Elders
Joel Busby (Staff), Hal Hepburn, Brian Kennedy, John Wells, Jason Little, and Ethan Smith (Lay).
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Grace Fellowship Ministry Team
Grace Fellowship is served on a week-in-and-out basis by a team of staff and volunteer leaders. These staff leaders include:
Joel Busby, Pastor
joel@gracebham.org
Joel joined Redeemer Community Church's staff in 2016 as Planting Pastor in order to begin the process of forming Grace Fellowship on the Western side of Homewood in 2017. Joel grew up in the Birmingham area, and attended Samford University. He is married to Mandy who works as a photographer and floral designer. After some time in ministry in Missouri and Texas, the Busbys returned to Birmingham in 2008 for Joel to study at Beeson Divinity School, where he finished an M.Div in 2011 and the Doctor of Ministry degree in 2018. Joel also holds a M.A. in Youth and Family Ministry from John Brown University.
The Busbys live in Homewood with their their three children.
John Colburn, Minister, Congregational Life and Outreach
john@gracebham.org
Originally from Atlanta, John moved to Alabama to attend the University of Alabama. His education carried him on to Beeson Divinity School, were he graduated with the M.Div in 2017.
John is married to April, one of Grace’s deacons.
Kadie Smith, Minister, Congregational Care and Women’s Discipleship
kadie@gracebham.org
Kadie joined Grace’s staff team in 2021, after previously serving as an intern and deacon. Originally from Atlanta, Kadie moved to Birmingham in 2010 to study at Samford University. Kadie is married to Ethan, one of Grace’s elders. Together they have two daughters, Adelaide and Bea. Before stepping into her role at Grace, Kadie received her Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School (2018) and completed 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2020).
Laurel Ware, Assimilation and Ministry Support
laurel@gracebham.org
Laurel has been with Grace over 5 years serving in a variety of roles, but now focuses most of her time and attention on helping new visitors and members feel welcome, connected, and integrated into the life of the church. Her primary focus is to ensure newcomers transition from first-time visitors to engaged, active members of our church community. Laurel has a deep love for people and loves serving in the local church.
Laurel is originally from Montgomery, AL and graduated from Auburn University. She has lived in Birmingham since 2012 and now resides in Homewood with her husband, Davis and young son, Jack. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys hosting friends and neighbors in their home.
Jeremy Moore, Worship-in-Song, Events, and Communications
jeremy@gracebham.org
Jeremy Moore is a singer/songwriter, and worship leader from Birmingham, Alabama, with a deep passion for church music and hymnology. A graduate of Samford University, Jeremy studied Church Music with a focus on hymnology and liturgy, shaping his approach to both contemporary worship and traditional hymns. Over the years, he has traveled extensively across the Southeast, sharing his music and leading worship. As a collaborative artist, he releases music with fellow worship leaders under the name Shades, including their 2022 album Wanderings. Jeremy also released Pillars in 2019, an album that seeks to preserve and refresh classic hymns for modern congregational worship.
Jeremy is married to Maddie.
Paige Bierman, Director, Grace Kids and Families
paige@gracebham.org
Paige grew up in Alexander City, AL and attended Auburn University. She is married to Josh, who works in sales. After two years in Lagrange, GA, the Biermans made Birmingham their home in 2014. Paige worked briefly in marketing and business development for a utility contractor before moving into local church ministry at Redeemer Community Church. She served in a variety of roles overseeing home group leadership training, assimilation, and Bible studies. The Biermans live in Vestavia with their three children- John, Anna, and Joe.
James Martin, Ministry Resident, Grace Kids and Families
james@gracebham.org
James grew up in Madison, GA. He moved to Birmingham to attend Samford University where he graduated in 2024 with a degree in Christian Religious Studies and Philosophy. James is pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School and serves Samford University as the Preministerial Scholars Coordinator.
Kelly Burchett, Volunteer Coordinator for Grace Kids
kelly@gracebham.org
Kelly and her husband Jordan have been members of Grace Fellowship for two years and have two young children- Annie and Fitz. Kelly grew up in Auburn, AL, played soccer at Samford University, and went on to teach PE for several years after graduation. She then worked as a project manager for a hospitality company. Kelly has a love for people, hospitality, and Saturdays in the fall. Her love language is baking and loves finding any excuse to bake sourdough bread for family and friends.
Michael Bowen, Director of Church Operations
michael@gracebham.org
Michael is currently serving as the Director of Church Operations at Grace Fellowship. With more than 20 years of experience in ministry, he has worked with several non-profits and churches in the Birmingham area, including roles in both operational and leadership capacities. His journey in ministry began at the age of 14 and has been shaped by a deep commitment to supporting and strengthening church communities.
Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, Michael now lives in Birmingham with his wife, Sims Bowen, and their two children, Samuel and Ellie. Outside of his work, he enjoys staying active through sports, whether it’s playing, watching, or exploring new and lesser-known games. He also has a strong passion for continuous learning and personal growth.