Church Leaders
Each month, Birmingham Christian Family highlights a local church leader who is making a difference in our community. Amy Sizemore has been the Director of Children’s Ministries at Hope Church – A Community Church for more than 18 years. She never anticipated this job but God’s plan for her life was different than hers. 
1. What did your journey look like to your current position in ministry? I began volunteering and working with kids when I was in college. When I graduated high school, I actually thought I was going to be a teacher, but once I started college, I began to doubt myself and wondered if that was really what I was supposed to do. Little did I know then that God had a plan—and there wasn’t anything I could do to stop it! He had placed a calling on my life to work with children; I just didn’t fully understand what that would look like yet. My family moved to Gardendale and began attending HOPE Church, formerly Gardendale-Mt. Vernon. I was volunteering in Children’s Ministry and was serving as the Chairperson of the Children’s Ministry Team. One day, I saw in the church newsletter that they were looking for a receptionist in the church office. So, I applied. Looking back, I can see how God was using that position to prepare me for what was ahead. A few years later, the Children’s Director roll became available. Resumes came in. Interviews happened. All the while, I knew I was supposed to apply for the position. But I came up with every excuse I could think of as to why I shouldn’t- or couldn’t- do it. After a lot of praying and talking with my family and a few close friends, I finally found the courage to go for it. Looking back, I can see that God was working through every step—even the ones I didn’t understand at the time.
2. How would you describe your church family? Resilient. We’ve had a lot of changes throughout the years. Many ups and many downs. But through all of it God has remained Faithful, and our folks have remained steadfast.
3. What is one thing you would like us to know about your congregation? We genuinely care about people. We aren’t perfect, and we don’t have everything figured out, but there is a real desire here to love God, love others, and serve our community. We love people, and our genuine desire is to do our best to help others in need—to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus.
4. What can people expect when they come to worship at your church? Expect a place where everyone is welcomed and has the opportunity to worship in a way that feels meaningful to them. Our church offers both contemporary and traditional worship services, so families can choose the style that best fits them. Regardless of which service you attend, you can expect meaningful worship, a welcoming environment, and most importantly, to hear the Gospel and be reminded of God’s love and grace.
– Learn more about churches in our area, including Hope Church – A Community Church, at BirminghamChristian.com/findachurch.
