For the past 22 years, Michael Adler has been serving as the Worship Pastor at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, leading his community in worship and praise. It was bittersweet as the news of his retirement spread through the church. For so many people Michael has been a constant presence in their lives, leading them in worship and helping them connect with God.
Michael’s leadership and ministry never stopped when he walked off stage. He is known to many as a mentor and friend. The words most used to describe Michael have been loving, genuine, kind, and godly. Whether it is a member of the congregation or a worship leader
he mentored, everyone agrees they are truly blessed to know him.
An impact for generations…
Shades’ Pastor Emeritus Danny Wood had the privilege of hiring and working alongside Michael for 20+ years. When thinking back on their years working together, Danny said it boiled down to this: “in one word… blessed.” Danny reminisced about all the times they enjoyed talking and planning out worship series, services, and special events. He shared how Michael’s skills and abilities opened up doors for them to try new and creative things. “But beyond that, we enjoyed serving together,” Danny said. “We laughed, we prayed, we challenged each other, we threw shade on each other… and loved it!”
Many people in and around the church say their life and faith have been changed not only from Michael’s leadership but also by knowing him personally and seeing how he lives his life. Julie Childs, a member of Shades, shared how she has been “incredibly blessed” by Michael’s genuine love for the Lord. “I smile when I think of how beautifully he brings the scripture to life in the songs he leads, the way he lives, and the words that come out of his mouth,” she said.
Eleanor Stenner has worked as a photographer in multiple settings with Michael over the years – both at the church and at the Adler’s wedding venue, The Barn at Shady Lane. “Michael is well-loved and admired for not only his giftedness but the way he does ministry that isn’t seen,” Eleanor said. “Although he’s seen prominently on Sunday mornings, he lives a quiet life, pleasing the Lord in the way that he ministers in secret and not for show.”
Many worship leaders had the opportunity to train under Michael during his 22 years at Shades. “Michael lives to see other people grow and lead,” shared Chuck Hooten, who is now a worship pastor in Tennessee. “I count his mentorship and servant leadership as precious in my ministry and faith journey,” he said, “He continues to support and love my family a decade after my time at Shades.”
Logan Creasy, a worship minister in Georgia, shared that the thing that struck him most during his five years working under Michael was the way he loved people. “He’s a talented musician. He is a gifted leader. But his best quality is his genuine love for others and his deep desire to see others thrive,” said Logan. “I wasn’t looking to [move], but was struck by his sincerity, kindness, and genuine desire to get to know me and my family.”
Like Logan, Michael was not looking to uproot his family and move across state lines. However, the Lord had different plans.
From San Antonio to Birmingham…
It was in July of 2000 when Music Minister Aubrey Edwards informed Pastor Danny that he would be retiring in January of 2001. In his search for the next Minister of Music, Danny went to three different respected Ministers of Music at large churches and explained the skillset he was looking for. “All three in separate settings gave me the name of the one man who met that skill set… Michael Adler!” Danny said.
Danny went online to check out the church where Michael was serving and ended up ordering one of their choir CDs. “As I was listening to the CD in my car driving home one night, I was blown away,” said Danny. When he got home, he walked inside and put the CD in the CD player immediately. “I have found our next Minister of Music!” Danny said to his wife, Janice.
On August 21st, Danny called Michael to begin talking to him about coming on board as the new Minister of Music. Danny recalled, “He was so nice and gracious [as he] informed me that he had no desire to leave San Antonio but would be willing to meet me and talk.” So, Danny flew to San Antonio and talked with Michael and Linda, becoming more convinced Michael was the one. “I knew he had the talent and skill set,” Danny explained, “but the more I got to know him, it was his heart, love for the Lord, and love for others that shined the brightest.”
However, Michael and Linda were not as convinced. “We were TEXANS,” Michael recalled, “and were enjoying our ninth year as Worship Pastor at a great church in San Antonio, Castle Hills Baptist Church.” Michael is a Minnesota native who was raised in the Midwest; “moving to Texas was one thing, but moving to Alabama was a whole other story,” Michael said.
"We did hit it off right away," Danny said, “otherwise we would not have continued talking and praying.” Sharing similar philosophies of worship, leadership, and organizational culture, Danny could sense that there was a pull for Michael to come to Shades.
After much wrestling with the Lord, Michael and Linda agreed to come for a visit and look at schools and housing. Michael said, “On the plane back home [we] thought, ‘WHAT WERE WE THINKING!’” The couple called Danny to decline not long after. “That began what was a 30-day soul searching that finally led to our letting go of our grip and trusting God,” Michael explained. Michael and Linda agreed to come to Shades for three years to help them transition, “and then [we would] do something else,” said Michael, “22 years later, here we still are.”
22 years later…
Today, Michael looks back on that moment of decision with gratitude, knowing that his family’s move to Birmingham was part of God’s plan. He has spent those years pouring his heart into Shades and helping to create a vibrant worship community. “My favorite thing has been seeing the emergence and growth of the next generation of worship leaders,” said Michael. “Nothing is more satisfying to me than that.”
Over the years, Michael became known for his ability to create an atmosphere of worship that was both uplifting and reverent. Both his passion for music and his love for God are evident in every note he has played and every song he has sung. “His time at Shades might be complete, but he is going to go on and continue to serve the Kingdom investing in younger pastors/worship leaders, I’m sure,” Logan said, “I’m thankful I got to be one of them.”
This Sunday, March 5th, Michael will serve his last Sunday as worship pastor at Shades. Twenty-two years of Sunday morning services, mid-week events, hospital visits, marriage counseling sessions, and so much more. Michael and Linda will bring this season to an end, being so loved and admired, and having touched thousands of lives with the Good News of Christ’s salvation.
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