Get to Know Danny, Jr.

My name is Danny Brister Jr., and for the past 16 years, I’ve served at the intersection of faith, leadership, and community transformation. Whether you know me from a sermon, a nonprofit project, a discipleship group, or a city initiative—you’ve seen glimpses of the journey God has taken me on. But this is bigger than roles or titles. It’s about a life surrendered to Christ and a city I deeply love.

​

In 2009, I gave my life to Jesus. Not long after, God impressed a foundational truth on my heart—one that has shaped my entire ministry and leadership philosophy ever since:

​

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation...” (2 Corinthians 5:18, NKJV)

​

That passage—2 Corinthians 5:17–21—has become the blueprint for my life and work. I believe in the power of reconciliation. That in Christ, the old is gone and the new has come. And that we, as ambassadors for Christ, are called to plead with the world: Be reconciled to God.

​

That’s what I’ve been chasing ever since—proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and reconciling people to God and one another across Birmingham.

​

I began in ministry with The Basement and Metro Church, where I led young adults hungry for purpose but searching for depth. I launched discipleship groups throughout the city, equipping young leaders with a biblically rooted faith. That eventually led to youth ministry in East Lake, planting churches, and pastoring an Acts 29 congregation in the Marks Village Housing Community.

​

Alongside this, I served in the City of Birmingham’s Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services, helping students and families in the margins. My wife and I also lived in a large discipleship house in Fairfield, opening our home to missionaries, families in crisis, and young men needing guidance. Whether working in schools, shelters, or systems—I’ve sought to walk out the ministry of reconciliation in every space God has placed me.

​

This journey has taught me that our city doesn’t just need programs—it needs Christ-centered leaders. Leaders shaped by the gospel. Leaders who act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God.

​

That calling led me to launch Forged: Birmingham Leadership Foundation, a movement committed to Discipling, Developing, and Deploying Kingdom Leaders for City Transformation. 

​

I don’t have all the answers—but I know the One who does. And I believe that when we disciple leaders to follow Jesus in all of life, we’ll see our city transformed.

​

This is my calling. This is my city. And I’d love to walk alongside you as we answer God’s call together.