Staff

Ryan Whitley

Ryan grew up in Bluff Park, Alabama, and is a proud 1980 graduate of the W.A. Berry High School – Go Bucs! He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After receiving a call to ministry in 1985, Ryan completed his Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1988) and his Doctor of Ministry from Beeson Divinity School (1996). Ryan and Vonda were married on February 8, 1986 at the First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove, Alabama. Vonda received her Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was a dental hygienist for several years. After the birth of their first child, she became a stay-at-home mom. Ryan and Vonda have two children – Taylor and Kelsey. Taylor and his wife, Lydia, both serve on staff at the International Baptist Church of Stuttgart, Germany. Taylor and Lydia are the proud parents of Luke Elijah. Luke is Ryan and Vonda’s first grandchild. Kelsey is a graduate of Samford University, where she received both her Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Social Work. She is currently a Co-therapist for JBS Mental Health. Ryan serves as an adjunct professor for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary at the Birmingham extension. At Beeson Divinity School he is a mentor in the mentoring program and he also serves as a trustee on the Alumni Trustee Board. Ryan enjoys running, CrossFit (when his back is not ailing him), reading and international travel with his wife.

Brian Harris

Brian grew up in Vestavia Hills, Alabama and is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School (1993). After graduating from Vestavia, he enrolled at Samford University and graduated in 1997 with a B.S. in Education focusing on Church Recreation. Brian continued his education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he graduated in 2001 with a Masters of Arts in Christian Education. As a child he always wanted to follow in in his fathers footsteps and become a Minister of Recreation. His dad was a Minister of Recreation for 40 plus years. It was between Brian’s junior and senior year of high school when the Lord put that calling on his life. Brian is married to Angie. They dated throughout college and married on May 30, 1998, one week after Angie graduated with a business degree from Samford. Angie is currently a stay at home mom after a 20 year career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Brian and Angie have two incredible kids that came into their family through the amazing gift of adoption. If you are reading this and considering adoption or know someone who is, please reach out to Brian or Angie. They would love to share their story. Kinley (born March 2006) is a student at Hewitt Trussville High School. She loves all things running but especially Cross Country, journaling and reading. Colton (born April 2009) is a student at Hewitt Trussville Middle School. He loves football, reading and anything on the water. Brian loves all sports but especially college football – Go Vols! His other favorite teams are the Atlanta Braves, San Antonio Spurs and the Pittsburg Steelers. In his spare time Brian loves playing disc golf, golf and spending time with his family. Brian joined the staff at CrossPoint in July of 2007 as our first Minister of Recreation. In July of 2023, Brian will be transitioning into a new role here at CrossPoint and become our Executive Pastor. As a child he always wanted to follow in in his fathers footsteps and become a Minister of Recreation. His dad was a Minister of Recreation for 40 plus years. It was between Brian’s junior and senior year of high school when the Lord put that calling on his life. Brian is married to Angie. They dated throughout college and married on May 30, 1998 one week after Angie graduated with a business degree from Samford. Angie is currently a stay at home mom after a 20 year career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Brian and Angie have two incredible kids that came into their family through the amazing gift of adoption. If you are reading this and considering adoption or know someone who is please reach out to Brian or Angie they would love to share their story. Kinley (born March 2006) loves soccer, cross-country running, journaling and reading. Colton (born April 2009) loves football, reading and anything on the water. Brian loves all sports but especially college football (Go Vols)! His other favorite teams are the Atlanta Braves, San Antonio Spurs and the Pittsburg Steelers. He loves playing golf and spending time with his family. Brian joined the staff at CrossPoint in July of 2007.

Buck Poole

Buck was born in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School in 2001. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2005 and a Master of Accountancy from Auburn University in 2006. After graduation, Buck worked for 11 years in public accounting before answering a call to ministry in 2017. He joined the CrossPoint staff in March of 2018 and received a Masters of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham in 2020. Buck and April were married on June 26, 2010. April also holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Accountancy from Auburn University. She spent 4 years in public accounting and 4 years in corporate accounting before staying home with their first child. While staying home with their children, April continues to practice as a CPA on a part-time basis. Buck and April have two children. Kate was born in May 2013 and Braden in September 2016. Kate loves to read and write, and her dad is trying to instill a love for basketball in her as well. Braden loves baseball and eating snacks! Buck, April, Kate and Braden have a rescue dog named Fairley “Bug” Poole. Buck has been involved in several ministries and civic organizations, including serving on the Regional Advisory Board for Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes, the Board of Directors for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and as a volunteer instructor for Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham. In his free time, Buck enjoys playing golf, watching sports and traveling. Buck and April were married on June 26, 2010. Buck and April have two children. Kate was born in May 2013 and Braden in September 2016. In recent years, Buck has been involved in several ministries and civic organizations, including serving on the Regional Advisory Board for Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes, the Board of Directors for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and as a volunteer instructor for Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham. In his free time, Buck enjoys playing golf, watching sports and traveling.

