Churchwide Updates: Important Staff Updates
| Churchwide Updates | Dr. Wayne Splawn
Summer activities are officially underway at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. After today we have one more day of Vacation Bible School, our Builder’s for Christ mission team has almost completed their work in Sterling, Massachusetts, and our Family Mission Team will depart for Orlando, Florida on June 21. These are but a few of the meaningful experiences members of our congregation are having during this busy season of the year.
In addition to the flurry of activities happening at the church, we are also experiencing some important staff transitions in the coming days. I want to make sure you are informed about each of them.
First, I regret to inform you that Christoper Henley has resigned his position as our church organist. Chris’ resignation is effective immediately. Chris and his wife, Haley, and their children have been a blessing to our congregation. Chris is taking some time away from the ministry to focus on other things in this season of life. Please join me in praying for the Henleys as they continue to seek the Lord’s direction for their family in the days ahead. Kely Hatley is hard at work ensuring we have talented organists to lead us in worship while we make plans to fill this important position.
Second, Micaiah Kelly and her husband, Kerrig, will be moving to Texas later this year. Kerrig has accepted a Graduate Assistantship at Southern Methodist University, where he will be pursuing a Master of Music Performance in French Horn. Micaiah will continue to serve in her role as our Associate Minister of Music through mid-August. We will begin our search for Micaiah’s replacement soon. I am grateful for the many investments Micaiah and Kerrig have made in the life of our music ministry and church community. I am sad to see them go but excited to see how the Lord will continue to open doors of ministry for them as they seek to serve the Lord in Texas.
Third, I want you to know that Vince Blackerby plans to retire at the end of this year. Vince has been a faithful church member and staff member for many years now. In addition to his regular duties as our Director of Operations, he has provided invaluable support and wisdom throughout our Renewal Building Project. Vince and his wife, Elise, are ready to enjoy a new season of life as Vince steps away from the daily work duties of his second career to enjoy retirement. When you see Vince in the days ahead, please thank him for his faithful service to our church.
Fourth, I am excited to announce we have identified Mr. Doug Steele as the person who will assume Vince’s role as the Director of Operations. Doug has experience in overseeing the maintenance of another church in our community and most recently worked for a mechanical company located here in Birmingham. I am grateful the Lord brought Doug our way. He will begin work on Monday, June 16. Doug will work alongside Vince for the remainder of the year. This overlap in time will allow him to learn our mechanical systems and transition seamlessly into his new role in January 2026.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and faithful staff here at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. We have had many dedicated staff members at Mountain Brook Baptist Church since we were founded in 1944, and I am confident the Lord will continue to raise up new and talented people as we seek to fulfill our mission to help others flourish by experiencing eternal and abundant life in Jesus Christ.
Yours in Christ,
B. Wayne Splawn, Jr.
Senior Minister
Mountain Brook Baptist Church