Meet the Staff
Brother Toby Shedd
Senior Pastor
Brother Toby was born in 1973 in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School in North Jefferson County. Prior to serving in full time ministry, Toby was employed by Amsouth and Southtrust Banks working with ATM’s and has sold Real Estate.He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and Lord in 1979. Toby began his ministry teaching youth Sunday School classes and then served as interim Student Minister before being called full time. Toby earned a bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University in 2002 and graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary on May 12, 2006 with a Master of Divinity. He was licensed and ordained by Glenwood Baptist Church located near Morris, Alabama in November 2001. He served as Minister of Students and Associate Pastor for 11 years at Glenwood before accepting the call to serve Smoke Rise.
Toby and his wife Alisha were married in 1995 and have three children, Zachary, Hannah and Ella Marie. The family lives in the West Blount area. Alisha is a Certified Public Accountant working as an independent contractor with the public practice of Warren, Averett & Kimbrough in Cullman. The Shedds enjoy the outdoors through camping, fishing, hunting, and canoeing.
Email:tshedd@smokerisechurch.org
Brother Derek Allen
Executive Pastor
Brother Derek was born in 1980 in Gadsden, Alabama and was called to ministry in 1996. He graduated from Sardis High School in Etowah County, Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Church Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before coming to Smokerise, Derek served churches in Alabama and Georgia as youth pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor. He is married to Lindsay who is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and worked as an elementary school teacher until their son, Jackson, was born in 2008; Lindsay now devotes her time completely to their family as a stay at home mom. Derek enjoys spending time with his family, Auburn football, running and reading.
Email: dallen@smokerisechurch.org
Dena Green
Financial Secretary
Dena and her husband, Scott, were married on March 26, 1988. They have 4
children-Madison, Matthew, Maribeth and Macy. Their family attends
Gardendale First Baptist Church. Dena enjoys cooking and spending time
with her family camping and hiking.
Email:dgreen@smokerisechurch.org
Belinda Aderhold
Food Services Director
Belinda Aderhold has been happily married since June 23, 1984 to her husband, Greg. They have twins, Seth and Rosa Lee. In her free time Belinda enjoys cooking, reading, sewing, painting, and watching her kids play sports.
Email:belinda@smokerisechurch.org
Joy Speakman
Childcare Director
Joy Speakman was born in 1971. Joy has been happily married to her husband Joey since January, 1993. Joy and Joey have 4 children, Casey, Tori, Trey, and Lori. Joy attends Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Hayden, Alabama.
Email:jspeakman@smokerisechurch.org
Tina Vest
Director of Preschool Ministries
Tina was born in 1975. She was married to her husband Joe in November 2001. They live in Smoke Rise with their two children, Emilee and Kai. Tina enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and her position as a caregiver at the House of Grace assisted living facility in Hayden.
Email:tinavest@smokerisechurch.org