Rev. Dr. Jeffrey S. Howard has been a leader in Baptist life for over twenty years, serving churches in Georgia and Alabama. Since 2017, he has served as the Senior Pastor of Woodland Forest Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dr. Howard is passionate about church leadership and pastoral ministry, helping churches to realize their God-given potential and discover creative ways to minister in their communities.
Rome holds a special place in Jeff’s heart as his wife, Katlyn, is a native of the city, and their shared love of doughnuts led them to their first meeting at the Krispy Kreme on Turner McCall Boulevard. The two are dedicated to their family and are the proud parents of Anna, Abby, Rhett, and Ella. Jeff and Katlyn are grateful for all of God’s blessings on them, their family, and their ministry.
Dr. Howard was raised in agricultural Arkansas, the only child of his parents. He accepted Christ at the age of seven and was called into the ministry at the age of sixteen. He has sought to faithfully follow that calling since that time.
He realized that exceptional education would be essential to follow God’s calling in his life. To that end, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Samford University and completed both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Howard has served as the senior pastor of churches in Georgia and Alabama, published various articles, and served on various community boards. Jeff is passionate about helping people connect more deeply in their relationship with Jesus, truly becoming disciples of Christ. When he is not spending time with family, or working on a sermon, Jeff enjoys gardening, hiking, traveling, or a good book.