Our Story

How REACH came to be

Created by faith leaders, for faith leaders Designed to foster love, unity & connectedness

REACH was created by two individuals with vastly different backgrounds but a shared vision. George, a pastor from Mississippi, and Mark, hailing from California and now living in Utah, have walked different paths in life. George’s experiences in the South and Mark’s journey in the West shaped them in unique ways. Their family dynamics, faith ideologies, and personal challenges have been diverse, but at their core, both have a powerful belief in God that guides their daily lives.

Despite their differences, George and Mark found common ground in their shared mission: to build an app that brings people together. They believe the world needs more unity and love, now more than ever. Through REACH, they aim to create a platform where faith leaders and members can connect, support each other, and grow together spiritually.

A common purpose Bridging gaps between leaders & members

REACH is meant to be a tool that helps faith communities strengthen their bonds, regardless of background or denomination.

Different background, one common goalMeet the founders

Mark Woodland

I grew up in a religious home, where Faith and God were talked about regularly, we went to church, said our prayers and honestly I didn’t think about it much, it was just what we did. I then went on a mission trip for my church to the Philippines, I saw a completely different people and fell in love with them and I started to realize that Faith mattered more than I thought it did. I came home finished school, got married and started raising a family. As happens to all of us in this life, I had ups and downs and trials and eventually I had to ask myself what exactly did I believe. At a particularly low point, I woke up and realized that God wasn’t at the center of my life, not really and I was struggling…things weren’t easy, I made mistakes and had to decide which direction I wanted to go. Would I turn to God and look to Him for guidance and help or would I turn away and make my own way. After some soul searching it became clear that I need God in my life more than ever and that my Faith was the bedrock I needed to build from. My journey with Faith and with God I think is common, we all need help, we all need support and my hope is that in a small way that REACH will help us all turn to God. I hope that REACH can help us strengthen our Faith, support each other and pull us together in unity as children of God.

George Barnett

Born and raised in a close-knit community in small-town Mississippi, I’ve been immersed in ministry since the tender age of 15. My parents imparted in me a deep trust in God and a profound love for His people from an early age. In our town, everyone was family, and community was the bedrock of our lives. However, everything changed in 2001 when I experienced the profound loss of my father and grandmother within a span of 30 days. This tragic period ushered in division within my family and community, and I found myself grappling with depression and doubt. At my lowest point, it was God alone whom I could turn to for solace and strength. Through the unwavering support of my mother and a pivotal move to Atlanta, I rediscovered my passion for ministry. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to serve in both small rural ministries and large mega-churches, including becoming a member of a 30,000-strong congregation after relocating to Atlanta in 2007. Despite the vast opportunities in Atlanta, I felt a compelling call from God to return to Mississippi. Believing that rural ministries hold a special place in God’s plan, I am committed to making a difference in these communities. I hold an MBA from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Ministry Leadership from Belhaven University. I am thoroughly convinced that Reach can bridge the gap between faith leaders, congregants, and communities. This tool has the potential to foster meaningful relationships that are essential for the flourishing of not only rural ministries but all congregations.

A cross-platform tool specifically designed for faith communities Connect, engage, & grow with REACH

Experience the power of intentional connections and community support with REACH. Together, we can build more engaged, inspired, and united faith communities.