Nearly seven years after moving to Woodlawn, Alabama, Dan Edwards, MDiv ’24, has planted The Way City Church in the city he has grown to love. The church launched Feb. 1 with a vision of cultivating a vibrant Gospel presence rooted in discipleship and community.
Edwards sensed both opportunity and calling in Woodlawn—a neighborhood experiencing thoughtful revitalization and renewed investment. While development is reshaping the area physically, Edwards felt called to participate in its spiritual renewal as well.
The Way City Church aims to disciple at least 50 people into intentional discipleship relationships by 2027. Edwards believes discipleship is not a program but a culture—one where mature believers naturally “bring someone along” in their walk with Christ.
“Discipleship is simply helping someone follow Jesus the way someone once helped you,” Edwards said. “As people grow in the Gospel and experience real transformation, they want to walk with others in that same way.”
Launching in Woodlawn places the church alongside the city’s steady revitalization. Local leaders have pursued a thoughtful approach to community development, and Edwards sees the church as part of that broader story—offering spiritual grounding and belonging.
“We’re in a unique moment,” Edwards said. “There are people searching for community and a deeper understanding of Scripture. We want to create a spiritual home where people can find and follow Jesus together.”
Edwards credits Samford University's Beeson Divinity School with providing focused theological training that strengthened his preaching and pastoral ministry. Exposure to students from diverse denominational backgrounds also sharpened his understanding of his own convictions while deepening his appreciation for the broader church.
During his time at Beeson, Edwards interned at Church of the Cross, an Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. Church of the Cross partnered with Harvest Community Church—Edwards’ home church—to help launch The Way City Church.
Much of the early work centered on relationships: small groups, shared meals, Bible studies and one-on-one conversations. Edwards and his wife, Mwannasheria, prioritized cultivating community from the ground up.
In December 2024, the Edwards family experienced profound loss when their daughter passed away 15 days after being born. The following year became a season of grief and perseverance.
“We had to lean deeply on community,” Edwards said. “That experience shaped our church’s commitment to being present with one another.”
Listening, vulnerability and Gospel-centered transformation remain core values of The Way City Church.
“One of our core values is ‘listening is loving,’” Edwards said. “When we truly listen, we create space for healing and growth.”
The church also emphasizes vulnerability as a pathway to transformation. “The degree to which we step into the light,” Edwards said, “is the degree to which God transforms us.”
Above all, the church centers its life around the Gospel.
“The Gospel changes everything,” Edwards said. “It’s what transforms us from the inside out. We want to help people see how the good news of Jesus shapes every part of life.”
To learn more about The Way City Church, visit thewaycity.church.