Randy Woodley

Associate Professor of Faith and Culture
Director of Intercultural and Indigenous Studies

503-554-6031
rwoodley@georgefox.edu

Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley is a Keetoowah Cherokee Indian teacher, lecturer, poet, activist, pastor and historian. Dr. Woodley received his baccalaureate degree from Rockmont college (now Colorado Christian University) in Denver, Colorado. He was ordained to the ministry through the American Baptist Churches in the USA after graduating with a Masters of Divinity degree from Eastern Seminary (now Palmer), Philadelphia. Randy's Ph.D. is in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Seminary, Kentucky.

Dr. Woodley has authored several books, contributing essays and articles in books such as the Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics (Baker Academic), An Emergent Manifesto of Hope (Baker), The Justice Project (Baker), and The Global Dictionary of Theology (IVP). Renowned Missiologist Ralph Winter says of Woodley's book, Living in Color: Embracing God's Passion for Ethnic Diversity (IVP), it is "perhaps the most important book any American citizen could read who wants to truly understand global missions." Dr. Woodley is active in the ongoing discussion concerning the Emerging Church Movement, diversity and mission. Dr. Woodley regularly publishes at his own blog, "Ethnic Space and Faith." He is a regular contributor to God's Politics Blog: Jim Wallis and Friends.

Randy Woodley pastored the Eagle Valley Church in Carson City, Nevada, which for many years served as a unique role model of an authentic Native American Christian church. He and his wife Edith are cofounders of Eagle's Wings Ministry and are considered early innovators in the Native American Contextual Movement, having spent over two decades in Native American culturally contextual ministry. Dr. Woodley is a founding board member of NAIITS, the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies; founder of Christians for Justice; and teaches church history, missions, religion, theology, spirituality and cultural studies at George Fox Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Ore.

The Woodleys have developed a uniquely holistic model of Native American ministry called Ministry in a Good Way. Currently, he and Edith are most active in consulting and mentoring those starting churches and ministries among Native Americans.

The Woodleys have four children and they maintain a small farm and live in Newberg, Ore.