Rodney Clingan rclingan@westwoodbaptist.net

After having served in the various roles of Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Student Pastor since 1985, Rodney followed God’s call to become Pastor at Westwood in 2006. He met his wife, Amy, in church when they were teenagers and they have been married since 1989. Amy currently works as the Library Media Specialist at Kitty Stone Elementary School. They have two children, Andrew and Ashley, who are both active in the Westwood Student Ministry and their high school. Rodney graduated from the University of North Alabama (Bachelors of Science in Finance), and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (Masters of Divinity). He is also currently working on the Doctor of Ministry degree from Mid-America Seminary.

Life Verse: Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Favorite Foods: Fried chicken, barbecue, and steak (although there aren’t many foods I don’t like). As far as places go, Firebirds and Waffle House are places I enjoy along with Edgar’s Bakery for dessert.
Hobbies: I enjoy watching movies with my family, or just hanging out with them. I also like most sports but running, golf, ping pong, and watching baseball are my favorites.
Preachers I like to listen to: There are many, but Bob Pitman, Johnny Hunt, and Junior Hill are the three at the top of my list.
Favorite Movies: Hoosiers, Fireproof, Forever Strong.
Favorite musicians: Again, there are many but Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, and Hello August seem to be who I listen to most often.
Favorite Books: The Bible, Found: God’s Will by John MacArthur, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Currently Reading: He is not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World by Al Mohler, Jr., The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer, Living the Extraordinary Life by Charles Stanley
Something interesting about me people may not know: Ever since my first Braves game where I saw Bob Horner hit his first Major League home run, I’ve always wanted to “homerun trot” the bases in Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium or now at Turner Field.

Rodney Gardner rgardner@westwoodbaptist.net

I surrendered to full time Christian service shortly after giving my life to Christ in the summer of 1989. What an awesome journey it has been and I am very grateful and thankful for God sending me my wife Donna and my two children Blake and Savannah. Donna and I were married in 1991 and came on staff at Westwood in 1999 as Minister of Education. Later, I gladly took on the role of Evangelism and Missions. God has been good to us here and in the lives of our children. Both Blake and Savannah have given their lives to the Lord. Halleluiah! Blake has graduated from college and lives in Birmingham. Savannah is a senior at Alexandria High School. Donna is an Occupational Therapist and works with the Calhoun County School System. I am committed and consider it a privilege to serve with this body of believers – my Family – in making disciple-makers.

Life Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 – v.20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Favorite musicians: Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Selah Kari Jobe and my newest artist is Christy Nockels
Favorite Foods: Barbecue sandwich with slaw (Tobasco), fries and large Sweet Tea.
Hobbies: Tennis, Golf, and Fishing.
Favorite Books: Pursuit of God by A.W.Tozer, Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee
Currently Reading: God by Francis Chan, Living Sacrifice by Helen Roseveare

David Warren dwarren@westwoodbaptist.net

I have been a youth and worship pastor for over 30 years. I play piano, guitar, and write and arrange music. I have authored several full length musical plays, as well as, two books on Youth Ministry. My Christian influences include Adrian Rogers and Franklin Graham. My wife, Andra, loves to minister to young couples and women. She has a heart for serving God 100% and is a great example of a wife and mother. We have 4 wonderful, Godly children. Jessica is a great worship leader and is engaged to Caleb Hollis and getting ready for an upcoming August Wedding. Seth is an awesome drummer and is also serving in a church and living in Northport, Alabama. He is married to the former Lindsey Strickland and is seeking a career in professional soccer. Natalie is a Worship Leader and she is married to David Askew and they live in Muscle Shoals, AL. They are the core members of the group Hello August. They are parents of Esther Ruth, our granddaughter. Ty is a doctor in Dothan Alabama and he is married to the former Dana Herren. They are parents of Addie Grace, our granddaughter. I thank God for my wonderful family and our challenge to our children has always been to follow the Lord in all things and live a life that pursues The Great Commission.

Life Verse: Ephesians 5:16 Making the most of your time because the days are evil.
Favorite Foods: Steak and fries, Hot Tamales and Mike and Ike's, Mata's Pizza, Dante's Italian Restaurant (The sauce is amazing!!)
Hobbies: Woodworking, tennis, and biking
Favorite Sports: Love all sports except golf
Favorite Movies: Thor, The Bourne Trilogy, The Holiday, August Rush, Tron Legacy, and Transformers
Favorite Music Groups: Hello August, Melody on 26th, Decemberadio, Anberlin, Lincoln Brewster, Imogen Heap, James Morrison, Mute Math, Mike and the Mechanics (old school)
Favorite Books: Anything by John Eldridge, Watchman Nee; The Normal Christian Life, Dietrich Bonhoeffer; The Christian Life and Biography
Currently Reading: The Normal Christian Life and How To Get From Where You are to Where You Want to Be by Andy Stanley

