Who We Are Celebrating

Jody Baker, a native of Birmingham, put her faith in Jesus at McElwain Baptist Church at a young age. Raised in a family who was active at McElwain and in the community, Jody 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 Jody trusted that the Lord would find her a place of ministry. 

Jody 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. Jody had the ministry skillset, the support of the church, and 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, Jody’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 at McElwain each week.  

While working at McElwain, Jody 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, Jody has served our 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, Jody 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 we are excited to celebrate her faithful ministry.