Introducing

Dr. Wade Owens

New Lead Pastor Candidate

Dr. Wade Owens

Meet Dr. Wade Owens

After a season of prayer and discernment, the Pastor Search Team unanimously agreed that God was leading First Woodway to invite Dr. Owens to serve as our new Lead Pastor. Rooted in our commitment to the Gospel and discipleship, we sought a leader who would faithfully teach Scripture, shepherd with humility, and lead the church in mission. We believe Dr. Owens embodies this calling.

Sunday, February 8, the church family overwhelmingly voted to extend the invitation to Dr. Wade Owens to become our Lead Pastor. He, along with his family and wife Kim, accepted the call to become part of our church family. We are humbled and thankful to call Dr. Wade Owens our new Lead Pastor.

Jesus Christ is Dr. Owens’ greatest passion, and his ambition is to glorify Him as a husband, father, and pastor on mission with God. Dr. Owens senses a clear calling to leave a legacy of faith with his family, proclaim the Gospel, reach the lost, multiply disciples, and lead God’s people to fulfill the Great Commission—across the street and around the world.

Dr. Owens loves his family, the local church, and people. Outside of ministry, he enjoys the outdoors, good food, great coffee, and college football.

Education

Doctor of Ministry (Leadership/Multiplication)

Liberty University (Feb 2023)

Master of Divinity

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (May 2009)

Diploma & Advanced Diploma in Theology

Southwestern Seminary (2005–2009)

Marine Biology studies

Texas A&M University (Galveston) (1996–1997)

Experience

Campus & Teaching Pastor

The Church at Nolensville (2018–Present)

Teaching & Missions Pastor

Sagemont Church in Houston (2002–2017)

I did not grow up hearing the Gospel. My early experiences with church left me with the impression that God loved me when I was good and was disappointed or distant when I was not. So, like many people, I spent years trying to earn God’s approval.

That pursuit never satisfied my heart and eventually wore me down. Looking for something more, I turned my attention toward success, wealth, and pleasure, hoping something would finally satisfy my heart. It never did. Instead, I found myself carrying more guilt and emptiness than I expected.

In God’s kindness, everything changed when I was nineteen years old. I walked into Sagemont Church and heard the Gospel for the first time. I remember being overwhelmed by the power, authority, and beauty of what I was hearing. In that moment, I knew this was what I had been missing. Jesus Christ was what my heart was searching for all along. I placed my trust in Him as my Savior and Lord, and my life has never been the same.

The New Has Come | Ephesians 2:1-10

Growing in the Gospel | Colossians 1:9-14

Called to Salvation | Romans 1:16-17

Pointing to Jesus | Matthew 14:13-21

Called to Bow | Revelation 7:8-10

Chosen Exiles: | I Peter 2:4-10

FROM THE CHURCH-WIDE GATHERING HELD FEBRUARY 7

Q&A SESSION WITH DR. WADE OWENS

What excites you most about the future of First Woodway, and what is your long-term vision for the church’s impact in our community?

First Woodway has a strong and well-established ministry team. How do you plan to build trust, unity, and shared direction as you step into leading this staff?

First Woodway includes many long-time members alongside younger families. How will you work to honor tradition while continuing to reach new generations?

How do you envision First Woodway continuing to send and support missionaries both locally and globally?

How do you see your role changing as you transition from Teaching and Campus Pastor to Lead Pastor, particularly in guiding overall church direction?

As our church grows and space becomes limited, how do you envision managing that growth? Would you consider a multi-campus model or other expansion approaches?

How do you understand the role of women in ministry and leadership within the local church?

First Woodway is known for strong community care ministries. How do you hope to strengthen and expand outreach and service to our community?

What is your perspective on private Christian education and the role Woodway Christian School plays in the mission of our church?

What is your position as to how it is presented, secured, and accepted in light of the increase in reformed theology influence in SBC churches?

How do you approach theological alignment with organizations like the BGCT and Southern Baptist Convention while maintaining unity within the church?

How do you approach teaching challenging or prophetic books of the Bible?

Where do your game day allegiances truly lie?

A Letter from the Committee

This journey has been one we’ve taken seriously and prayerfully. Our Search Committee has written a letter to share the story behind the search—and why we’re so excited about welcoming Dr. Wade Owens.

