Church Leadership
Jacob Simmons
Pastor
Jacob Simmons is originally from Hendersonville, TN. He has a B.S. in Business Management from Samford University, an MBA from Samford’s Brock School of Business, and a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Preaching from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served on staff at churches in Hendersonville, Birmingham, London, and Chicago. Jacob is married to Suzanne, a hospital chaplain at UAB Hospital, and is the father of John and Bea.
jsimmons@hopebhm.org
Hannah Gibson
Ministry Associate
Hannah Gibson is a Birmingham native. She has a B.A in Religion with a concentration in Ministry Leadership from Samford University and she is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Beeson Divinity School. She has served with children of all ages and abilities and she is excited to be serving the families at Hope! In her free time, she enjoys a good cup of coffee, all things Disney, being outside, and a good book.
hgibson@hopebhm.org
Jody Baker
Minister of Education & Administration
Jody Baker is from Birmingham, AL and has been on staff at Hope Community (formerly McElwain) since 1981. She has a B.S. in Education from Samford University, a Master of Education from UAB, and a Master of Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Jody’s passion is helping people use their gifts for the Kingdom. In her spare time, Jody enjoys reading, traveling, and sports.
jbaker@hopebhm.org
Tucker Bryant
Ministry Associate
Tucker Bryant is from Macon, GA. He has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School. He has spent his time in undergrad serving students at churches in Macon and Athens and is excited to work with the students of Hope Community Church. In his free time, Tucker enjoys reading a good book, playing disc golf, and watching college football.
tbryant@hopebhm.org
Dennis Garrett
Campus Facilities Director
Dennis Garrett, a native of Pell City, Alabama, is a military veteran with a strong educational background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. He is married to Michelle, a dedicated disability instructor at the ARC of Saint Clair County, and is the proud father of two children, Christopher, and Shea.
dgarrett@hopebhm.org
Jeff Hindman
Worship Minister
Jeff Hindman is from Birmingham, AL. He has a B.S. in Management from the University of Alabama. He was ordained into ministry in October of 2000. Jeff started leading worship when he was in college and spent 10 years leading worship for camps and conferences. Since that time, he has served in the local church and has been a church planter. Jeff has been serving at Hope Community Church since January 2020.
jhindman@hopebhm.org
Jon Meads
Family Minister
Jon Meads is from Birmingham, Alabama. He has a B.A. in Religion from Samford University and Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School. He has served on staff at churches across the Birmingham area. He is married to Claire, a Speech Language Pathologist at UAB Hospital, and is the father of Lydia and Wade.
jmeads@hopebhm.org
Reggie Hatcher
Director of Community Outreach
Reggie Hatcher is originally from Birmingham, AL. He graduated from UAB and has served on staff at two local churches in full-time recreation ministry. Reggie is married to Sarah, who is a Samford graduate and works as a Registered Nurse at Children’s Hospital. Together, they have 2 beautiful daughters; Isla is and Hazel. Reggie is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends, exercising, writing, playing pickleball, and visiting the beach.
rhatcher@hopebhm.org
Rebecca Yerby
Administrative Director
Rebecca Yerby is originally from Madison, AL. She has a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration, Accounting from The University of Alabama. Rebecca started her career as a staff accountant at large local CPA firm in Birmingham, AL. As her career progressed, she transitioned to a Financial Planner and received her Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Rebecca is married to Thomas, a Tax Manager for a large privately held construction company, and they have two sons, Charlie and John Henry. Rebecca joined the staff of Hope Community Church in November 2022 to continue to utilize her knowledge in accounting and finance while also spending more time at home with her family. She looks forward to using her spiritual gifts of administration and discernment in her role at Hope.