Chris Howell

Chris grew up in the Mississippi delta, coming of age in the 1970s -1980s in the heart of the birthplace of the blues. Chris graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, in 1987 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. After completing a Master of Business Administration degree in 1989, Chris married his college sweetheart, Carrie Copeland. They settled in Cleveland, where Chris was the operations planning supervisor for a global medical devices manufacturer. In January, 1997, Chris and his family moved to Birmingham so he could attend divinity school. Chris graduated from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in 1999 with a Master of Divinity degree. Carrie has a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in school psychology. Carrie is a mental health therapist at Eastside Mental Health Center. Chris and Carrie have two sons and a daughter-in-law. Their son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Ashley, are actively serving members of CrossPoint. Daniel has an associate’s degree from Jefferson State Community College and additional computer science studies at the University of Alabama – Birmingham. Daniel works at American Lumber in Birmingham as an engineered-wood systems designer. Ashley graduated from the University of Alabama – Birmingham in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in business administration. Ashley works as a real estate appraiser. Chris and Carrie’s son, Jordan, is also an actively serving member of CrossPoint. Jordan graduated from the University of Alabama in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training. Jordan is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Samford University.

Jen Burks

Jen grew up in Pelham, Alabama and graduated from Liberty University.   Jen and Kaleb married May 17, 2008 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Leeds, Alabama. Kaleb is a computer software designer. He enjoys being a part of CrossPoint’s praise band and serving in the Preschool Ministry.   Jen and Kaleb have three children – Peyton, Brody, and Audrey.   Jen has been on staff at CrossPoint since July 2011. Jen loves to see children grow in their relationship with the Lord through church and home. Jen enjoys CrossFit, the beach, and spending time with her family.

Corey Sizemore

Corey joined the CrossPoint staff in June of 2023, when he and his wife, Jessica, felt the Lord calling them to be apart of our church body. Corey is from Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he was born, saved, and ordained into the gospel ministry. Corey graduated from North Greenville University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management degree. Before graduating college, Corey completed a grassroots marketing internship with the Charlotte Hornets, and went on to work for his home church, First Baptist Church Spartanburg, as the Associate Minister of Recreation. Corey accepted this position, confident that it was what the Lord was calling him to do for a season. It was not until several months later that the Lord revealed a call to lifetime vocational ministry to Corey, and the Lord began to grow in Corey a passion for reaching people for Christ through the means of sports and recreation. Corey is now pursuing his Masters in Christian Apologetics at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.   ​Corey’s wife Jessica graduated from Anderson University in 2018 with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree. Jessica is currently a labor and delivery nurse at St. Vincent’s in Birmingham. Corey and Jessica were married in September of 2019, and have enjoyed living out the calling God has placed on their lives – working as a team looking to bring the most honor and glory to who God is through their marriage and work together.    ​Corey enjoys spending time with Jessica and their two miniature schnauzers, Mollie and Mabel. In his free time you can also find him hitting the gym, fishing, or enjoying a good meal with friends and family.

Bryan Haskins

Bryan was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Roll Tide! He was raised in Birmingham and is a graduate of Ensley High School. He attended Jefferson State Community College and was a member of the Jefferson State Singers. After Jefferson State, Bryan completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance from Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Bryan was a member of the Student Government Association and College Concert Choir. After graduating Stillman, Bryan went to work for Banc of America Leasing & Capital Group, LLC. in Tucker, Georgia for 4 years. After Banc Of America Leasing, Bryan endeavored upon a music career which included being background singer for American Idol Winner, Ruben Studdard. Bryan accepted the call to full time ministry in June of 2006 and became CrossPoint’s first full-time Worship Leader. Bryan and Charma were married on April 17, 2004 in Birmingham, Alabama. Charma works for the Department of Veterans Affairs. They have two children, Lyric and Aria, who attend Briarwood Christian School. They also have a beautiful and well-behaved German Shepherd named, Cadence. (she only does what Bryan tells her to do.) Bryan enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, singing, reading, exercising, and eating a great meal!

