BROOK HILLS - Key Persons

Abbie Henderlight

Job Titles:

Associate College Minister

Abner Aguilar

Job Titles:

Iglesia La Conexión Pastor

Alison Matthews

Job Titles:

Associate Student Minister

Ministry Role & Responsibility: I have the great honor of serving our 6th-12th grade students and their families. Within that, I teach, lead small groups, and help provide leadership within the Student Ministry. One of my greatest joys is that I am able to partner alongside girls, moms, and female leaders. About Me: I am originally from Florence, SC, but have called Birmingham home since 2013. I love this city and exploring all of the great things about it. I've served in various ministry and corporate roles since graduating college, but I am excited to be planted at Brook Hills. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and perfecting my sugar cookie recipe.

Allison Foster

Job Titles:

Preschool Minister

Ministry Role & Responsibility: As Preschool Minister, I have the honor of giving leadership to our ministry that serves children from birth to Kindergarten and their families. It is my privilege to lead an amazing team that oversees Preschool small groups, the Brook Hills Early Learning Center, childcare programming, new parent outreach, and our Preschool Milestone Events (Parent Commissioning and Bible Presentation). I am passionate about supporting families as they pursue community here at Brook Hills and I love to see little ones grow in their knowledge of and love for Jesus! About Me: I'm Mother, Mama, or Mommy (depending on who you ask) to Garrett, Averie, and Mason. Belonging to them is one of the sweetest callings in my life. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in political science, mainly to up my game for political discussions during family gatherings. I love bouldering, travel, and the study of personalities.

Alma Jordan

Job Titles:

Receptionist

Ministry Role & Responsibility: I'm responsible for greeting guest, answering the phone and directing calls to the proper person, signing for deliveries, assistance and information. About Me: I've been married to my sweetheart for 26 years, We have a beautiful daughter and a dog named lucky. I was born & raised in Calera. When I'm not working, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

Anita Bucher

Job Titles:

Member of the Administrative Elder Team
Executive Assistant to Sr. and Exec. Pastor

Ministry Role & Responsibility: My role is to serve our pastors in such a way that they can devote their time to study, prayer, teaching and shepherding the faith family. About Me: I've been married to Wayne since 1976 and we have two sons, Kyle who is 31 and Daniel who is 19. We've moved around the country but have called B'ham home since 1998. We enjoy discovering local restaurants, new music and getting off the beaten path. I love the beach in the winter. I currently have the joy of serving on our Foster Care Ministry Team and get to love on some of the greatest foster parents on the planet. I also have the privilege of mentoring and encouraging some amazing younger women. Two of my favorite ways to relax are reading a good book and walking through antique stores.

Anna-Kate Rader

Job Titles:

Communications Associate for Art and Design

Ministry Role & Responsibility: I'm responsible for creating all things print and digital for the church, designing graphics for various ministry projects, and managing the weekly worship guides. About Me: I grew up in Birmingham, AL and have always loved art and design. I attended Auburn University where I received a degree in Studio Art. Right after graduating, I moved back to Birmingham in order to pursue a second degree in Graphic Design from UAB while working part-time at a pottery studio. I began working my first full-time graphic design job in Memphis, TN, where I made so many good friends, including my husband, Adam! We got married in the middle of the pandemic and it's been so fun rediscovering Birmingham while introducing him to the city for the first time. We love trying new restaurants, attending concerts, going on hikes, and watching old seasons of Survivor. I absolutely love being a graphic designer, but still put my fine art degree to use by painting and doing pottery in my free time!

April Flynn

Job Titles:

LDM Administrative Assistant

Ashley Chesnut

Job Titles:

Associate Young Adult Minister

Ministry Role & Responsibility: As the Associate Young Adult Minister, I counsel young women, coordinate singles ministry events, and equip Small Group Leaders of singles, young married, and beginning families small groups. I also oversee our church's Small Group Guides, serve on our Women's Leadership Team, and advocate for abuse survivors as part of our church's Caring Well Team. About Me: I grew up in Georgia as the child of a college minister and, at an early age, sensed God calling me to ministry, making the decision to go to seminary while I was still in elementary school. Attending Beeson Divinity School brought me to Birmingham, and Brook Hills was the first church I visited when I moved here. I began serving in college ministry while in seminary, and an internship with BH's College Ministry in 2010 led to a part-time job at the church then a full-time job after I graduated. I've worn many hats during my time at Brook Hills, but I thoroughly enjoy working with the single women in our church. Along the way, I went back to school and earned a Certificate of Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and in August 2021, I released a book with B&H Publishing called "It's Not Just You: Freeing Women to Talk About Sexual Sin and Fight It Well." While I have a passion for discipling young women, I also love this city, am a Birmingham Instagrammer and foodie (@downintheham), and have published several children's books and coloring books about Birmingham. When I'm not at the church or meeting with girls, you can probably find me at the farmer's market or trying some new local restaurant.

