Dods was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Although he didn’t grow up in a Christian household, he came to know and follow Jesus through the Fellows Program at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church when he was in his mid-20s. It was there that he saw and experienced the beauty and truth of Christ and His Church for the first time. He earned his B.A. in English from the University of Houston before moving with his wife to Perm, Russia, where they tested a call from the Lord to full time ministry abroad.

After returning to the States, the Lord called Dods to help plant what would eventually become Sojourn Heights in the fall of 2010. Since joining the staff to serve as an associate pastor, Dods has been pursuing an M.A. in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary. His passion is to see God’s gospel and church renew the world as people come to see the beauty and goodness of Christ Jesus. Along with preaching and teaching the Scriptures, Dods has a deep desire to counsel those in crisis, distress, and pain. Privately administering the Word to others is his greatest joy. Dods and Kimberly were married in 2005 and live in Garden Oaks with their three daughters: Abigail, Penelope, and Edith. He appreicates the eclectic nature of his hometown; you can drive ten minutes in one direction and feel like you’re in a totally different place. Dods also loves travel, hiking, poetry, stationery, fountain pens, live theater, and meals around the table with friends.