from TCP Magazine 20th Anniversary Edition

Andrea Peterson "Oh Lord I Worship You"

The following article was written by Dallas Street, one of our outstanding youth members at New Providence, and infused with an article written by Helen Adams, a distinguished senior member who interviewed Rev. Wood when he was on the cover of TCP Magazine in 2010. This is a version of then and now from generational perspectives and Rev. Wood’s perseverance over the past five years.

Reverend Dr. Nathaniel J. Wood is the ideal ‘Child of God’ who loves helping others through his missionary sense of Christ. He is married to Ramona Pearson, and they have two adult daughters, Naona and Natalie, and three grandsons. Rev. Wood grew up in York, PA, and graduated from William Penn Senior High School. He was a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where his parents, Deacon Major Wood and Deaconess Barbara Wood, were instrumental in his love for God.

His mother loves to tell the story of young Nate preaching at age 5. Her enthusiasm for telling the story is as vivid as the original experience of a doting mother. Not only did she have Nathaniel, but also three other amazing sons: Wayne, Major Jr., and Kevin, who traveled and sang gospel music as The Wood Brothers.

Nathaniel was a well-rounded athlete growing up in his Christian Household. As a kid, his father emphasized that Sundays were used to fellowship with family and God.

In January 1976, Nathaniel Jeffrey Wood was licensed to the Ministry under the tutelage of Reverend Dr. R. J. Manning, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, and ordained in May 1981 by the Central Baptist Association of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention. He served three years as an Assistant to Reverend Dr. J. L. Morgan, First Calvary Baptist Church, Sanford, North Carolina, and as Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Moncure, North Carolina, before his calling to New Providence. In November 1987, Rev. Wood accepted the call to become Pastor of New Providence Baptist Church, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

In 2010, when speaking with Rev. Wood about being a pastor, he talked about some of the challenges of the pastorate. He stated, “There are many challenges that come with being a pastor. The first challenge is trying to provide a ministry relevant to the times in which we live. During this season of economic crises, people need a word of encouragement, and they want to know if “There is a Word from the Lord” that speaks to their circumstances and can give them hope. A second challenge is trying to maintain personal contact with a growing membership. It is important to me to try to know every member of the church by first or last name. Since our church is constantly growing, it has presented a greater challenge for me to remember names and faces. A third challenge of being a pastor is trying to maintain unity in the church. Since the church is made up of people from all walks of life and people who are at different spiritual ma-

Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Jeffrey Wood (concluded)

turity levels, it is even more challenging to maintain unity. Perhaps the greatest of all challenges is trying to get and keep parishioners involved in Ministry.”

Ten years later, another challenge hit worldwide with the spread of COVID. During the pandemic, Rev. Wood continued to preach a message of Hope and Perseverance. It was a time when families came closer together and became more sensitive to each other’s needs. On the return to in-person service, changes were made. Social distancing requirements eliminated Moments of Fellowship, Altar Call, and the traditional Offering Time. There was no more marching around the table for tithes and offerings. Attendees now leave their offering as they exit the church or contribute online. Corporate prayer, the Intercessory Prayer Team, and Bible Study kept everyone covered in prayer. The church stayed connected to its members by all available resources, including social media, and never suffered financially.

Pastor Wood’s hobbies are Fishing and Golfing with his peers; however, life circumstances over the past five years have altered his favorite pastimes. He currently takes dial- ysis treatment three days a week. As if this wasn’t enough, a fall damaged his leg, and he is required to wear an orthotic shoe that slows his gait. Rev. Wood also had a triple bypass performed and has recovered. He exemplifies perseverance, and God can do anything but fail. He can still grace the pulpit, sing and deliver fiery sermons after everything he’s been through. He recently received approval for a kidney transplant. Please pray with us that all goes well in every aspect of this journey.

This year marks 35 years since Rev. Wood took over the leadership of New Providence. He has brought to the church a commitment to the pursuit of excellence, the practice of holistic Ministry, and his vision of kingdom-building. The church has approximately 30 auxiliaries available for all age groups to engage their talents in spiritual, mental, and physical growth within the four walls of the church and in the community. A very active Food Pantry serves 600 individuals a month with healthy food options.

Rev. Wood would like his love for God and people to be remembered as his mark on the world. His accomplishments in church building and academic achievements are minor compared to his love for God and his family.

New Providence is considered “The Friendly Church of Worship.” For more information, visit us online at www.newprovidencebaptist.com.

Credentials: After graduating from William Penn Senior High School, Rev. Wood received an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies, as well as Advanced Certificates in the same academic areas from Carolina Bible College, Fayetteville, North Carolina. He received a Master of Theology Degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary, Camilla, Georgia. He has attended several other colleges and universities, including Florida Bible College, Hollywood, FL; Manna Bible Institute, Philadelphia, PA; and Shaw University, Raleigh, NC.