Austin Gibson

Job Titles:

Technology Associate
Technology Associate / Accounting

Ministry Role & Responsibility: As the technology associate, I am responsible for equipping our ministries with tools and training to use technology for ministry success. I recruit and train volunteers to operate audio, lighting, and video equipment campus wide, as well as running sound for Worship Gatherings. About Me: I grew up in the Birmingham area where, in high school, I began to learn about audio, video, and lighting in a church that did several large productions each year. I became enthralled with the tech world and how everything worked. After high school, I worked with various live production companies and bands, and I spent a summer on the road with Student Life camp as an audio engineer where God began to reveal His purpose for my life: to serve God by using the gifts He gave me to bring glory to His name.

Bailey Lankford

Job Titles:

Communications Associate for Digital Media

Ministry Role & Responsibility: I manage the design, content creation, administration, and execution of all digital platforms for The Church at Brook Hills. I'm responsible for the online experience of all followers of Brook Hills social media platforms and all visitors to Brook Hills web sites. About Me: I am originally from Auburn, AL. After graduating from high school, I attended Mississippi College and graduated with a BFA in graphic design. My husband, Austin, and I met at a conference in Orlando and dated almost entirely long distance while one or both of us was living in the Middle East! We got married in August 2023 and moved to Birmingham right after our honeymoon. We have loved exploring Birmingham and trying all the fun food and coffee spots around town. In our free time, we love traveling, trying new international foods, going to coffee shops, and having game nights with our friends.

Brandon Fisher

Job Titles:

Member of the Administrative Elder Team
Administrative Elder Team

Brandon Fisher and his wife, Brooke, have been married for eighteen years and are the parents of Kaylee (15), Claire (11), and Colton (9). They have been members of Brook Hills since 2011. Brandon trusted Christ at the age of 13. He is the owner of Christian Brothers Automative in Hoover. He currently teaches second-graders in BH Kids, co-leads an 8 th grade boys small group on Wednesday nights, and serves as a member of the Personnel Ministry Team. He considers his spiritual gifts to include teaching, exhortation, and discernment. On the topic of becoming an elder, Brandon said, "I desire to help our body know, love, and obey God's Word. It is my desire that we be a people who are continually growing in our love for God and love for others as we go on mission together building the kingdom of God."

Brian Munnings

Job Titles:

Biblical Counselor

Ministry Role & Responsibility: As the Biblical Counselor, I am responsible for counseling and training church members. About Me: I grew up in Toronto in a Christian home with great, loving parents. I am the youngest of three, with an older sister and brother. I went to church every Sunday growing up, but it wasn't until my early 20's that I truly understood the gospel and put my trust in Christ. I completed a BA from Guelph University in 2002, a media/sales degree in 2003 from Humber College, and then after an internship at my church, decided to move to Philadelphia in 2007 to attend Westminster Theological Seminary. I completed my MDiv in Counseling from WTS in 2011 while also participating in an internship at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. I worked as a counselor at CCEF until 2014, when we moved back to Toronto. I counseled at Harvest Bible Chapel for a year before founding Toronto Biblical Counseling in 2016, a counseling center to serve Toronto area churches.

Brittany Croyle

Job Titles:

Schedule Coordinator ( Babies )

Caitlin Lea

Job Titles:

Preschool Ministry Associate

Ministry Role & Responsibility: As Preschool Ministry Associate, I have the privilege of overseeing our childcare staff on Wednesday mornings, evenings and special events. Getting to know the people who are serving our ministry has been a blessing and I am excited to continue to build and form relationships with preschool workers and families. One of my favorite things about being the Preschool Ministry Associate is getting to edit the curriculum for our little friends. It is an honor to be able to welcome families each week and know that in a small way I am contributing to making sure preschoolers know the love of Jesus through the foundation of Scripture every time they walk down our halls. About Me: I was born and raised in the Birmingham area, graduating from Clay-Chalkville High School and then Auburn University with a Bachelor's in Communications. I've been attending Brook Hills since 2016 and a member since 2018. I've played soccer pretty much my entire life and have coached preschool soccer for the last six years. If you've never seen a 3-year-old attempt to play soccer you are missing out. I love to travel and have been to 40 states and 6 countries with many more on my bucket list.

