Meet Our Team

Founders of The 501 Exchange, Paul and Lauren have been married for 10 years and have 3 of the cutest kids you’ve ever seen — Gracelynn, Roman, and Canyon. No introduction would be complete without including the wild pup who has stolen their hearts - Birdie Sue! Before beginning The 501 Exchange, Paul and Lauren felt inspired by God to read Galatians 5 until their souls were filled with excitement. This birthed a longing in them for others to experience what they were getting a taste of. In 2019, they moved to Athens, GA, and since then, the roots of the ministry have grown deep. They enjoy farm life and eating at all the wonderful restaurants in Athens — currently their favorite is Cali-n-Tito’s, but you could ask Paul tomorrow and he is sure to have a new one for you!

“The freedom of Jesus is the most compelling thing I have ever experienced in my entire life. We bring our bondage, and in exchange He gives us His freedom. It’s a trade that makes no sense, and quite honestly has the tendency to be offensive and confusing… But that’s the nature of the gospel of Jesus: our brokenness for His beauty. Forever.”

Adam and Hannah Kersh serve as co-founders of The 501 Exchange. They are passionate about Biblical discipleship and seeing others encounter transformation and freedom through daily life with God. They have been married for 8.5 years and have two children, Gabriel and Remi Grace. As lifelong Dawgs fans, Adam and Hannah are so happy to be raising their family and serving Jesus alongside their best friends in the best city in the country. Adam and Hannah are full of so much grace, freedom, and Truth. They are constantly pointing everyone they meet into a fully surrendered life with Jesus. They are easy to honor and love as they give so much of themselves to help steward this ministry well.

“God’s doing a new thing in our city. We’re here for it.”

The Stewarts have been married for a little over a year and half. The two of them serve on leadership of the musical expression of our ministry, FRVR FREE, with Josh as the Production Director and Janie as the Worship Director. To know these two is to experience the joy they hold when they walk into a room, and if you ever stop by their house they will surely invite you in with open arms and a cup of tea! This family is better because of the way the Stewarts exemplify what it means to receive freedom and give it away.

“We both want to live in a way that invites the Spirit of God to be our Guide. We want Him as the center of the target in all things, co-missioning with Him to bring Heaven to Earth in our life, marriage and community, and inviting others along with us on the trail to enjoy the journey.”

The Taylors have been an integral part of the musical expression of our ministry, FRVR FREE, since 2016. Ian currently serves as the Music and Creative Director and Madi as the Program Director / Logistics Coordinator. They were highschool sweethearts, have been married for 3 years and will be celebrating their 4th in November. We are so thankful for them and the way they pursue Jesus and this community. They are passionate about stewarding music and worship to create space for the Spirit of God to set people free. If you have ever experienced worship with FRVR FREE, then you have seen their gifts in action.

A native of Texas, Andrew became a part of the 501 Exchange after connecting with Paul and Adam in 2020. He quickly caught the vision of what God was doing in, and through, the 501 and began to feel God inviting him into something new. On 5/01/21, he officially accepted the position to become our Director of Operations and a mere month later, he was an Athens resident!

We love Andrew for many reasons, and honor the intentionality and joy he brings to this family! (Not to mention his crazy dance moves)

"I want to see sons and daughters alive in the love of the Father, inspired by the joy of the Holy Spirit, and living in revival that only comes in the mighty name of Jesus. I believe His freedom is the catalyst for all of these things, and I believe He wants to do it right here in the city of Athens."

Also known by many as “Jo,” Josephine operates as our administrative and spiritual content ideation lead. She is an absolute powerhouse! She loves earl gray tea and is wrapping up her final semester at UGA #godawgs. Jo was first introduced to The 501 by one of her mentors, Hannah Kersh, and began working with us part-time in the fall of 2021.

“I believe we need to take Jesus at his word and focus our lives around accepting the easy yoke and light burden that He offers to us. We’re given space with The 501 Exchange to figure out what that can practically look like and that excites me so much!”