NAOBC For Life Spotlight – Leah Hyche Wilbanks
When you are a member at NAOBC, no matter where God takes you, the love for NAOBC remains. It’s part of your DNA. Periodically we’ll spotlight women who were former members – see where they are today and what NAOBC means to them. Today we’re meeting Leah Hyche Wilbanks.
Q: Tell a little about yourself – family, occupation (if applicable), etc.
A: I am from the beautiful state of Alabama and newly married to Jonah Wilbanks, who is a student at Southern Seminary. I am a graduate of Samford University in Family Counseling. (Go Bulldogs!) Jonah and I currently live in Birmingham, Alabama, and both serve on staff at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. I serve under Family Ministries as the Coordinator for our after-school care program called “After the Bell”. My job caters to all ages and families in the community. It also includes mentoring young college students while they work as counselors for our program. Jonah serves as the Pastoral Resident while he completes his seminary education! It’s a blessing to be in the ministry and serve alongside my husband!
Q: When did you attend NAOBC? What brought you to NAOBC?
A: NAOBC and I go way back! I grew up in Louisville as a child while my dad studied at Southern Seminary and served as a Pastor in the community. My siblings and I participated in the Children’s choir, AWANA and UPWARD on Wednesday nights. We had the BEST time as kids at NAOBC and made lifelong “PK” friends!
At 18, I moved back to Louisville to attend Boyce College and studied under their Worldview Program. I didn’t hesitate and immediately came back to NAOBC. I got plugged into the college ministry where The Brown Family took me under their wing. I grew close to so many amazing families! Some of my best friends came from NAOBC and we routinely keep in touch. I left in 2018 to complete my education back home in Alabama.
Q: Where did you serve while at NAOBC?
A. I served alongside Phillip Brown in the College Ministry as his intern! I gained wisdom, knowledge and insight into how to strategically minister to college students. A lot of life lessons and ministry lessons were shared during that time. I still hold on to those lessons and even apply them to my ministry today. He served as a great mentor and “big brother” to me.
Q: What memory from your time at NAOBC means the most to you still today?
A. I have so many fond memories of my time at NAOBC. Some of those memories include spending time around the dinner table with The Brown Family, The Braun Family, The Howell Family, The Hanley Family, The Holmes Family, The Cook Family, etc. I can confidently say on behalf of the college ministry during that timeframe, we were all greatly influenced by those families and many more.
Another sweet memory I have is being discipled by Abby Braun. Abby, myself and 2 other young women, would gather in Heine Bros Coffee and spend hours in scripture and praying over one another. Those simple, yet sweet, moments, filled my cup and spurred me on in the faith. That little group of women encouraged and supported one another through difficult seasons and still encourage me from afar!
Q: What is one thing you loved about NAOBC?
A: Aside from Dr. Cook and his amazing preaching, I LOVE that NAOBC teaches and trains in biblical literacy. I left NAOBC on fire for the Lord knowing that I had been trained well and was equipped in my theology and understanding of scripture. I am able to share the gospel with no hesitation and no fear. They taught me how to lean on the Holy Spirit, how to read hard passages, and what it means to walk with “Christ-like confidence”. I am who I am today because of the saving power of Jesus and NAOBC!
