Brayden Smith serves as the Student Ministry Director at Wooddale Edina campus. His primary goal is for every student to feel seen, known, heard and loved the moment they step into the ministry. Brayden is deeply passionate about seeing students have authentic encounters with Jesus and being radically transformed for God’s glory. He loves equipping them to go out, disciple others and invite their friends into a lasting relationship with Christ.
Brayden holds a Bachelor of Science in Youth and Family Ministries, a Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies and a Master of Arts in Christian Studies, along with a minor in counseling. His previous experience at Wooddale includes starting the 4th- and 5th-grade program at the Edina campus and interning in the 5th- and 6th-grade ministry at the Eden Prairie campus. Beyond the church, Brayden serves his community as a volunteer Police Chaplain for the Edina Police Department and as a Religious Affairs NCO (formerly known as a Chaplain Assistant) for the Minnesota National Guard.
Brayden and his wife, Jaci, have a daughter, Adira, and a Cavapoo named Bambi. As a family, they enjoy going on walks and trying new local places to eat. His favorite scripture is Luke 9:23-25, which reminds him of the daily call to discipleship and the ultimate importance of living for Christ.