Chip Bugnar

Job Titles:

Elder
Pastoral Staff Member
Global Pastor

Chris Amaro

Job Titles:

Administrative Elder Team

Chris and his wife, Wendy, have been married since 2006 and are the parents of Audrey Kate (12), Cole (11), Jackson (6), and Lucy (4). Wendy has been a member of Brook Hills since 2013, and Chris since 2016 when he was baptized. Chris was raised in a practicing Catholic family but first came to Brook Hills in 2006 after meeting Wendy. He ultimately professed faith in Christ in 2013 at the age of 34. Chris works as a DevOps Architect for Fame Intelligence, LLC. He currently leads an on-campus small group for Elementary Parents on Wednesday nights, serves in Preschool Ministry as a small group leader and large group storyteller and is part of the Men's Ministry leadership team, co-leading a Men's Community Group on Friday mornings. He also co-hosts a podcast called "Great Groups" with Jay Gordon, our Adult Small Groups Minister. He considers his spiritual gifts to include hospitality, service, and teaching.

Chris Kinsley - CCO

Job Titles:

Communications Director
Member of the Administrative Elder Team

Ministry Role & Responsibility: I lead the team that's responsible for everything we say as a church. We cover videos, graphic design, podcasts, website, social media, print materials, and anything else we can think of. About Me: My wife, Liza, and I have been married since January 2002 and have been at Brook Hills since 2001. We have two awesome kids, Story and Haven. In addition to my staff responsibilities, I lead a small group and serve in our preschool ministry. I also work with a number of other ministries to develop Bible study curriculum. I love to travel, and, if I have a free Friday afternoon, I'm probably at the movies.

Daniel Renstrom

Job Titles:

Worship Pastor

Danielle Filmore

Job Titles:

Preschool Ministry Assistant

About Me: I have lived in Birmingham most of my life. I am married to Ray Filmore. We have two wonderful kiddos, Will Davis and Aubrey. Will Davis loves to make us laugh and Aubrey is almost as wild as her hair some days. I have an associate's degree in accounting and a bachelor's degree in elementary education. I love to spend time with my family playing board games, watching Will Davis play the current season's sport, and traveling.

Dave Halperin

Job Titles:

Member of the Administrative Elder Team
Administrative Elder Team

Dave Halperin and his wife, Christine, have been married for over 31 years and are the parents of three adult daughters. They have been members of Brook Hills since 2013. Dave was saved at the age of 15 and was baptized at Covenant Fellowship in Mobile, AL. He works as the Director of Production and Quality for Swagelok Alabama. He currently serves as a small group leader, student ministry leader, volunteers with City Ministries, and has led multiple short-term mission trips. For Dave, his mission is "To make disciples and teach them to observe everything the Lord has commanded (Matt 28:19-20). To love Jesus (Matt 22:37) and grow in Jesus (Eph 4:13-15). To glorify God (Ps 86:9, Is 60:21) and enjoy Him forever (Ps 16:5-11)."

David Goetz

Job Titles:

Member of the Administrative Elder Team
Administrative Elder Team

David Goetz and his wife, Rachel, have been married since 2015 and are the parents of Henrietta (2). David has been a member since 2004 and Rachel since 2009. David trusted Christ at the age of 10. He works as a media buyer for Martin Retail Group. He currently leads a young singles and young married couples small group, serves as a video director for our worship gatherings, and has led two short-term trips to India. He considers his spiritual gifts to include service, teaching, and hospitality. Regarding his mission, David said, "My mission is to glorify Him with all that I am. As I see how glorious He is and how gracious my salvation is, I won't be able to help but tell others about this great God."

Dawn Stephens

Job Titles:

Women 's Minister & Special Needs Coordinator

Dawn Wingard

Job Titles:

Schedule Coordinator ( Toddlers )

Dennis Blythe

Job Titles:

Elder
Executive
Member of the Administrative Elder Team
Pastoral Staff Member

Ministry Role & Responsibility: Generally speaking, I serve alongside our Senior Pastor in the implementation and execution of Brook Hills' vision, mission, and goal. This includes leading and shepherding our church staff and working closely with leadership groups such as our Elder Council, Administrative Elder Team, Personnel Ministry Team, and Stewardship Ministry Team. I also provide oversight for the day-to-day operations of the church. About Me: I grew up in Clint, Texas, a small farming community located near El Paso, Texas. I'm blessed to be a husband to Kathy and a father to Bekah and Brayden. Since 1992, our family has had the privilege of serving churches in Texas, Florida, Colorado, and Alabama. I love Mexican food and good hamburgers! In my free time, I enjoy time with my family, following sports, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and vacations in the mountains.

Denver Nolin

Job Titles:

Elder
Member of the Administrative Elder Team

Denver Nolin and his wife, Susan, are parents to Kathleen (21), Sara (19), and Heather (17). They have been members of Brook Hills since 2001. Denver works as a pilot for FedEx. He and Susan currently make disciples among the foster-adoption community in Birmingham, having recently served as foster parents with Lifeline Children's Services. Denver co-leads a Sunday morning small group and supports the work of Divine Care Ministries in Uganda.

