By Karla McArthur, Correspondent
Born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama, Drew Hall credits family, faith and competition as the foundational forces that shaped his life and career.
Hall is the son of Alan and Karen Hall, both blue-collar workers who emphasized hard work and perseverance while raising Hall and his sister, Heather. He said the steady presence of his grandparents also played a critical role in his upbringing.
“I understand that it is a blessing, and I treat it as such,” Hall said of his family, who remain actively involved in his life.
An avid sports participant throughout childhood, Hall played baseball and basketball through high school. While he describes himself as “average at best” athletically, the competitive environment and sense of team camaraderie left a lasting impression.
“Sports never came easily to me, but I fell in love with competition,” Hall said. “There was nothing better than being on a team and competing with your buddies.”
The most defining influence in Hall’s life came during his youth, when he entered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He said that decision became the guiding force behind most of his life choices and ultimately led him to ministry. Hall began preaching at age 16, a passion that continues to guide his work today.
After high school, Hall’s love of sports and faith intersected at Jacksonville State University, where he received a scholarship to manage the baseball team. He later assisted with the university’s baseball, women’s basketball and softball programs, gaining valuable experience while remaining connected to athletics.
Hall aspired to coach and use sports as a platform for ministry, a goal he pursued as a graduate assistant coach at Samford University and later as a teacher and coach at the high school level.
Jacksonville State also proved personally significant. Hall said he formed lifelong friendships during his time there and met his wife, Gena.
“She is still the greatest person I have ever met,” Hall said. “Honestly, she is way out of my league.”
The couple lives in Alabama with their two daughters, Emory Kate and Sadie. Hall has spent 13 years as a classroom teacher and six years as a youth pastor, balancing education, ministry and family life.
In recent years, Hall has expanded his ministry through writing. He published his first book, Tier One Christianity, in 2021, followed by How To Keep It Real in 2024. His most recent book, Captivated, Cultivated, Commissioned, was released in 2026.
Hall said his motivation to write stems from a calling to step outside his comfort zone.
“God is putting it on my heart to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” he said.
The writing process has not been without challenges. Hall cited grammar and structure as ongoing struggles, but said the most rewarding moments come when readers share how his work has strengthened their faith.
Influences on Hall’s ministry and philosophy include pastors Louie Giglio, Levi Lusko, David Platt and Ben Stuart, as well as his wife and parents.
Among his proudest accomplishments, Hall said, is having the opportunity to baptize his students and athletes.
Looking ahead, Hall hopes to continue communicating the gospel to broader audiences and is in the early stages of developing his next book.
His advice to others reflects the perspective gained through his experiences.
“Stay in your three-foot world,” Hall said. “Control what you can and trust God with the rest.”
When he is not teaching, coaching or preaching, Hall enjoys watching the Atlanta Braves and University of Alabama athletics, working out, reading and watching movies.
Hall’s books are available at Amazon and Books-A-Million.