Take a moment to read the letter and hear directly from the team that walked through this process on behalf of our church.

The Discernment Process

First Woodway is called to be a Christian community serving a world in need. In every season of our history, God has guided our church through prayerful dependence, biblical faithfulness, and a deep commitment to discipleship and mission. As we prepared for pastoral transition, our Search Team sought the Lord for clarity about the kind of leader He was preparing for us.

The following summarizes our calling, our pastoral profile, and the leadership qualities we prioritized for this important season.

Through churchwide listening, prayer, and months of discernment, our congregation affirmed a shared conviction regarding the pastoral leadership needed for our next chapter. We sought a leader who would faithfully proclaim Scripture, cast a compelling and biblical vision, shepherd with humility, and mobilize the church for mission—locally and globally.

The next Lead Pastor of First Woodway will guide our church toward God’s vision for the future. This individual will embody spiritual maturity, strong leadership, and a heart for evangelism and disciple‑making. We prayed for a pastor who would champion a culture of discipleship, equip the church for ministry, and help us engage our neighbors and the nations.

The Pastor Search Team carefully evaluated four essential areas to define the First Woodway pastoral profile. These areas reflect both our identity as a church and the leadership needed to steward our mission into the future.

1. Competencies

  • Biblically grounded leadership
  • Vision‑casting and strategic oversight
  • Ability to train, equip, and empower lay leaders
  • Integrity in character, relationships, and ministry

2. Critical Experience

  • Lead Pastor or Teaching Pastor experience
  • Proven developer of vision, staff, and ministry leaders
  • Experience guiding churches through growth and transition

3. Convictions: Doctrine & Theology

  • Commitment to biblical exegesis in preaching and teaching
  • Clearly articulated, orthodox theology
  • Non‑political, Gospel‑centered proclamation

4. Culture & Chemistry

  • Understanding of and alignment with Texas Baptists
  • Appreciation for proximity to Baylor University
  • Ability to lead a large, multigenerational church with full‑service ministries
  • Visionary Leader – Someone who casts a clear, compelling vision and leads with wisdom, courage, and intentional implementation.
  • Clear, Compelling Preacher & Teacher – A communicator of biblical truth with theological depth and practical application for all generations.
  • Spiritual Shepherd – A pastor committed to nurturing spiritual growth, offering compassionate care, and empowering staff and lay leaders to thrive.
  • Mission‑Focused – A leader passionate about evangelism, discipleship, and engaging in both local and global missions.
  • Authentic & Relational – A humble, transparent leader who fosters trust and meaningful relationships.
  • Personally Accountable – Someone who models integrity, spiritual discipline, and healthy rhythms of life, family, and ministry.
  • Ready to Lead – An experienced pastor capable of guiding the church through transition, aligning ministries with mission, and equipping the body for unified Gospel impact.

Meet the Owens Family

A Family on Mission

Kim and I live with a deep conviction that the Gospel is too good to keep to ourselves and is the sole hope for our neighbors and the nations. We believe the church is called to go with urgency and passion until Jesus calls us home. As a family, we believe every ounce of sacrifice to spend time on mission together reshapes our lives, which is why we have taken our children to the nations from an early age, beginning when our youngest was just three. We believe that when families participate in missions together, God cultivates a lifelong passion for the kingdom within them and a desire to ask how He might use their lives to impact the world as they prayerfully navigate their future. We believe everyone has a part to play in expanding the kingdom, and that it is the church’s responsibility to raise up the next generation of world changers. Over the years, our family has traveled to most continents, spending significant time serving in Kenya, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. We know that God’s heart beats for all people– our neighbors and all nations–and it is our prayer that our lives would reflect His heart.

Kim

Kim is a devoted wife and mother who has spent many years educating and discipling her children in their faith. She loves a good challenge, enjoys new experiences, and has a passion for missions. In her free time, you will usually find her with a cup of hot tea and a good book, always ready for a meaningful conversation and a new friendship.

Caleb

Caleb is entering his senior year at Middle Tennessee State University and has a heart for building things that last, both in custom home construction and in people. With an entrepreneurial spirit, a love for adventure, and a passion for missions and discipleship, he brings strong character and steady faith into everything he does.

