Church Leaders
At a younger age, Jody Baker put her religion in Jesus at Mountain Brook’s McElwain Baptist Church. Raised in a household who was energetic at McElwain and in the neighborhood, Baker started to really feel the decision to ministry throughout her highschool years. It was uncommon for ladies to serve in vocational ministry within the Eighties so she trusted that the Lord would discover her a spot in ministry. Baker earned her undergraduate and graduate levels at Samford College and the College of Alabama at Birmingham. Shortly after finishing her first grasp’s diploma, McElwain reached out to her a few job because the Minister of Recreation. Baker had the ministry skillset, the assist of the church, and the persona to attach with individuals in the neighborhood. Not lengthy after beginning her vocational ministry on the church, McElwain’s Recreation Heart grew to become an integral a part of the neighborhood. As her ministry grew, Baker’s tasks elevated, and he or she grew to become McElwain’s Minister of Recreation and Youth. Below her management, the youth program grew from a handful of individuals to properly over 100 college students collaborating in occasions every week.
Whereas working at McElwain, Baker earned a grasp’s diploma in Christian training from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She additionally led many mission journeys and mentored quite a few college students. Along with main recreation and scholar ministries, Baker served the church as Minister of Administration and Schooling. Different tasks have included ministering to singles and senior adults, educating Sunday College courses and Bible research, organizing service tasks, pastoral care, and numerous different duties. For over 43 years, Baker has served McElwain Baptist Church/Hope Neighborhood Church and your complete East Birmingham neighborhood by following God’s calling for her life. On January 1, 2025, Jody will probably be retiring, and you’re invited to rejoice her trustworthy ministry.
The Celebration Plans. Take pleasure in dinner and leisure to rejoice and honor Baker on Saturday, November 9, 2024 starting at 6 p.m. on the Marriott Birmingham on Freeway 280. Tickets can be found via October 15, 2024. Grownup tickets are $30, and kids (below 12) tickets are $15. Tickets might be bought on-line at www.hopebhm.org/legacy, in particular person, or by calling the Hope Neighborhood Church workplace at 205-956-0388. Along with the celebration, the church is investing in capital enhancements across the church campus in Baker’s honor. The capital enhancements will embody the restoration of the strolling monitor round McElwain Park to honor Baker’s early days within the Recreation Ministry. To be taught extra about Hope Neighborhood Church, go to www.hopebhm.org. †
