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They say, "Time flies when you are having fun" and time has flown for Ashley Woodard as she has served the Lord in worship ministry and leadership for more than eight years. In 2001, Ashley Woodard was seeking more from her relationship with God and looking for answers and truth about her destiny. By no coincidence, Ashley happened upon Reynolda Church in Winston-Salem, NC, and it was there that she learned so much about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She was given the opportunity to sing and worship with a group of women at a retreat and in that moment she realized her destiny was to be a worship leader. After a chain of events that only God can orchestrate, Ashley found herself leading worship for women's ministry at Reynolda and stepping onto the platform at Reynolda Church on Sunday mornings. As Ashley was singing and playing music in churches and at retreats, she began to see the Lord move, both personally and on the faces of the people in the crowd. She was astounded at what God was doing in her life and in the lives of those around her. Over and over again, God would open doors for Ashley to sing and play guitar in worship settings. Ashley officially joined the music leadership team at Reynolda Church in 2005. After a weekend worship training with Darlene Zschech at The Cove, in Black Mountain, NC…"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. She wasn't sure she was ready, but knew in her heart she wanted to walk in God's calling. It was at that time that "Soaring Ministries" began to take off. “I had no idea where Soaring was headed, but I was determined to get on board.” 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. “I was writing songs and composing music in the morning, in the evening and even in my sleep. It was phenomenal how the Lord was working through me. After the first CD (WH) was released, I immediately felt God 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" says Ashley. Ashley released her second album, Amazed by Grace in August of 2007 and is currently working on her third album to be released in 2009. “The second CD didn't come as easily as the first, but I knew it was going to reach a broader audience and I was definitely challenged.” Ashley is looking forward to the recording and releasing of the third album. “There are some very distinct themes throughout the music and it will be wonderful to see how God will use this music to bring forth freedom and an understanding of His heart for His beloved.” Since leaving her full-time position, Ashley has worked with local churches, ministered in revival services, led worship at women's retreats & church conferences, community worship events and in jail and prison ministries. This ministry has been one of bridging gaps across ages and denominations. As Ashley ministers in a variety of churches, venues and congregations, it's evident that the call on her life is not just to minister in one type of setting. Ashley also does consulting work for churches that desire to take a step from traditional music to contemporary, OR desire to train their church musicians in the area of worship. There is also a team of people that come together to help with technology and sound in churches. Ashley currently serves as Worship Leader at Reynolda Church in Winston-Salem.
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