Staff & Ministry Team

The staff and ministers at Woodland West Church of Christ are a team of people who care deeply about doing God's will.

Emily Burns

Emily Burns, Children's Minister

After working as a Youth Minister in Denver, CO since 2005, Emily Burns joined the WWCOC staff in 2008 to serve as the Children's Minister. She graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in 2004 with a degree in Youth Ministry and Family Studies.

Jerry Ellis

Jerry Ellis, Facilities Manager

Jerry Ellis has served as the Facilities Manager at WWCOC since 2002. He oversees facility maintenance, manages use of the building, and ensures budgets are met. Jerry retired from Southwestern Bell in 2001 after 33 years of service. Jerry has attended WWCOC for over 20 years.

Jonathan Merchant

Jonathan Merchant, Youth Minister

Jonathan Merchant has served as the Youth Minister at WWCOC since 2001. After graduating from high school in Weatherford, TX, Jonathan attended The Center for Christian Education, then Abilene Christian University, where he studied Bible and Greek.

Ken Smithson

Ken Smithson, Hearts & Hands Minister

Ken Smithson has served as the Hearts & Hands Minister at WWCOC since 1994. He graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Christian Education and Bible. Ken also studied Counseling and Psychology while becoming a chaplain at Veterans Hospital in Dallas.

Mary Jo Cochrum

Mary Jo Cochrum, Counselor

Mary Jo Cochrum started the WWCOC Christian Counseling Center and joined the staff in 2009. She is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University where she received an MA in Counseling and a BAS in Psychology. Mary Jo is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern.

Patricia Sayen

Patricia Sayen, Secretary

Patricia Sayen has served as the WWCOC Secretary since 2002. She handles administrative duties including weekly publishing of the bulletin, payroll, data input, and various other tasks. Patricia has participated in mission trips to Ukraine and is involved with FriendSpeak.

Randy Todd

Randy Todd, Preaching Minister

After working as a preacher in Grove City, OH for many years, Randy Todd joined the WWCOC staff in 2007 to serve as the Preaching Minister. He's a graduate from Lipscomb University with a B.A. and M.A. in Bible. Randy also earned an M. Div. from Cincinnati Bible Seminary.

Rick Spear

Rick Spear, Custodian

Rick Spear has been the WWCOC custodian since 1999. He ensures that the facility is clean, maintained, and ready for each service. He performs these duties while also being a full-time firefighter for the City of Arlington. Rick has attended WWCOC since 1989.

“Woodland West Church of Christ is the most friendly and loving church we've ever been a part of.”

Jared Burns, Member Since 2008