Church Leaders
At a young age, Jody Baker put her faith in Jesus at Mountain Brook’s McElwain Baptist Church. Raised in a family who was active at McElwain and in the community, Baker began to feel the call to ministry during her high school years. It was rare for women to serve in vocational ministry in the 1980s so she trusted that the Lord would find her a place in ministry. Baker earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Samford University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Shortly after completing her first master’s degree, McElwain reached out to her about a job as the Minister of Recreation. Baker had the ministry skillset, the support of the church, and the personality to connect with people in the community. Not long after starting her vocational ministry at the church, McElwain’s Recreation Center became an integral part of the community. As her ministry grew, Baker’s responsibilities increased, and she became McElwain’s Minister of Recreation and Youth. Under her leadership, the youth program grew from a handful of participants to well over 100 students participating in events each week.
While working at McElwain, Baker earned a master’s degree in Christian education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She also led many mission trips and mentored numerous students. In addition to leading recreation and student ministries, Baker served the church as Minister of Administration and Education. Other responsibilities have included ministering to singles and senior adults, teaching Sunday School classes and Bible studies, organizing service projects, pastoral care, and countless other tasks. For over 43 years, Baker has served McElwain Baptist Church/Hope Community Church and the entire East Birmingham community by following God’s calling for her life. On January 1, 2025, Jody will be retiring, and you are invited to celebrate her faithful ministry.
The Celebration Plans. Enjoy dinner and entertainment to celebrate and honor Baker on Saturday, November 9, 2024 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Birmingham on Highway 280. Tickets are available through October 15, 2024. Adult tickets are $30, and children (under 12) tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hopebhm.org/legacy, in person, or by calling the Hope Community Church office at 205-956-0388. In addition to the celebration, the church is investing in capital improvements around the church campus in Baker’s honor. The capital improvements will include the restoration of the walking track around McElwain Park to honor Baker’s early days in the Recreation Ministry. To learn more about Hope Community Church, visit www.hopebhm.org. †
