Associational Leadership
John Thomas
Mission Strategist
John has been in full-time ministry for over 30 years. he previously served as Associate Director of Missions for the Calhoun Baptist Association. John has a passion for missions, outreach, and teaching. He has served a number of years as a facilitator/trainer in the areas of Sunday School, Family Ministries, Senior Adults, Vacation Bible School And Disaster Relief and is also certified as a trainer for Funnel Fusion and Handcrafted Calling.
John and his wife Cindy, who is a retired minister of preschool/children, and currently is a contract worker for ALSBOM. They have been married for 50 years. They have three children and three grandchildren.
Email him at john@sabachurches.com
Judy Gay
Church Relations Specialist
Judy Gay serves as the Church Relations Specialist for Southeast Alabama Baptist Association (SABA Churches). She has been a part of the SABA team for 15 years, and has a heart and calling to serve, equip and encourage the local church and her leaders. Judy has also served several officer positions in the Alabama Association of Baptist Secretaries (AABS) and the National Association of Ministry Assistants (NAMA). She's also a certified trainer for Handcrafted Calling, leading others to discover their God given purposes in mission and in life.
She is married to Tim, and they have served in music ministry together for over 30 years in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. They have two grown children that most importantly made Tim and Judy grandparents to three granddaughters and two grandsons. In her time off, Judy enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, quilting, and enjoying quiet time in the mountains and at the beach.
Email her at judy@sabachurches.com
Melanie Deal
Ministry Center Director
Melanie assumed the role of Director of the SABA Ministry Center in October 2014. She came to the SABAMC in January 2004.
Melanie surrendered her life to full-time ministry service in 1994 and has never doubted that call on her life. She is a graduate of Baptist College of Florida. Some of her ministry experience includes being Site Director for M-Fuge for six years, as well as part-time youth minister at churches in Alabama and Tennessee.
Melanie loves being a wife to John, and a mom to John Parker and Danielle. In her spare time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, decorating cakes, and NASCAR.
Email her at melanie@sabachurches.com
Lisa Daniels
Ministry Center Assistant Director
Lisa joined the SABA Ministry Center in March of 2014. Before that, she served as a part-time Ministry Assistant at Cloverdale Baptist Church in Dothan for seven years. She is also a former officer for the Alabama Association of Baptist Secretaries (AABS).
Lisa is an avid Florida State Seminole fan. She also drives a school bus for Rehobeth Schools. One of her favorite things to collect is old/antique hymnals. She is married to Harry, and they have two children, Matt and Breanna.
Email her at lisa@sabachurches.com
Alley Singley
Communications Ministry Assistant
Alley joined SABA in August 2025. She brings her experience in marketing and communications experience—from running her own design studio and spearheading digital campaigns to crafting compelling stories as a Mass Communication Specialist with the Alabama Army National Guard.
Alley’s roots run deep in our association: she grew up at Grandview Baptist Church, served as a summer missionary with SABA after high school, and now worships and serves alongside her family at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church.
Email Alley at alley@sabachurches.com.
Melissa Edenfield
Food Operations Manager
Melissa joined the SABA Ministry Center in March of 2022 after spending 17 years as a dedicated stay-at-home mom. She and her husband, Paul—who serves as a pastor—have been in ministry together for over 21 years, with 17½ of those years serving the Lord in Dothan.
Melissa is the proud mom of four children: Emily, Silas, Timothy, and Zoe, who is married to Chance and recently made them first-time grandparents to baby Bennett. She homeschools her children and finds joy in serving alongside her husband through various ministry roles, including leading women’s Bible studies, singing on the praise team, and teaching children’s church.
When she’s not planning, cleaning, or organizing, Melissa enjoys spending time with Paul on date nights, sipping coffee in good conversation with family and friends, or relaxing with a good book.
Susan Griffin
Pay It Forward Store Manager
Susan joined the team at SABA Ministry Center in July of 2025. She loves to serve those around her. She is currently the Ministry Assistant at Taylor Baptist Church and oversees the Children's Ministry as well. Susan also serves as an officer to the Alabama Association of Baptist Ministry Assistants.
Susan is married to Gary Griffin, Jr. and they have two sons, David and Paul. Susan's favorite things are fall, Christmas, Snoopy and coffee.