Woodlawn Chapel was organized on Pentecost Sunday, 1990 by the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, the regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.) in Saint Louis, MO. Strategically planted on eleven tree-lined acres at the corner of Clayton and Strecker Roads in a rapidly developing neighborhood of western Saint Louis County, Woodlawn's birth was the result of years of planning by the denomination and a generous bequest from the estate of Dr. Alfred M. Langenbach, a Saint Louis dentist. Today, the church serves the neighborhoods of Wildwood, Ballwin, Ellisville and Chesterfield, with members coming from across the Saint Louis metro area. We are a multi-generational faith community that rejoices in God's gift of diversity.  Our worship is dynamic and joyful, often combining traditional and contemporary liturgy. Woodlawn Chapel's membership mirrors the community of Wildwood and west Saint Louis County- including retirees, empty nesters, younger families, youth, and dual-income households.

Each Sunday brings opportunities for worship and education for children, yout and adults.  Leaving worship, our members are energized for mission in the world, serving regularly at Joint Neighborhood Ministries in Saint Louis' Benton Park neighborhood or other places of need.  Men's and women's groups meet regularly for fellowship and service. Throughout the week, our doors are open for an outstanding Mother's Day Out ministry to young children. Bible studies, discussion groups and  Taize Worship services round out our calendar of events.  Youth in middle school and high school enjoy the mission and spirituality focus of these groups. Youth are encouraged to participate in all levels of the church's life, including service as Deacons and Elders. Children find worship that welcomes them, and a professionally-staff nursery. Woodlawn strives to practice hospitality -- drop by on Sunday, and you'll be greeted with a loaf of freshly-baked Friendship Bread! It's our way of saying "Welcome, we're delighted to meet you!"

Pastoral & Program Staff

Rev. Dr. Chris Keating, pastor, was called to Woodlawn in 1999.  Chris and his wife, the Rev. Carol Keating, have four children. Rev. Keating is a graduate of the University of La Verne, in California and Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. He recently completed his doctor of ministry degree with an emphasis on church leadership at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO and will graduate in 2007. Previously, he served as associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Pueblo, CO and Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, KS.  Chris grew up in Southern California, and has lived in the midwest since 1989. Chris is passionate about preaching, congregational transformation, and pastoral care. He received training as a facilitator from Healthy Congregations from Dr. Peter Steinke, and has conducted healthy congregation workshops for congregations. He recently received training in conflict mediation from the Lombard, IL Mennonite Peace Institute, and served as an adjunct professor at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, MO. His doctoral dissertation included developing a model of shared leadership for multiple staff ministry teams. In 2010, he will serve the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy as its vice-moderator, and was formerly moderator of its committee on ministry. Chris' other interests include writing, reading, gardening, volunteering at his children's schools and cooking everything from awesome enchiladas to Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches! Call Chris at 636-458-3009, ext. 222.  He can also be found on Facebook.