Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Haynes.
Hi Ali, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am from the Kansas City Metro. Graduated from Olathe North in 2003. I attended K-State and received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s Studies. I am currently attending Saint Paul’s School of Theology seeking my Master of Arts in Christian Ministry.
After my undergrad, I moved back to Olathe and began working at Rose Brooks Center. I worked there for almost 10 years, providing advocacy and crisis intervention services to survivors of domestic violence. In 2014, I accepted my call into ministry. I have been appointed at Indian Heights UMC since 2018. I have a heart for justice, and the church is where I feel called to use my voice and leadership. Justice is part of the call we receive from God, and I believe that until all people are included, seen, and known, we will never know what true peace looks like.
Part of my ministry is serving as the Co-President of the Good Faith Network, an interfaith justice organization in Johnson County. The Good Faith Network builds a collective voice so large it can’t be ignored. They organize and use that voice to advocate for changes that address the root cause of our community’s most pressing problems. Over the past few years, they have been working on ending homelessness in our community, advocating for an affordable housing trust fund, seeking a crisis stabilization center for those experiencing a mental health crisis, and issues around elder care. The Network has over 30 congregations involved.
I am also a mom of 3 and have been married for 16 years. Henry (13), Tannie (9) and Polly (3). My husband, Paul, works for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. One of my favorite things to do is watch my son play basketball! Seeing my children grow and discover their passions and worth in this world is one of the greatest joys of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ministry is not the easiest job yet it is the most rewarding one. The church I serve has a spirit of hospitality and inclusion. They have a banner out front that says “all are welcome”. This sign has been stolen and vandalized at least 4 times. The OP police dept has deemed this a hate crime against the LGBTQ community. While people try to tear others down, God lifts others up and through this church we are able to lift up ALL who come through its doors. The goal I have- to let all people in this world and community know they are a child of God and they are enough, they are worthy and they are beloved.
Through my work with the Good Faith Network- I have been involved with this organization since its conception in 2021. Justice work is not easy yet it is necessary. One of the biggsest challenges we have faced as an organization is changing the way things have always been done in our county. The richest county in the state of KS does not have a homeless center and until recently did not have a mental health crisis stablization center. There is yet to exist an afforable housing trust fund so that those who work in our county can actually afford to live here. GFN is advocating for all of these and will not stop until we see justice for all the people who call Johnson County home. GFN has a voice so large it cannot be ignored. In 2022, we asked County Commissioners to commit to opening a crisis stabilization center in our county by 2025, the Commissioners said that cannot be done. With persistance and advocacy, a center is being opened any day. GFN showed up at the Lenexa planning commission meetings in summer of 2024 and advocated for the homeless resource center to open in Lenexa. The commission voted no and gave into the fear of “not in my backyard”. Fear fuels many decisions in our county yet we follow what Micah 6:8 says “What does the Lord require of you? To love mercy, seek justice and walk humbly with God”. GFN will continue to seek justice for those living in the margins and housing and endning homeless in our county, both of which are attainable and necessary for all of Johnson County residents to thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I serve as the Pastor of Indian Heights UMC in Overland Park. I have served here since 2018. I am in the process of seeking ordination as an Elder in the church and am currently a student at Saint Paul School of Theology.
I come from a long life of Methodist Pastors dating back to the days of the circuit riders. I answered my call into ministry in 2014, shortly after my father passed away. I had always felt called and his death is what finally pushed me to listen. Issues of justice and equality are a passion of mine. I see my ministry as a way to spread the love of Christ to all I meet while seeking to fight for the rights of those whom society has pushed aside. In my previous career, I worked with survivors of domestic violence. That work truly taught me the value and worthy of every single person. If there is one thing I can help someone know it is that they are enough, they are worthy and they are beloved. I tell my church this on a regular basis. At the core of all humanity, we are one and we need to see that light in each other in order to make a better world for those who will come after us. At this time in our world, unity and peace are deeply needed and if we can do that through the church then let’s do it.
I am proud of the church I serve. When hate shows up, they show up with love. In 2022, the church was protested by the Westboro Baptist church. They put out a press release calling me a wicked woman pastor and our inclusion was why the world was on fire. If anything, this showed me that as a church and leader were doing the right thing by welcoming all with love.
I am known for speaking up when I see injustice, for encouraging others to do the same and for using my voice to help make change whenever and however I can.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Through my work, I am part of mentoring groups and that has helped me in my ministry and personal life. Leaning on those in the same field is vital to staying afloat. I also think women mentoring and networking with women is key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thegoodfaithnetwork.org/
- Other: https://indianheightsumc.org/
