Co-Pastor
Rev. Dr. Tom Bryson
Tom preaches, leads worship, teaches and provides pastoral care alongside our pastoral staff. Tom studied at Mississippi State University, and holds a Masters of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary.
Tom and his wife, Ashley live in Hoover with their two children, Michael and Henry where they enjoy cheering on the Mississippi State Bulldogs, fishing, and spending time with extended family.
Co-Pastor
Rev. Leanne
Pearce Reed
Leanne preaches, leads worship, teaches and provides pastoral care alongside our pastoral staff. Leanne studied at Georgetown University, and holds a Masters of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary and a Masters of Education in Counseling from the University of Montevallo.
Leanne and her husband, Mark, live in Homewood with their two teenage sons, Thomas and Adam. Leanne enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and trail running.
Parish Associate
Rev. Dr. Mary Porter
Mary leads worship and works closely with our Congregational Care Committee and pastoral staff providing pastoral care to our congregation.
Director of Music
Dr. Larry Hardin
Larry oversees our music ministry, directing the Chancel Choir during our 11 am worship service. Larry studied Music at Samford University and holds a Masters of Music Education from Samford University, and a Doctorate of Education in Music Education from the University of Alabama.
Larry and his wife, Gail, live in Alabaster and enjoy gardening/landscaping, and raising Daisy, their beagle puppy.
Organist
David Renaker
David plays the organ at our 11 am worship service, accompanying our Chancel Choir, and provides musical leadership for weddings, funerals, and other special services. David studied at Auburn University and holds a degree in Church Music, Organ Performance.
David lives in Birmingham, and recently retired as Senior Vice President at Alabama Central Credit Union.
Church Administrator
Betsy Murphy
Betsy oversees our facilities, coordinates church communications, and serves as a welcoming face to all who visit Southminster. Betsy and her husband, Bill live in Chelsea, where they enjoy spending time with their son, Russell, and cheering for Auburn sports.
Sexton
Chris Allen
Chris holds the the title of Sexton at Southminster which is one who takes care of sacred things. Chris grew up in Birmingham and attended Alabama A&M University. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, and especially Alabama football.
Program Director
Robert Newman
Robert works with our children and youth, provides the children’s message in worship, and coordinates and facilitates other programs throughout the church. Robert studied at the University of Alabama, where he interned in youth ministry with First Presbyterian Tuscaloosa. Robert is a member of both the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association and the Association of Partners in Christian Education.
Robert lives in Five Points South and enjoys Alabama sports, traveling and exploring Birmingham’s vast culinary scene.
Director of Worship Arts
Kyle Henderson
Kyle provides musical leadership at our 8:15 am worship service, directs our Handbell Choir, and works with our Chancel Team to provide visual elements in worship.
Kyle lives in Helena and teaches 5th grade in Oak Mountain.
Pianist
Ty Thornton
Ty plays the piano at our 8:15 am worship service, and offers many programs and concerts for the community to enjoy throughout the year. Ty studied at Bob Jones University, and holds a Masters of Arts in Piano Performance from Bob Jones University, as well as a Masters of Music in Historic Musicology and a Certificate in Early Music from Florida State University.
Financial Administrator
Lana Lash
Lana oversees Southminster’s finances and creates our monthly newsletter, The Response. Lana and her husband Marty enjoy spending time with their four adult children, as well as visiting their small farm in Cullman.
Leadership
THE SESSION
The Session is the governing body of the congregation, made up of men and women elected as elders by the congregation for three-year terms. Responsibility for the mission and work of the church is divided among committees, led by members of the Session.
Congregational Care
Lydia Wilfong
Chris Coley
Outreach / Go Beyond
Bruce Ludwig
Brandon Bierley
Administrative
George Thagard
Henry McPherson
Ray McIntosh
Faith Formation
Erika Raper
Carol Ann Cross
Welcome and Engagement
Laura McDonald
Janet Nebrig
Augusta Vos
Personnel
Charles Edwards
Fellowship
John Liddle
Jerri Barnhill
Worship
Sheri Hall
Laura Bannon
Molly Heisler
Property
Chuck Riggs
Patrick Riley
Moderators of the Session
Co-Pastors Rev. Dr. Tom Bryson and Rev. Leanne Pearce Reed
Co-Clerks of Session: Mark Ezekiel and Natalie Reed
Co-Treasurers: Ray McIntosh and Rick Reed