Birmingham pastor honored as leader in the community—learn more

Local Birmingham pastor Dr. Al Moore was honored at this year’s Rhythm of Gospel Awards and received the Top Pastors of Excellence Award. This recognition comes as no surprise as Dr. Moore has been a leader and friend to his church and the surrounding Birmingham area for many years. Find out what makes him such a special member of our community.

What is the Top Pastors of Excellence Award?

Each year, the National and Independent Gospel Music Association (NIGMA) hosts the Rhythm of Gospel Awards. This ceremony recognizes outstanding churches, pastors, choirs and independent gospel music artists for their contributions toward the betterment of their communities.

One of the most prestigious honors to receive is the Top Pastors of Excellence Award. This year’s awards honors twelve pastors across the country including Dr. Moore.

Those who demonstrate a strong sense of compassion and leadership earn this accolade. Winner must also be community activists, collaborative in spirit and supporters of education.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve First Memorial, Norwood and the greater Birmingham community as a faith leader, and this recognition means a great deal to me.”

Dr. Al Moore, Pastor, Birmingham

Who is Dr. Al Moore?

Dr. Moore is the beloved pastor of First Memorial Baptist Church, located in historic Norwood. He is both a pastor and teacher with an educational background that includes a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry and post-graduate studies at the Education Policy Center at The University of Alabama. He also serves as the Dean of Workforce Solutions and Economic Development at Bevill State Community College.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Dr. Moore has a great love for the city. He’s served as the pastor of his church since Fall 2012. During his time at First Memorial Baptist, they have added almost 400 new members and started multiple outreach ministries.

This church has remained heavily involved in the lives of the people of Birmingham, and continued to grow during the pandemic thanks to Dr. Moore. They partner with other clergy, local health leaders and politicians to provide information and resources to the community on COVID-19.

As a result of his concerns for the health and well-being of the community during this time, Dr. Moore recently participated in a COVID vaccine hesitancy training session. This session was sponsored by the Conference of National Black Churches, which featured Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden. 

His church’s mission statement is to infuse life through sharing the love of Jesus with people, from all walks of life; at every age and every stage. Because of Dr. Moore’s work, this love is being shared throughout our city beyond just the church walls.

Do you know someone who does the most for our community? Let us know by tagging us @bhamnow!