Meet Our Pastor

Pastor Billy Sander is a joyful and deeply devoted United Methodist pastor who believes that ministry is less about standing behind a pulpit and more about walking beside people—sometimes with muddy boots, a microphone in hand, and a good story to tell. He is excited to begin his ministry at Westwood United Methodist Church in July 2025, bringing with him not just sermons and songs, but a heart that beats for authentic relationships, shared laughter, and the everyday miracles of grace.
Originally from the sun-soaked desert of Yuma, Arizona, Pastor Billy has journeyed through both literal and spiritual wildernesses—and found God’s faithfulness in every dry season and mountaintop. He’s a storyteller at heart, shaped by his love of music, his history studies, and his belief that faith should be lived out in technicolor, not black and white.
Billy is happily married to Mary, the true anchor of his life and the best duet partner he’s ever had. Together with their imaginative son Jeremiah—who could out-preach a pulpit if given the chance—and their dog Duke, who believes he’s the real pastor of the house, the Sander family fills their days with movie nights, epic Pokémon battles, spontaneous dance parties in the living room, and late-night theological debates over ice cream.
Pastor Billy sees Westwood not just as a church but as a garden waiting to bloom. His hope is to till the soil gently, water it with love, and help it grow into something that feeds not just the congregation, but the whole community. Whether you’ve been here for generations or are just wandering in with questions and coffee stains, Pastor Billy is ready to walk with you.