Pastor Wanda Myers has lived as a single career woman and as a working mother. She has thrived in male-dominated workplaces, both secular and religious. Myers has done it all with humility, confidence, and a quiet spirit. And for almost nine years, she has faithfully led a congregation in Waynesboro, Virginia.
Myers was born in Stanley, Virginia, near the Luray Caverns in Page County. She tells of how the Lord saved her father from generational alcohol abuse, setting him free when she was only three years old: “I never knew (my parents) as unsaved.” She has fond memories of her childhood, growing up as a PK, a “pastor’s kid,” and playing piano at the young age of 3. She learned to play by ear and has been able to minister with music across several states throughout her life. Saved at the young age of seven, Myers says that her baptism by the Holy Spirit has left a more significant impression in her heart than even her initial salvation: “My denomination spoke that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was another work of grace; I remember being filled around the age of 12.” Myers describes this experience as a turning point in her life.
Just out of high school, she was chosen to work as a teller at a newly constructed bank in her hometown. This opportunity would begin a decades-long career in banking and open doors that she never would have imagined. The Lord’s favor on her life has been evident as she worked her way up through the ranks of a well-known bank. Eventually, she was chosen as an instructor for the institution’s university, coaching and training employees at all levels, including corporate executives. She stayed in this position for ten years. Myers was the only one of 18 individuals hired who did not have a formal college degree. Later, she worked as a private banking and wealth management consultant, even as a certified consultant with John Maxwell. Myers shared that knowing how to give excellent customer service was one of the greatest keys to her success.
Myers has always been one to dive in headfirst, giving her whole heart to whatever she was called. At 25 or 26, she began seeing her future husband, Larry, a widower with five children, aged 13, 12, 10, 9, and 4: Glenn, Larry Jr., Stacey, Mike, and Shenndy. Myers shared that she knew he was her future, and while transitioning from being a single, working woman to a wife and working mom of five was a drastic change, she knew “these children needed a mom.”
A Newly Married Wanda and Larry Myers
A Young Myers Family
She shared that the transition was difficult, but the children always respected her. Myers jokes that she wasn’t much of a cook initially; she had never really needed to be: “Larry was the better cook back then. But I bought some cookbooks, and I’d say I’m the better cook now!” Myers and her husband went on to have another child, Jordan, and now, they have six children, 12 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren! What a beautiful testament to God’s plans for restoration and growth!
Pastors Larry & Wanda and Their Six Children Today
Myers and her husband have been married for 45 years, and in that time, Pastor Larry Myers has pastored three different churches. As Myers served alongside him, she continued to work in the secular banking world. She also served the IPHC at the conference level for the Appalachian Conference, first on the Appalachian Women’s Ministries Board, then as the first woman voted onto the Appalachian Conference Executive Council in its 100 years. She still serves on the Executive Council now. Bishop Preston Mathena, Superintendent of the Appalachian Conference, had this to say about Pastor Wanda Myers: “Wanda is so creative. She knows just what to do to make any event or gathering memorable. When she enters a room, the atmosphere changes. She can change a negative gathering into a positive one just by being there. We are so thankful to have her as part of our conference.”
The Former Appalachian Conference Women’s Ministries Board
Myers shared that almost ten years ago, her husband felt the Lord tell him it was time to retire. Two months later, Myers was called to temporarily fill in at Good News Ministries in Waynesboro, VA, as the church sought a new pastor. She was no stranger to the pulpit and felt right at home at Good News Ministries, just 25 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia. As the church was interviewing for their new pastor, Myers began to feel her heart knitting together with this church family, and the congregation felt the same way. Soon, to her surprise, she was chosen as the new lead pastor.
Pastor Wanda Myers Preaching Her First Message at Good News Ministries
The roles in the Myers family had changed. For many years, Myers had supported her husband in his ministry while she worked full-time in the secular arena. Now, he was retired and would take on the support role while she worked full-time as a lead pastor. He always encouraged her, saying, “I will support you with anything that you feel God has called you to do.”
Pastors Larry and Wanda Myers Today
They were ready for this new season. Myers shared: “One thing we truly developed throughout our marriage was praying for each other. My husband has been such a support for me. He understands and can pray.” Myers explained that even though their ministry styles are different (she is more structured, and he likes to take life moment by moment), they complement and balance each other well. Pastors Wanda and Larry are thankful to continue to serve and support one another. They also enjoy worshipping together through music, including their youngest son, Jordan, in their “Myers Trio.”
Myers Trio
Their new church home has benefitted greatly from Myers’ leadership and her financial knowledge. Before Myers’ arrival, Good News Ministries ran a business out of its location, which was in the red. Myers immediately went to work to bring that business into the black; to make that happen, she needed to send out several “past-due” notices. While nobody likes to work on debt collections, Myers’ banking experience enabled her to do so quickly and efficiently. Myers also consolidated other debt the church had accrued over the years. With careful planning, the church was able to take some much-needed steps forward in rehabbing and caring for its facility, such as paving all of the necessary exterior areas. Myers quickly points out: “God has helped us do it all. I can’t take any credit for that.”
Exterior of Good News Ministries
Having a woman as a head pastor in our nation is unusual. Of course, it’s nothing new within the IPHC, but sometimes, being the only woman in a sea of male pastors can be challenging. Myers explained how she deals with those in her community who may be unsupportive of a woman as a lead pastor, sharing, “I just approach it differently. I’ll love you regardless – if we agree on this issue or not. I know the Lord has called me, and in Him, I have confidence. He has a part for me to do in the Kingdom, and I’m gonna do that.” Some women feel the need to make a stand and speak out about being a female pastor. Myers said, “It’s just not my personality.” She lets her life be her testimony.
God has weaved His perfect love and provident plan throughout Pastor Wanda Myers’ life; she is an inspirational woman and a great role model for young and mature women alike. Let’s pray that the Lord will continue to grow Good New Ministries and bless the Myers family with health and joy as they walk confidently in His calling, serving the people of Waynesboro, Virginia.