Donnie Arrant

Job Titles:

Elder
Pastoral Staff Member
Pastor of Administration

Ministry Role & Responsibility: I am responsible for all finances at Brook Hills, facilities, and Information Technology. I serve on the Pastoral Staff Team (PST) and assist the Executive Pastor in the day-to-day operations as needed. About Me: I have been married to Cathy since August 1977. We have a daughter named Cara who is married to Major, and they have two children, a girl named Addie Rose and a son named Roland. We also have a son named Andrew who is married to Amy, and they have three boys, Tripp, Davis, and Miller and a daughter named Lucy. I enjoy being with my grandchildren and doing landscape projects at our home. I really enjoy the outdoors and especially bow hunting whitetail deer. My favorite season of the year is the fall because it means deer season is here, and Auburn football is back.

Elisabeth Chramer

Job Titles:

Communications Associate for Video Support

Elizabeth Cook

Job Titles:

Member Care Associate

Ministry Role & Responsibility: I have the awesome privilege of coordinating the Hospitality Team that greets on Sundays and Wednesdays, as well as assist incoming members through the membership process. About Me: I'm originally from Lanett, AL, and attended Auburn University for Elementary Education. Shortly after college, I began working full-time in camping ministry where I got the best of both worlds-working with children and being outside. After my 20th year of summer camp, I hung up my camp hat to take on a new ministry role at The Church of Brook Hills. On the weekends you can find me outside! I enjoy neighborhood walks with friends, traveling, and the occasional outdoor adventure.

Eric Rosenberry

Job Titles:

Student Minister

Ministry Role & Responsibility: I have the privilege of providing leadership to the Student Ministry, which serves middle and high school students (6th-12th grade) and their families. Along with our amazing team, I oversee small groups, caring and equipping our leaders, partnering with local schools, Wednesday night programming, and special events. I have a passion to see students have an encounter with Jesus Christ, for them to know what they believe and why they believe it, and to give them guidance on how they can live that out in their own lives. About Me: I'm originally from Arizona, but grew up mostly in Middle Tennessee around the Nashville area. I graduated from Carson-Newman University with a bachelor's degree in Religion, and earned my master's degree in Christian Studies from Union University. My wife, Dianne, and I have been married for 13 years and have two beautiful girls, Hadley (7) and Ellison "Ellie" (2). I love all things sports and playing baseball and basketball, although after two knee surgeries, I might be in need of a walker or wheelchair if I'm going to play competitively again...if you know of anyone. I also may or may not have a love affair with Reese's peanut butter cups.

Grayson Gayle

Job Titles:

Worship Assistant

Heather Gottlieb

Job Titles:

Worship Administrative Assistant

Jared Shull

Job Titles:

Elder
Member of the Administrative Elder Team

Jared Shull and his wife, Mohana, have been married since 2005 and are the parents of Nate (11) and Isaiah (10). They have been members of Brook Hills since 2009. Jared became a believer at the age of 9. He works as a film editor at Outpost Pictures. He currently leads a small group and plays bass as part of our worship team. He considers his spiritual gifts to include encouragement, mercy, and hospitality. Regarding his family's ministry of hospitality, Jared said, "We find people who are struggling, invite them to our house for dinner and fix them gourmet meals, and we tell them about how much God loves and forgives them. It would be hard to put into words the wonderful things God has done when we have opened up our home, feasted with struggling sinners, and waited for the Holy Spirit to arrive."

Jay Gordon

Job Titles:

Adult & Small Groups Minister

Jayson Dobelstein

Jayson Dobelstein and his wife, Jerri, have been married since 2007 and are the parents of Isaiah (11), Francie (8), Micah (8), and Ransey (3). They have been members of Brook Hills since 2007. Jayson professed faith in Christ and was baptized at the age of 7. He works as an independent contractor and is the owner of Double Stone Handiwork which specializes in small scale construction and home improvement.

Jeff Kunard

Job Titles:

Elder
Member of the Administrative Elder Team

Jeff Kunard and his wife, Laura, have been married for fourteen years and are the parents of Christopher (11), Andrew (8), and Gabriela (6). They have been members of Brook Hills since 2014. Jeff was saved at the age of 11. He works as a senior sales manager for Halyard Health after moving to Birmingham from southern California in 2013. He currently leads an adult small group and considers his spiritual gifts to include discernment, leadership, and faith. Regarding his mission, Jeff said, "My mission in life is to glorify God! I can do this as I fulfill the Great Commission, fearlessly share the gospel, make disciples, obey and worship the Lord, and teach those around me about our great God."