Meet Our Leadership

Alton Hardy - Lead Pastor & Founder

Alton Hardy is an ordained teaching elder of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and serves as the pastor and founder of Urban Hope Community Church in Fairfield, Alabama.  He is also the co-founder of Urban Hope Development in Fairfield and the visionary behind the Urban Hope Leadership Initiative (UHLI), a one-year intensive discipleship and training program for African American college graduates. The UHLI is raising up urban leaders that will serve urban communities for generations to come after gaining a deeper understanding of the urban community’s unique complexities and pathologies. Under Alton’s leadership, true community development is happening through the leadership of the local church that involves commerce, housing, and related initiatives, bringing life to a once thriving but now struggling city that has fallen on very difficult times. Alton is very intentional about trailblazing a kingdom movement, aptly named “The Manifold Wisdom of God”, which includes giving leadership to the Christian business community and to theologically conservative, gospel-centered churches. This Manifold Wisdom of God is addressing the need for economic development and quality housing for married, low-income families among the urban poor, with the local church leading the way. As a result of Alton’s leadership, longstanding racial hostilities are waning, fueling a genuine gospel reconciliation throughout the whole metro area of Birmingham, Alabama. Alton, a native of Selma, Alabama, resided in Louisville, Kentucky and Grand Rapids, Michigan for many years before returning to Alabama. Alton’s educational background includes degrees from Alpena Community College, Reformed Bible College, and Calvin Seminary, as well as a Certificate of Completion from Antioch Leadership Training in Reformed Preaching. Alton is happily married to his wife, Sandra, and they have five children. In his free time, he enjoys praying, reading voraciously, and reflecting on God and his providence. Alton is passionate about addressing the conditions facing urban communities and living out true gospel reconciliation.

Chad Granger - Shepherding Pastor

Chad is an ordained teaching elder of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He is a native of Slapout, AL. As Chad serves in his role at Urban Hope Community Church, he has been a witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to breakthrough all racial and socioeconomic barriers. Chad’s educational background includes a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University and a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Chad is happily married to Allison and they have two sons, Abram and Jude. In his free time (or not chasing the boys around), he enjoys reading and hunting. Chad is passionate about seeing the Lord raise up more African American elders and church planters in the PCA.

Carine Lewis - Women's Ministry Director

Carine is primarily responsible for serving the women of our church, community and as a liaison between the local church, Miles College students, Fairfield High school students and other young people. Carine is of Haitian decent and a native of Queens, NY. Carine’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and Women's Studies from University of West Georgia and she is currently enrolled at Birmingham Theological Seminary. Carine is happily married to Carl Lewis and they are new residents of Fairfield, AL. In her free time, she enjoys writing, cooking and laughing. Carine is passionate about addressing the issues African American women face and discipling women.

Dion Watts - Director of Ministries

Dion is primarily responsible for overseeing the outreach ministry and all accounting and financial related functions of Urban Hope. As a native of Fairfield, AL Dion is passionate about discipleship for young men in his community and feels called to eventually be a pastor within the PCA. Dion’s educational background includes a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Birmingham-Southern College and is currently pursuing a degree from Birmingham Theological Seminary, while also being trained to be an elder within the church. In his free time, Dion enjoys reading, fantasy football, poker, and exercising. Dion’s life verse is Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (CSB).

Noah Despinasse - Youth Director & UHLI Program Director

Noah is primarily responsible for Urban Hope’s efforts with local high school students in Fairfield as well as directing the Urban Hope Leadership Initiative, the church’s residency program for young African-American college graduates. Noah grew up in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Sports Management degree. He is currently enrolled at Birmingham Theological Seminary pursuing a Pastoral Leadership degree. Noah is married to his beautiful wife Rachel and they have a sweet baby girl named Nora. Noah is excited about the opportunity to continue to serve in a ministry context and particularly in the area of developing young African-American men to be leaders in their homes, churches and careers.