We are here to grow together as a community that authentically seeks a faith rooted in Jesus of Nazareth. We are Christians, and we are believers. But we are also searchers and seekers who continue to ask questions about who we are, who God is or isn’t, and what our calling is as a people of faith.

Throughout our 160 year history, our community has continually embraced social progress, forward-thinking beliefs about God, Jesus, and the world, and also been convicted of equality for all people, regardless of identity, race, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.

Tracy Bell

Events & Facility Support Partner

Tracy is a Medical Aesthetician and Massage Therapist. She loves spending time with her 2 children and her family.

Tracy is joining the team as Woodland’s Facilities Partner and hopes to help build a strong bond between the church and the community.

Travis Chavis

Project Manager*

Travis is a human resources and operations business professional. His passion is people and helping them understand how to maximize their potential in the workplace.

Travis brings with him 12 years of experience leading human resource and operational processes within some of the most recognizable brands in the world. In addition to consulting, his articles on business trends can be found online.

Jenny Cook

Worship Partner

A Nashville native, Jenny graduated in 2014 from Furman University with a degree in graphic design. She spent the past two years working in the nonprofit sector and has interned for various youth ministries in the past.

Jenny loves drinking copious amounts of coffee, yoga and mediation, community, and spending time with her one-year-old nephew, Aidan.

Eric Holness

Lead Partner for Eastminster

Eric hails from the Golden State of California. Born into a loving family and reared in great church communities, Eric fostered a genuine love for Jesus at a young age.

Currently, Eric is enrolled at Vanderbilt Divinity School where he is furthering his ministerial aspirations and is the President and Co-Founder of Wholeness Ministries International, Inc. a nonprofit organization committed to serving churches and communities across the globe.

Ashlan Jackson

Guest & Member 
Follow Up Partner

Originally from Aiken, South Carolina, Ashlan attended Furman University and graduated with a degree in Health Sciences. She is passionate about global health and the eradication of disease.

Ashlan also loves corgis and key lime pie.

Hannah Rae Melis

Hispanic Ministry Partner

Hannah Rae is from Houston, Texas and is currently studying Religion and the Arts, Writing, and Spanish at Belmont University, where she serves freshman students as a Spiritual Life Assistant.

She loves reading, piano playing, spending time with friends, and trying to find the best Mexican food in town.

Emily Martin

Young Adult Ministry 
Partner

Born and raised in Nashville, Emily graduated from Furman University where she earned a degree in Sociology & Studio Art, served as a mentor for middle school girls, and spent summers working with the youth group at First Presbyterian Church and Daystar Counseling Ministries.

For the last year, she has been working as an executive recruiter with Elevation Search Solutions helping emerging market companies build out their teams.

Jeff Moles

Director of Music

Jeff is an experienced church musician who has served congregations in Indiana and Tennessee, most recently as music director of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Nashville. As ruling elder in the PC(USA), Jeff has served the church in a variety of roles at its local and national levels.

Since coming to Nashville in 2006 as a PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer, Jeff has been part of the staff team at Room In The Inn, where he now leads its Winter Shelter program.

Jude R.

Special Projects Partner

Jude recently graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, where he studied English with an emphasis on contemporary global literature and women’s and gender studies. After using this background to clarify his passion for social justice and community activism, he is now pursuing a Master of Social Work at MTSU.

Currently, Jude splits his time working as an associate for the Rutherford County Library System and a tutor at MTSU’s Writing Center. His interests include cats, coffee, Kermit memes, and reading. Don’t hesitate to recommend him your favorite book!

Scott Sauers

External Managemnet Partner

A recent transplant from his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland Scott has been a music ministry leader for the greater part of a  decade. With a B.S. degree of Music and a history of leadership and participation in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Scott looks to work with churches integrating change and building up new programs!

He currently works for the The Escape Game as a Guest Experience Coordinator and lives locally here in Nashville. Never failing to greet you with a joke and a warm hello, Scott is ready (at the drop of a hat) for good conversations over coffee and a good board game. 

Sara Staats

Social Media & Content Partner

Sara recently moved back to the Nashville area after graduating from The University of Tampa. She studied Marketing, along with New Media Production.

Sara currently works at Aroluxe Marketing in Brentwood as a Social Media Strategist and handles all things digital for Woodland. Don’t be alarmed if you see her taking pictures of you during service. It’s for the Woodland Facebook and Instagram pages!