Faculty

Rodger Woodworth
Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology, 2005-

After several years of ministry in teaching and counseling in Rochester, New York, Rodger came to Pittsburgh to plant an inner city, inter-racial church. New Hope Church, founded in 1994 and situated in Pittsburgh’s Northside, is that vision-become-reality.

Rodger says that his passion for preaching the Gospel of Grace that saves, is surpassed only by his love for the members of New Hope. “We are all equal at the foot of the Cross.”

As Director of Cross-Cultural Ministries with Cross-Cultural Convergence, Rodger recognizes the opportunities as well as the challenges of ministry in culturally diverse settings: “It requires a new level of faith, involving difficult conversations about race, culture, economics and justice. It involves taking a fresh look at the Scriptures to see the multi-ethnic nature of the Kingdom. And it involves a perspective that focuses on the gifts in others rather than those in self.” Serving also on the Board of the Center for Urban Biblical Ministry in Pittsburgh, PA has given Rodger further insight and experience in urban ministry.

Pastoral Experience

• Teacher and Counselor: Brighton Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY, 1984-1991
• Teacher and Elder: North Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1991-1993
• Founding and Lead Pastor: New Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1994 to present
  
  

Other Teaching Experience

• Speaker on urban ministry: Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the PCUSA General Assembly
• Teacher: PCUSA Spiritual Renewal Weekends, 1987-1990
  
  

Education

• A.B.A., State University of NY, Morrisville, NY
• Further undergraduate work, Elim Bible Institute
• M.Div., Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry
• D. Min., Complex Urban Settings, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary