Lead Pastor

Meet Dean Woodward

Dean joined Eastside as Lead Pastor on January 1, 2024.

Dean was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, along with a brother and three sisters, the children of Pastor Dick and Ginny Woodward. Growing up in a loving home of strong Christian influence, God eventually used Dean’s struggles during high school to bring him to faith in Jesus as his Savior. He reflects that his relationship with God “became daily and life-changing”. As Dean discovered his gifts of pastoring and preaching, his excitement at pursuing the same calling as his earthly father matured into a heartfelt vision of serving the Kingdom.

Dean earned his Bachelor’s degree in Bible from Columbia International University and went on to earn his Master of Theology in Pastoral Ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary. It was at Bible college that Dean met Lynn. Lynn’s own gifting in teaching and outreach have been an important complement to Dean as they have pursued ministry together now for over 37 years.

As a Lead Pastor, Dean is well-suited. He has the wisdom and experience to guide a church through all seasons by developing a strong and capable team of staff and volunteers. In his own words, “a healthy church naturally grows. The focus is not on church growth but the growth of individuals in their own walk with the Lord. The natural result being the blessings that Jesus brings to the church as lives are surrendered to Him”.

That Dean pastors Eastside, a church with connections to his own father’s legacy, is particularly meaningful to him. Eastside was planted by the Williamsburg Community Chapel, the church where Dick Woodward served as pastor for 34 years. Dean’s heart is for ministry and he loves the approachable store-front vibe of Eastside -- comfortable and unassuming for anyone who wishes to visit. Many of his years as senior pastor of Grace Bible Church were spent in a strip mall on Shore Drive in Virginia beach – years that Dean looks back on with great affection.  His favorite Christian authors include John Ortberg, Philip Yancey, and Tim Keller. Dean’s positive and joyful demeanor and spirit make him wonderfully suited to lead a loving, neighborhood church, resolute on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.