Dr Curtis Woods has struggled with life for the past several months as senior pastor at Severns Valley Baptist Church.
In front of many of his congregation at Elizabethtown Church, Woods announced his resignation on Sunday.
Woods, who took over as senior pastor in September 2020, told worshipers he was in an ongoing battle with “clinical depression.”
In a letter posted to the church’s Facebook page and one he read after Sunday’s second service, Woods said, “I have spent the last few months considering my role as SV Senior Pastor. As many of you know, I had a significant battle with clinical depression among other mental abnormalities that made me question my ability to lead this congregation to a better future.
“I have discovered a lot about my personality and my spiritual life in recent months which will require more intense counseling sessions for an indefinite period of time, invariably hampering my ability to effectively lead staff and the church,” a- he added.
His resignation takes effect immediately.
Woods, married with three sons, replaced Bill Langley, who left for a post on the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Severns Valley is the oldest evangelical church west of the Allegheny Mountains and was founded on June 18, 1781 and is one of the largest congregations in Hardin County.
“The immediate goal of our church is to continue supporting Pastor Curtis and his family during this time,” SVBC Associate Moderator Kevin Ray said.
“Since Sunday’s announcement, our congregation has continued to show care and concern for Pastor Curtis and his family.
Ray said in the immediate future, “a combination of guest pastors and our own knowledgeable staff will provide weekly messages.”
Ray said the church has regulations in place to direct the search for a new pastor, starting with the formation of a senior pastor search team to be approved by members.
He said the research will start soon.
Woods said the SVBC church board and congregation supported him as he took steps “to become more emotionally healthy.”
Jeff D’Alessio can be reached at 270-505-1404 or [email protected].
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