Meet The Staff
Dr. Mike Hoppe – Lead Pastor
Pastor Mike is a family man and loves to spend time with his two amazing children and wife, Reed. He has a big heart for missions, serving outside the walls of the church, and dreaming and innovating. He has served as a youth pastor, international missionary, and as a missions pastor prior to coming to lead our team. When not at the office, Mike is probably out trail running or training for a Spartan race. Mike is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Asbury Theological Seminary (D.Min). To email Pastor Mike, click on his picture.
Linda Burr – Office Coordinator
Linda coordinates the church office processes, which include scheduling, membership, and supply inventory. She also handles the H.R. process for payroll and new employees of both the church and Early Learning Center. She has been a blessing to Saraland UMC for the past eight years. Her favorite pastimes are cooking for crowds and being “MeMe” to her six grandchildren.
Lauren Robbins – Kids Ministries
Ms. Lauren, as she is lovingly known to all of the children in the church, doesn’t really like sushi. But most of the kids in her ministry, children aged Newborn through Fifth Grade, don’t either! Fortunately, Lauren is one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet, and so she has found a great niche working with the sweetest kids you’ll ever meet. She is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX in Elementary Education, and she previously taught preschool and elementary school before joining our staff. Lauren is married to Jason, and together they have two girls. To email Lauren, just click on her picture.
Stephanie Moye – Student Ministries
Stephanie serves as Director of Student Ministries, working with our youth grades 6-12. She is also a math teacher and volleyball coach at her alma mater, Saraland High School. Stephanie has a passion for missions and loves being an aunt to her nieces and nephews. Heaven, for Stephanie, will be a wonderful land filled with sweet tea and french fries.
Heather Duke – Early Learning Center Director
Heather has several years of experience in teaching, Children’s Ministry, and leadership. She has served as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher, served as a Children’s Minister, and served as a Church Administrator. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and graduate level Early Education courses from the University of Mobile. She has been married for 23 years to her high school sweetheart, Jeremy. They have two boys, Wade and Justin. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family fishing, hunting and helping her boys chase their dreams!
Linda Fobes – Financial Secretary
Linda handles all things financial at Saraland UMC! She has a degree in Finance from USA and has a lifetime career in accounting and finance. She has volunteered in many local missions, such as Inner City Mission and Open Doors. To email Linda, just click on her picture.
Lauren Smith – Contemporary Worship and Communications
Lauren is from Daphne, AL and recently graduated from the University of Mobile. She eventually found her way back here to Saraland! She leads weekly rehearsals and contemporary worship with our band, in addition to organizing the weekly programs and monthly newsletters. She is married to Clay, and they have a dog at home named Calvin. They enjoy kayaking, taking walks, and anything else outdoors!
Olivia Neal – Worship Ministry Associate
Olivia has been a blessing to SUMC this past summer! She is from Flomaton, AL and currently attends the University of Mobile. Olivia is heavily involved with our youth ministry, and she even takes some Sundays to lead worship for our little kids as well. She serves on our praise team and leads youth worship on Sunday nights.
