Biography of Ashley E. Woodard

In 2001, Ashley Woodard was seeking more. She was looking in many different places for answers and truth about what God had for her destiny. By no coincidence, Ashley happened upon Reynolda Church in Winston-Salem, NC . It was there that she learned so much about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She was asked to sing and play guitar with a group of women at a retreat and after that moment, she knew she was destined to be a worship leader. She began to sing and play at small gatherings. She was leading worship monthly for a women's meeting and began to see the Lord move both personally and on the faces of the women involved. Ashley was astounded at what God was doing in her life.Over and over again, God would open up doors for Ashley to sing and play guitar in worship settings.

In June of 2005, Ashley joined the music leadership team at Reynolda Church after a weekend at The Cove, Black Mtn, NC, with Darlene Zschech."The Lord spoke very clearly to me during that time - through tears, music and conversation with others, He was ready for me to begin a new chapter of my life,” says Ashley.

Ashley wasn't sure she was ready, but wanted to walk in God's calling. It was at that time that "Soaring" began to take off. In June of 2006, Ashley left the comfort of her full-time position and ventured into the full-time ministry of Soaring Ministries. In July of 2006, Ashley's freshman album, Welcome Home, was released. Ashley shares, “I was writing songs and composing music in the morning, in the evening and even in the shower. It was phenomenal how the Lord was working through me. After the first CD was released, I felt immediately that God was calling me to something more. He was asking me to not be afraid to allow Him to work through me in the lives of others.” Since leaving her full-time position, she has ministered in more than 30 different venues, spanning from revival services to jail and prison ministry.

“I feel like this ministry is to also help bridge gaps between denominations. I have ministered in Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian and non-denominational congregations,” she says.

The mission of Soaring Ministries is to help the body of Christ reach their fullest potential in worship. Ashley says, “I believe that so deeply in my spirit and in my heart, that I'm willing to travel to different locations to SING the good news of Jesus Christ. The Bible exhorts us to arise and worship in spirit and in truth. Soaring aims to help the "Body" understand what worship really means. As the ministry moves into the future, into what the Lord holds, I hope it explodes with His glory and power. I hope to see worshipers arise and unashamedly bless their King and selflessly give of themselves to those who are in need.”

Ashley is still an active member and a worship leader at Reynolda Church in Winston-Salem.

In September of 2007, Ashley with the Soaring Band released a second CD entitled “Amazed by Grace.” The Lord took this music and the many stories behind the songs, and brought forth a beautiful representation of His grace and love. Ashley believes that Soaring Ministries is meant to reach hearts and glorify God.

"Who knows what the future holds, but I know who holds the future,” says Ashley.