Meet Our Ministers & Staff
Matthew Balentine
Minister
Matthew and his family have been serving with us at Ninth Avenue since October of 2019. His love of ministry has been a life-long desire, finding its true start during his time in the youth group at the Savannah Church of Christ. His ministry journey has included stops in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and mission work in Romania.
Matthew and his wife, Blair, are the parents of four children, Collins, Vance, Britton, and London.
Being a part of the Ninth Avenue family has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. My family loves this community and we are glad to call Haleyville home.
Matthew and his wife, Blair, are the parents of four children, Collins, Vance, Britton, and London.
Being a part of the Ninth Avenue family has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. My family loves this community and we are glad to call Haleyville home.
Josh Wade
Youth Minister
Josh came to Ninth Avenue in September 2024 as our Youth Intern and stepped into the full-time Youth Minister role in January 2025. He’s originally from Henderson, Tennessee, and has spent several summers working at Western Kentucky Youth Camp, as well as serving with the Henderson Church of Christ youth group as a chaperone, driver, and Bible class teacher.
Josh loves being around people, especially his family, and some of his favorite memories have been made at Maywood Christian Camp. When he gets the chance, you’ll also find him out fishing or playing a game of pickleball, cornhole, disc golf, or ultimate frisbee.
Josh says, “I love getting to work with our youth group—being silly with them, building relationships, and also digging deep into the Word of God. My prayer is that every student learns that following Christ isn’t just something we do at church—it’s who we are every day.”
Josh loves being around people, especially his family, and some of his favorite memories have been made at Maywood Christian Camp. When he gets the chance, you’ll also find him out fishing or playing a game of pickleball, cornhole, disc golf, or ultimate frisbee.
Josh says, “I love getting to work with our youth group—being silly with them, building relationships, and also digging deep into the Word of God. My prayer is that every student learns that following Christ isn’t just something we do at church—it’s who we are every day.”
Adriana Haley
Secretary
Adriana began her work as our secretary in 2020. In their spare time, she and her husband, Will, enjoy the lake and spending time with friends and family.
Adriana and Will have two daughters, Livy and Lainey.
Adriana and Will have two daughters, Livy and Lainey.
Neal Cook
Director of Digital Ministry (volunteer)
Neal has been primarily responsible for our digital ministry for over two decades. This has included website creation and development, social media management, and live-streaming. In addition to his work at Ninth Avenue, he has also developed websites for a professional sports team, a former pro athlete, and a state government agency.
Neal is married to Brenda, and they have two grown children.
Neal is married to Brenda, and they have two grown children.