On November 1, HIU alum, Ashley Wooldridge (BA ‘99), assumed the role of Senior Pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, Arizona. CCV is the 2^nd largest independent Christian church (8^th largest church) in America, reaching more than 27,000 people each week through services on seven campuses and preparing to open its eighth campus.

Founding pastor Don Wilson, who announced his retirement and succession plans back in February of 2017, passes the baton after 35 years of faithful leadership. “CCV is thriving, God is blessing, and the future of this church is secure,” stated Wilson. “I choose now to step into a new calling and turn the leadership of CCV over to a new generation. I will be available to consult and encourage Ashley as needed through the end of 2018.”

Ashley believes that he has become Senior Pastor at an exciting time. “People keep indicating downward trends in the church, but the opportunities to transform people’s lives are great!” Ashley exclaims. “We can impact culture like never before.”

Wooldridge previously served as an Executive Pastor at CCV since 2007 and has been on the Teaching Team for the last 3 years. Prior to CCV, Ashley worked at Intel, where he first felt the call to full-time ministry. Ashley believes that his time at Intel was a vital part of his overall preparation. He also attended seminary before accepting the call as Executive Pastor.

“I got a lot more leadership training than most pastors get, especially if they go directly from college to ministry,” Ashley says. “Training leaders for the church is a priority; our partnership with HIU is vital because everything rises and falls on leadership.”