My name is Ian Woods and I live in the English Lake District National Park. I’m husband to Nicky and dad to five great kids. I’m part of Kings Church Keswick, a church in the community seeking to love people and love God

I'm honoured to have served as pastor to churches in Cockermouth, Whitehaven and Dalbeattie, having spent ten years pioneering new churches in West Cumbria and South West Scotland. I am the Director of Onesimus, a training consultancy focusing on principle centred leadership and bringing God’s wisdom into business. I’m also a member of the UK Board of EquipUK a non-profit organisation specialising in the development of effective international Christian leaders.

Previous careers include 12 years as an engineer in the military, and 10 years as a professional athlete competing in the Winter Olympic sport of Biathlon, including two Olympics and over 80 World Cup and World Championship competitions. I was also the TeamGB head coach and manager up until the Salt Lake City Olympic Games.
my connection with sport these days includes participation in ultra distance triathlon, and commentating for Eurosport and Discovery Channel.

I became a Christian in July 1985 when I was invited to a simple Gospel meeting. What I heard challenged my understanding of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. During that event, for the first time in my life my thoughts went upward, as if I was opening up my mind to God ‘up there somewhere’. Suddenly I knew the truth; God had sent his son, Jesus, to die for me. Everything changed!
My colleagues back at the regiment were unimpressed and immediately set about trying to save me from being saved! I received intimidation, threats and psychological blackmail. On many occasions I really wanted to give up. Life would be back to normal again. I could enjoy the things I’d turned away from - that were very much a part of the old me. But... I knew God had spoken to me and I simply could not see any alternative than to live my life for Him.
As an Olympian or TeamGB coach I have had many terrific opportunities to talk to people about Jesus. Likewise in my job as a training consultant and executive coach I believe God gives me opportunities to introduce people to Him. He then does the rest, as Philip said in John 1:46 “come and see for yourself"