CJAY Smith

Daniel Brown

Daniel grew up in Clay, Alabama and graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School in 2006. Daniel attended Hilldale Baptist Church and was heavily involved in his youth group until he graduated high school. After his senior year, while he was on his final youth trip as a student, he attended a class designed for students with leadership qualities. Daniel had been wrestling for a few years with the feeling that God was possibly calling him to vocational student ministry. It was through that class that God affirmed those feelings. He did not hesitate to accept that call and commit his future to student ministry. Daniel is still serving students and loving it more and more with each passing year. He joined our staff in October of 2020.   Daniel has been married to his wife, Ally, since November 12, 2011. They have two children; a daughter (Charlee) and a son (Jack). Ally is a R.N. at Children’s Hospital of Alabama and has been working there since 2014. Daniel is currently working on his M.Div. at New Baptist Theological Seminary. As soon as he receives his degree, he will be done with school for as long as he possibly can be!   Daniel has many interests. He loves to play the guitar. He enjoys golf, and now, disc golf. He loves watching movies but loves quoting them even more. Daniel also enjoys laughter and loves to cut up with anyone he can.   Daniel’s hope is that he will have a constant hunger to grow and learn more. He wants students to always see a passion in his life for the Lord first and for others second. He wants to model a godly life to those he ministers to and hopes they will see the way he leads his family and students as an example of loving God and loving others. 

Preston Smith

Abi Ebeyer

Abi grew up outside New Orleans, La. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.S. in Child and Family Studies. After graduating, she interned in Atlanta at Children’s Hospital at Scottish Rite and Egleston and then worked as a Child Life Specialist at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. In 2008, she married Sam and after the birth of their first child, Titus, she took on the full-time role of “Mom!” Then came their daughter, Gioia (pronounced Joya) and last, but not least, their son Phinehas (Phin). Their life has been a rollercoaster of God’s faithfulness that ultimately landed them in Trussville due to relocation of her husband’s job! During this transition they visited and fell in love with Crosspoint and have been members since August of 2021. Abi enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, family movie nights, and entertaining people in their home.

Austin Sandford

Jacey Grace Clark

Jacey Grace was born in Trussville, AL and graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 2022. Go Huskies! She is currently attending Jefferson State Community College online working on her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Jacey Grace joyfully joined the CrossPoint staff in August of 2023 as the Student Ministry Assistant after serving as the Student Ministry intern during the summer of 2023. While attending a mission trip to Atlanta during her senior year, Jacey Grace felt an overwhelming call to go into ministry and she is excited to see where the Lord will lead her while discerning and listening to that call. When she’s not at the church, you can find Jacey Grace teaching dance at 5678 Dance & More, at her favorite coffee shop, or hanging at home with her family! She enjoys all things arts & crafts, watching movies with her sisters, and hanging with her friends!

Layne Ferguson

Layne grew up in Greenville, Mississippi and graduated from Washington School in 2003. She then attended Mississippi College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in International Business. In 2006, Layne felt called to the ministry. Upon receiving her degree in May of 2007, she went on to receive a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth Texas (May 2009). She served on staff at First Baptist Madison MS before coming to CrossPoint. Layne and her husband Justin were married on March 16, 2018. Justin works for the City of Trussville. They have two sweet girls, Addie Ray (born August 2019) and Gentry (born March 2022). Layne has been on staff at CrossPoint since July of 2012. She has a passion to see kids come to know Christ and help parents as they teach their children in their home. Layne loves to run and work out. She loves college football and is a MS State Bulldog fan.

Lauren Sonntag

Lauren grew up in Roanoke, Alabama and graduated from Handley High School. She then moved to Birmingham where she began attending Samford University and obtained her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education.  During her junior year at Samford, she became CrossPoint’s Children’s Ministry Assistant where she served 2 years before beginning a full time teaching career. In that time, she became one of CrossPoint’s missionary partners and moved to Seoul, South Korea where she spent 2 years teaching at an international school. While there, she began working on her Master of Arts in Christian Education with a concentration in Children’s Ministry through Dallas Theological Seminary (Graduated in May 2020). God then called her to serve children and junior high students in Houston, Texas where she eventually met her husband, Michael.  Lauren has a passion for making the Bible understandable, exciting, and enjoyable for children of all ages. She loves people and enjoys building relationships with kids and their families over fun activities, coffee, sweet treats, or meals!    A few of her favorite things include binge watching TV shows, desserts, shopping, finding new restaurants, and exploring fun places!