As a Winchester native, Jed Markwood has been a fixture of Youth Ministry in the Shenandoah Valley for decades. A distinguished Christian educator with a passion for helping make youth’s Christian faith the touchstone of their lives. As the Director of Youth Ministries at Braddock Street UMC, Jed provides leadership, counseling, and facilitates multiple ministries throughout the week. From our weekly Youth Group, High School Breakfast Club, Confirmation Classes and other special activities to support the church’s ministry.
Jed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Education, with a specialization in Youth Ministry and a minor in Bible from Houghton University in upstate New York. Beginning his work in Youth Ministry at Camp Overlook in 1997, Jed spent 5 summers being engrossed in Camp Ministry. Since 2001, Jed has served in a variety of capacities at several churches including The Brandermill Church in Midlothian, Lakeside UMC in Richmond, Round Hill UMC (Fred.) in Winchester.
Previously, Jed was the Executive Director of Youth for Christ of the Northern Shenandoah Valley and successfully passed the local office onto what is now YoungLife in our area. Over the years Jed also served in connection as the Winchester District UMC Young Adult Leader, District Youth Leader, and served on the VAUMC Conference Council of Youth Ministry. More recently Jed served as Pastor of Winchester Wesleyan Church prior to COVID.
Over the years, Jed has enjoyed encouraging others to serve in youth ministry through hosting interns, speaking at Camp Sandy Cove, and The Jeremiah Project, as well as collaborating with other local youth ministry leaders in the Shenandoah Valley to produce a variety of shared ministry events, concerts, and retreats.
Jed and his wife Tiffany have been doing ministry together since the summer of 1998 and were married in 2001. They welcomed their daughter Tea in 2009 and son Joah in 2011. Together, they live in Jed’s childhood home and enjoy being close to family on both sides. They love to camp together, be in God’s creation, and simply rest in the woods whenever possible. Their beloved dog Mave“Rick” is by their side whenever possible.