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, Lead 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 one daughter, Adelaide. 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, Ministry Support Coordinator
laurel@gracebham.org
Laurel grew up in Montgomery, AL, and then graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Upon graduation, Laurel moved to Birmingham in 2012. Laurel came to Grace Fellowship after spending several years nannying for two Grace children. Prior to being a Nanny, she worked in ministry as a Volunteer and Client Care Coordinator at Sav-A-Life, Vestavia. Laurel is married to Davis.
Jeremy Moore, Worship-in-Song Coordinator
jeremy@gracebham.org
Jeremy is a Birmingham native and graduated from Samford University with a degree in Church Music studying liturgy and hymnology. He has traveled the southeast extensively as a singer/songwriter and worship leader. In 2019, he released Pillars, a hymns album that focused on updating and preserving the hymns of the Church.
Jeremy is married to Maddie.
Paige Bierman, Kids and Families Coordinator
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.