. F. Douglas Powe, Jr., associate professor of evangelism at Saint Paul School of Theology and a local pastor in the United Methodist Church.  They are the proud parents of one son, Master Frederick Douglas Powe III.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS GOD HAS DONE.