Maxi Wood – Worship Leader
When Maxi Wood moved to Cary, NC in 2022, she brought with her not just a suitcase, but a lifetime of music, ministry, and teaching. For over 10 years, she served as Worship Leader at Open Door Church in Clearwater, Florida, guiding people into God’s presence through music. Alongside her church work,
Maxi has spent more than 25 years teaching ESOL, helping her students from around the world find
their voice in English. She also served Tampa Bay’s immigrant and refugee community as Programs Manager for Project Prosper Inc., combining her heart for education and community outreach.
Music has always been at the center of Maxi’s story. She performed at an opening concert for Celine Dion, toured internationally with the FSU University Singers under Dr. Andre Thomas, and recorded with Blue Note jazz artist Patricia Barber and international singer-songwriter Holly Long.
You may have even seen her on TV—Chicago’s CBS “Different Drummer” or CTN’s The Gospel Voice.
But for Maxi, ministry is more than a stage. While in Tampa, she founded Melody’s Closet, a clothing ministry that provided professional attire for plus-size women, and in 2023 she published Love Thy Self, a journal for biblical self-care that blends scripture and reflection.
Today, she is blessed with the opportunity to serve the Risen Chapel family every Sunday, bringing her joy, passion, and love for the Lord into worship.
When not singing or teaching, you’ll find Maxi hanging out with her 10-year-old Bichon, Charlie, cooking up something adventurous in the kitchen, or recording new music. And no matter where she is, one thing’s for sure, she’s always smiling, because life is too short not to!
