The Rev. Dr. Mark A. Wood is the founding pastor of Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran Church. He is the creator of the Every One His Witness evangelism program (published by Concordia Publishing House [CPH]) and re:Vitality revitalization resources. He authored Connected to Christ: Witnessing in Everyday Life (CPH 2021) and Meaningful Outreach: An Essential Guide for Churches (CPH 2022). Pastor Wood retired from the LCMS Office of National Mission in March 2025 after over ten years of service. Prior to that call, he served as the founding pastor of Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Lithia, Fla., a daughter congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brandon, Fla., where he served as the evangelism pastor from 2000 to 2008. A second-career pastor, he served for six years on active duty service in the U.S. Air Force and then worked 14 years in the aerospace-defense industry, primarily in project management systems. A 2000 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, he also holds an associate degree in computer programming, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Church Planting and Renewal from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. Pastor Wood and his wife Mary Ellen have five adult children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. They reside in Mountainbrook Village in Gold Canyon.

About Our Pastor