Kim Screws kscrews@westwoodbaptist.net

I became the Ministry Assistant at Westwood Baptist in June 2008 after working in the medical field for over twenty years. I came to know my Lord at the age of 10. I married my high school sweetheart 25 years ago and God has blessed us with two incredible sons. My husband, Keith, works full time and is also the Country Coordinator of Tanzania with a ministry called e3 Partners. He goes on approximately three trips to Tanzania each year. All of my family has had the opportunity to go with him and it is truly a life-changing experience. We have been able to witness thousands come to know Christ. My oldest son, Dustin, is currently a senior at UAB majoring in Nuclear Medicine. He is engaged to a precious young lady, Anna Poole, and they are scheduled to be married in July 2012. Dalton is a Senior at Wellborn High School. He plays guitar, sings, plays football, baseball, and basketball. He is also very funny and keeps our home full of laughter! Some friends invited us to Westwood’s Trunk-or-Treat in 2000 and we have been members ever since. I love ministering to my church family! It’s the greatest job ever!

Life Verse: Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Favorite Foods: Zaxby’s
Favorite Sports: Football (except PRO FOOTBALL – can’t stand that)
Favorite Author: I love anything by Charles Stanley!

Lorraine Guyer lguyer@westwoodbaptist.net

Janie Matson westwoodweecare@cableone.net

I became the Director at Westwood Wee Care Child Development Center in September of 2004. My heart is to help teach children in their early years the social skills and self control needed based on the Biblical principles found in God's word, using a variety of activities and Christian curriculum to help them learn and grow.

In 1976 I married my High school sweetheart and best friend. Tim is a Deacon here at Westwood. We have 2 great children and 7 wonderful grandchildren.

Life Verse: Colossians 4:2-6 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Hobbies: Anything with my grandchildren
Favorite Restaurant: Ruby Tuesday
TV favorites: Little House on the Prairie and Shirley Temple.
Favorite Author: Max Lucado

Cynthia Thompson 

I became the Director of the Preschool Ministry on August 7th, 2011. I have a tremendous love for children and place a high standard on learning. I possess a calm attitude and superb understanding of children’s needs. My goal is to partner with families as the director of a creative Preschool Ministry. My purpose is to bring children into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, helping them to grow in their love for God and service to others.

I have taught Kindergarten Sunday School for 4 years, then 2nd grade Sunday school for 1year. I have been married to my husband Terry for 14 years. We have two beautiful children who share a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. TJ is thirteen and Mariah is eleven, they both received early instructions in the word of God through spiritual programs here at Westwood Baptist Church

Life Verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Education: Alabama A&M University, BS in Communication Disorders, Bloomsburg University, Master of Ed, In Special Education.
Hobbies: Choreographing Praise Dance Routines, Walking/Running in 5k’s.
Favorite Sports: Anniston and Weaver High School Football, College Football. Braves Baseball
Favorite Movies: Beauty in the Beast, Fireproof, Remember the Titans, and Facing the Giants.
Favorite Books: “Purpose Driven Life”, “Heaven Is for Real”, “The Power of a Praying Wife”.
Favorite Music: CeCe Winans, Tramaine Hawkins, Dottie Peoples, Kirk Franklin, John P Kee, Hello August, Mercy Me, Lecrae, Chris Tomlin, Newsboys, Newsong, Donald Mckirkland, Yolanda Adams.
Favorite Quote: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck

Pam McElroy 

Leading children to Jesus is my passion, and I have had the honor of fulfilling this calling by serving the children of Westwood Baptist Church for seven years. I began as the children's director in 1993 and served until the fall of 1997, when I obtained my first teaching position. Then after raising my own children and becoming established in my teaching career, God allowed me to return to my first love and serve in this awesome ministry in 2008. I have had the opportunity to see many of my "children" grow up and accept God's calling on their lives to serve on the mission field, teach Sunday School, and even become leaders in the church serving in ministries such as youth and the deacon body.

God has richly blessed me with an amazing family! My husband Scott and I have will be married 30 years in October. Scott serves as a deacon at Westwood and is my partner in the children's ministry. We have two beautiful daughters, two wonderful sons in law, and a grandson that lights up our world. Our daughter Kristin and her husband Corey serve in the music and youth ministries at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Kristin and Corey are the proud parents of Levi and our newest addition, Eden Ray, arriving in December! Karah, our youngest daughter, is a graphic designer in Kennesaw, Georgia She and her talented husband Grayson serve in the music ministry at North Star Church in Woodstock, Georgia.

Life Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Jacksonville State University, Masters of Science , University of Alabama
Hobbies: If I want to relax I play in dirt! I love to plant flowers! I planted over 35 containers this summer! Decorating my home with unusual items. Reading a good book on the shores of Navarre Beach Florida!
Favorite Sports: Roll Tide!
Favorite Food: Anything chocolate and ice cold watermelon!
Favorite Movies: Toy Story I, II and III, Thomas the Train-not much of a movie buff but anything that Levi loves, so does GIGI!
Favorite Books: Anything by Beth Moore or Chuck Swindoll!
Favorite Music: Casting Crowns, Building 429, Sidewalk Prophets, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, and Mercy Me
Favorite Quote: "Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children." Chuck R. Swindoll