Madilynn

Madilynn is an adventurous gymnast who loves getting lost in a good book and discovering new places through travel. This fall, she will begin college at Baylor University, where she plans to pursue electrical engineering, while continuing to follow her heart for missions. She brings curiosity, warmth, and a love for Jesus into everything she does.

Kennedy

Kennedy is a high school junior who loves God, animals, and the outdoors. She works with horses, has a heart for mission trips, loves adventure, and never backs down from a challenge. She’s always ready for whatever God puts in front of her.

KEY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

On February 8, the First Woodway family overwhelmingly voted to invite Dr. Wade Owens to be our new Lead Pastor.

Dr. Owens will begin preaching at First Woodway on Palm Sunday, March 29. He will then split his time between Nolensville, TN and Woodway until the end of May, when his wife, Kim, and their daughters Madi and KK, will make the move to Waco.

Dr. Wade Owens is a pastor and preacher with more than 22 years of ministry experience. He currently serves as Campus & Teaching Pastor at The Church at Nolensville, a campus of Brentwood Baptist Church in the Nashville area.

Dr. Owens has served in pastoral leadership for over two decades, including:

  • Campus & Teaching Pastor (2018–present), The Church at Nolensville (Brentwood Baptist multi-site family)
  • Teaching & Missions Pastor (2002–2017), Sagemont Church in Houston, serving in multiple roles including preaching and missions leadership

  • Doctor of Ministry (Leadership/Multiplication) – Liberty University (Feb 2023)
  • Master of Divinity – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (May 2009)
  • Diploma & Advanced Diploma in Theology – Southwestern Seminary (2005–2009)
  • Marine Biology studies – Texas A&M University (Galveston) (1996–1997)

After prayer, research, interviews, and congregational listening sessions, the committee believes Dr. Owens best fits the pastoral profile and needs of First Woodway for this season, including:

  • Alignment in doctrine and theology
  • Proven preaching and teaching with a commitment to Scripture
  • Leadership and vision-casting experience
  • Commitment to discipleship, life groups, and evangelism
  • Strong missions emphasis (“neighbors and nations”)
  • Experience leading in large, multi-generational church environments

Dr. Owens was evaluated using the biblical qualifications for an overseer/pastor (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1), along with prayer, interviews, questionnaires, site visits, and the church’s bylaws process.

You can watch recent sermons here:

The New Has Come | Ephesians 2:1-10

Growing in the Gospel | Colossians 1:9-14

Called to Salvation | Romans 1:16-17

Pointing to Jesus | Matthew 14:13-21

Called to Bow | Revelation 7:8-10

Dr. Owens and his wife, Kim, have been married for 27 years. Kim is active in women’s Bible study, kids ministry, and mentoring. They have three children: Caleb, Madilynn and Kennedy.

View the full family bio and photos here.

There are several opportunities during the candidate weekend, including an open churchwide gathering and Q&A.

See the full weekend agenda here.

Friday, February 6

  • Meets with Trustees, Personnel Committee, and staff

Saturday, February 7

  • Deacons: 8:00–9:00 (Choir Suite)
  • Life Group Leaders: 9:30–10:30 (A200)
  • All-Church Gathering: 11:00–11:30 (Worship Center)
  • Q&A follows

Sunday, February 8 – View of a Call

  • Dr. Owens preaches at both services
  • Vote takes place at the end of each service
  • Announcement is made after the 11:00 service

All are welcome to attend the open churchwide gathering on Saturday, February 7, from 11:00–11:30 in the Worship Center, including the Q&A time that follows.

Per church bylaws, only members of First Woodway may vote. Voting will take place in person on Sunday, February 8.

At the end of each Sunday service, members will vote “yes” or “no” by paper ballot to affirm or not affirm Dr. Owens as Lead Pastor. Members must be present to vote. An announcement will be made after the votes following the 11:00 service.

Yes. The Saturday gathering includes a Q&A time. We encourage you to submit questions in advance here.

This page will be updated regularly with the most current information regarding the pastor search process.

  • Pray for peace and clarity for Dr. Owens and his family
  • Pray for logistics, timing, and transition details
  • Pray for unity, peace of mind, and God’s guidance for First Woodway, staff, and congregation