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
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
Executive Minister of Programming
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. He has served the local church in itinerate and staff roles. Jeff accepted the call of the Lord to change roles here at Hope Community Church in Jan 2025. Jeff will be involved in overall church health in the areas of programming and staff. Jeff has been serving at Hope Community Church since January 2020 as the Worship Minister and is looking forward to what God will do in the church and himself in the new role.
jhindman@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.
ryerby@hopebhm.org
Rush Lachina
Ministry Associate
Rush Lachina is from Trussville, Alabama. He is currently pursuing a B.A. in Christian Ministry at Samford University. Rush was originally on staff at First Baptist Church Trussville where he served as the Children’s Ministry Associate. During his free time, he loves to read (ask him about his favorite books!), playing and watching all kinds of sports, (especially the Boston Red Sox and the Crimson Tide!), planning and playing all kinds of games, and spending time with the people that he loves. Rush is so excited to continue his passion of making disciples in the next generation here at Hope
rlachina@hopebhm.org
Jody Baker
Retired - Minister of Education & Administration
Jody Baker is from Birmingham, AL and was on staff at Hope Community (formerly McElwain) since 1981. Jody retired in December and is loving ministry and life in new rhythms and ways. We are leaving her contact information here for a season as she still has access during this transition.
jbaker@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
Jake Adler
Worship Minister
Jake is excited to be a part of the Hope Community team! Having served in Birmingham, Des Moines, and now Birmingham again, his greatest passion is creating spaces in which people can engage with God. Jake can’t remember a time when music wasn’t a part of his life, from singing in kids choir, learning to play Beatles songs as a teen, and beginning his worship journey barefoot in a backyard with a Tuesday night small group - Jake believes worship attends to the soul, and when we lift a song, we aren’t singing to an empty room. Jake loves to develop worship leaders of all ages and backgrounds. Jake studied Music and Worship at Samford University. He is married to Meredith, who also loves to use her musical abilities to serve the church.