Who we are

Rod Akins - Senior Pastor

We are humbled and so grateful for God's clear call to us to go into vocational ministry. From our first mission trip together in the summer of 1982, we knew God had called us as "partners in ministry." We joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ shortly after we were married on September 4th, 1982.

Our ministry theme verse has been 1 Thessalonians 2:8, "Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us." This verse highlights our passion to love people with the Truth of God's Word and invest our very lives into theirs.

We served with campus ministries at the University of Southern California and New Mexico State University. We then trained seminary students on campus as we both attended the International School of Theology. I received a Master of Divinity degree and Sandy earned a "Partners in Ministry" certificate.

We have three terrific kids, Chelsea, Chad and Kyra, each of whom has grown into a dynamic adult. We echo John's words in 3 John 1:4, "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the Truth."

I served at Church of the Woods as an Interim Pastor beginning in January, 1995. I was called to be the Senior Pastor in July, 1995. I have learned so much as this gracious church family has loved and encouraged me through it all. Obviously, there have been challenges along the way too. But God continues to transform lives. And we are privileged to be His servants. Keeping a good sense of humor helps us to persevere through all the stages of life. Our passion is to finish well the ministry God has called us to. We want to be known as genuine people who authentically - Love God, Love People, and Preach the Truth. Please come join us in worship either in person or through video.

Dane Nissen - Youth Pastor

I started attending Church of the Woods when I was two-years-old. I came up through the Children’s Ministry program and continued on into the Youth Group. After High School, I began volunteering in youth ministry; that’s when I felt God calling me to become a youth pastor. In 2018 I married my High School sweetheart, Kassidy. We look forward to bringing our children to Church of the Woods. My goal, God willing, is to finish seminary and major in Theology. My prayer is that God will use my life to inspire others to serve wherever He has planted them.

Dana Weaver - Family Life Director

As the daughter of a pastor and missionary, I grew up in the church and on the mission fields of Trinidad, Germany and Norway. I accepted the Lord when I was eight years old, as a result of the seeds that were planted in my life by my parent's love and guidance, and through the instruction and nurturing of the Children's Ministry teachers in the church where I spent the early years of my childhood. I have continued in these footsteps by following the call on my life to guide children into a living and real relationship with Jesus Christ. In July of 1981, I married my husband Joe and we now have four children and four grandchildren. We raised our family, here, in beautiful Lake Arrowhead, and have enjoyed seeing them marry and start their own families.

In the summer of 2008, I joined Church of the Woods staff as the full-time Children's Ministry Director. In February 2022 I stepped away from that position and became the directior of our Life Groups.

Troy Black - AV Director

Troy Black is the Audio Visual director of Church of the Woods. He has been working in that capacity since 2009. After attending the church for awhile, Troy was asked if he was interested in assuming the leadership mantle for the AV ministry. His love for the Lord and Bachelor of Science degree in telecommunications made him a natural choice for the position. Troy’s tasks include managing the stage, including everything related to audio and video ministries. He enjoys his job very much and loves using his skills. Troy considers it a privilege to have a career that doesn’t feel like a job. In his free time, he enjoys video production.

Micki Black - Children's Ministry Dir.

Micki Black serves as the Children's Ministry Director. She uses her gifts of gentleness and compassion to care for and minister to the children, toddlers and infants and the parents of these young children.

Pam Nichols - Bookkeeper

I started working as the secretary of Church of the Woods in June of 1997. It was a part-time position back then which has now grown into a full-time job. I have since been promoted to the position of office manager and I want you to know that I still love what I do and the people who attend this church. I am blessed to have so many, who love, encourage and support me as I serve this body of believers whom God has called me to.

Mark Gilliland - Treasurer

Mark makes every effort to ensure that every penny given is used to honor God with all of our resources. He considers it a privilege working as the church treasurer.