WE LOVE KIDS!
At Mountaintop Kids, we’re passionate about creating fun, safe, and engaging environments where children from birth to 6th grade can discover God’s love. Through creative and age-appropriate Bible lessons, we help kids laugh, learn, and grow in their faith. Join us and let your kids experience the joy of loving God while having a blast!
Nursery
(Birth – 24 months)
At Mountaintop, we share the love of Jesus with every baby and toddler through nurturing care, prayer, and play. Our team ensures your little ones feel safe, loved, and cherished during their time with us.
Preschool
(2 – 5 years)
Our mission is for every child to know that God made them, God loves them, and He wants to be their friend forever. Through engaging large-group teachings, fun small-group activities, and heartfelt worship, we bring these truths to life in a way kids can understand and enjoy.
Elementary
(K – 3rd Grade)
We strive to teach kids that they can trust God no matter what, make wise choices with His guidance, and treat others as they want to be treated. This is achieved through dynamic large-group teachings and meaningful small-group activities designed to make these principles relatable and memorable.
Preteen
(4th & 5th Grade)
This pivotal stage between childhood and adolescence is marked by rapid physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Our mission is to guide kids toward owning their faith journey through engaging large-group teachings and meaningful small-group connections.
First-Time Guests
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early. Your child’s safety is our top priority, so we have a secure and efficient check-in process. Guest check-in is conveniently located in the Atrium near the right-side windows. Take a moment to explore our kids’ area and meet your child’s small group leader—we’d love to welcome you!
WE’D LOVE TO GIVE YOU A TOUR
We know some new moms would like to tour our nursery before allowing us the privilege to care for their infant on a Sunday morning. Stop by the kid’s check-in area in the Atrium, and we will arrange a tour.
Partnering with Parents
We have a heart for helping you on your journey to follow Jesus. We believe every kid is made in the image of God and has the potential to do remarkable things. So, we want to partner with you to equip your child to follow Jesus in their everyday life. We’ve discovered that two influences in a child’s life are better than one – the light of the church and the heart of the family.
MEET THE KIDS TEAM
Click The Photos For A Fun Surprise!
Amy Freels
Elementary Director
Staff Team
I am a Texan at heart, but Birmingham and Mountaintop have been my home away from home since 1992. I have been on staff with the Children’s Ministry since it launched. It has been a joy seeing kids grow up at Mountaintop and begin their relationship with Jesus. I love seeing them become adults and bring their own children to Mountaintop Kids ministry. Yes, I am that old, but young at heart! My husband Jeff and I met at a Children’s ministry conference and are now empty nesters after raising two kids, our daughter, Parker, and our son, Tanner. We are also now Grandparents, which is the best title ever!
I love Jesus, music, the outdoors being in God’s creation, reading, coffee and exercise!
I have been a Group Fitness instructor since 2008, teaching LesMills Bodystep and Bodypump classes!
Karen Hoar
Nursery & Preschool Director
Staff Team
I thrive on community! I believe Jesus is all about relationships, and so am I! I have a heart for young women seeking their identity in Jesus and moms just starting the parenting journey.
My husband, Mike, and I have been married for over 20 years and have four wonderful kids. We have lots of stories and experiences to share! We aim to be intentional in connecting with our children and friends by doing lunch dates, playing games, and exploring Alabama. I love adventures near and far, walking with my girlfriends, and my daily Yeti filled with caffeine (a mix of diet and regular Coke- it’s crazy, I know!).
Kelli Johnson
Kids Large Group Director
Staff Team
My background is in storytelling through theatre. I am passionate about sharing God’s big, amazing story with the next generation through our Large Groups and special programs. (It is the greatest story ever written, after all!)
I daydream at least once a week about planning my next trip to Disney World, and I love Birmingham’s wonderful food scene and dinner dates with my husband, Michael. Most Saturday mornings, you can find my little family at the farmer’s market. I’m always at the ready for chips and salsa! Raw vegetables all blended together? It’s a healthy food if you ask me!
Kelly Gray
Kids Operations Director
Staff Team
It’s all in the details & logistics! I’m very task-oriented and enjoy thinking through all the details to help Children’s ministry events run smoothly. You will usually find me happily neck-deep in registration forms, class lists, and design work.
My favorite place to be is wrapped up in a cozy blanket on the couch hanging with my family or any of my 4 cats. I love planning vacations (especially Disney!) and traveling with my husband, Ryan, and our three daughters, Cameron, Linley & Emery. I’m quite competitive and always up for a good card game or really any type of game!
Melissa Sanderson
Kids Pastor
Strategic Leadership Team
Mountaintop is a special place for my family and me. I started attending as a high school student and quickly grew to love the church. Because of the impact made in my life in those crucial high school years, I love getting to be a part of influencing the next generation’s faith.
Mountaintop is also where I met my husband, Sean, while we served together in the middle school ministry. Sean and I have been married for almost 20 years and have 3 amazing kids, Allie, Kyle, and Brooke. We enjoy traveling when we have free time. Some of our favorite places are the beach and anywhere we can ski.
Upcoming Events
