Welcome Amy Hayes

We’re excited to introduce Amy Hayes, our new Director of Faith Formation for Young Adults. Amy officially joined our Faith Formation team September 1.

Amy received her M.A. in Divinity with a concentration in Christian social ethics from the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University in her hometown of Atlanta. She received her B.A. in Spanish Amy Hayes and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens. Amy also holds a Level 1 certification in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

The Wesley Foundation at UGA was Amy’s first introduction to the United Methodist Church, and where she found her home and calling. After interning with the foundation for a year, Amy went on to serve the youth at Mt. Bethel UMC before joining the content team at In Touch Ministries. A self-proclaimed “reluctant writer,” Amy’s impressive list of publications includes: the 2018 and 2019 Bible studies for In Touch Ministries’ monthly devotional magazine with a global audience of 1.3 million; analyses and opinions for Baptist News Global; and a guide to LGBTQ+ allyship for Q Christian Fellowship.

Amy’s volunteer activity is extensive. She has served as an election poll watcher, as an editor for the Writing Mentorship Program at Coastal State Prison (Georgia Department of Corrections), and as an English tutor for the Leadership Mission Institute in Honduras. Passionate about immigration reform, Amy has also volunteered with El Refugio to visit detainees at the Stewart Detention Center (Lumpkin, GA), a private, mediumsecurity immigration detention center and one of the largest facilities in the United States.

Amy has traveled to D.C. to protest DACA repeal, has met with U.S. senators and representatives to discuss possible solutions, has participated in local protests, and has mobilized groups to call members of Congress on behalf of undocumented immigrants.

Amy’s list of awards, both professional and academic, is an impressive one. She was a McAfee School of Theology Full Tuition Scholar and received the Glen H. Stassen Scholar award for the most promising Christian Social Ethics student at McAfee School of Theology. An accomplished writer, Amy has also received awards for both Devotional Writing and Biblical Exposition from the Evangelical Press Association.

Some personal details of interest about Amy are that she is half-Australian, has performed stand-up comedy, and almost drowned while whitewater rafting on the Nile. Yes, there are rapids on the Nile! Who knew?

In her free time, Amy enjoys yoga and last year completed her 200-hour training program in Costa Rica to earn her certification as a yoga instructor. Currently, Amy says she’s resisting the temptation to become a birder. She admits she’s failing, however. So, if you happen to spot a summer tanager please, text Amy immediately and let her know.

Curiosity is one of Amy's deepest delights. While she might not always have answers for you, Amy says she'd love to wonder with you – no bird talk required.

Amy says she is “passionate about cultivating relationships and spaces that encourage spirituality to flourish, especially among people in her own age bracket . . . “ Welcome, Amy. We’re so glad you’re here!