Wade Maynard is a well-known name in the culinary world of Cullman County. After serving as kitchen manager for over 20 years at All Steak and as head of the Food Service Ministry at Northbrook Baptist Church, Wade has broadened his horizons while reflecting on his past accomplishments.
Wade recalls having a meager upbringing. His first experience in employment came at the young age of 13. He began his career at All Steak only three years later, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Most people who know Wade know of his skill and passion for cooking; however, not many know his history.
After marrying his beloved wife, Marie, in 1981, she encouraged him to start attending church. As a young man and nonbeliever, he recollects trying to avoid attendance. However, when he did attend the occasional service he remembers feeling both a sense of peace and simultaneous conviction. It was not long before Wade accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior. From there, the sense of conviction persisted, and he realized he was being called into ministry.
Wade served in a number of ministry roles while also maintaining employment at All Steak. His first pastoral position was offered to him in 1995 at Mission Grove Baptist Church in Simcoe, Alabama, where he was paid only $25 per week.
In 2008, he accepted a position at Northbrook Baptist Church, starting out in a part-time position as the leader of Adult Ministries. While serving in this role, the church was unable to find a proper fit for a long-term kitchen position and Wade offered his services. In 2011, he took on both roles full time.
Said Wade, “God has given me these abilities and I want to use them for his honor and his glory.”
As the leader of Adult Ministries, he assumes the responsibility of pastoral care, nursing home and assisted living ministries, and checking in on senior adult members in the community. He also leads a weekly Bible study at The Neighborhood senior living community on Monday evenings. He says his priority is “to love on people and check on people.” Wade agrees with the age-old adage – people don’t care how much you know until you know how much they care – and he strives to make this idea the heart of his service in the community.
As the head of the Food Service Ministry, Wade’s mission is to offer a welcoming environment for visitors. He shared that one of the main reasons Northbrook offers a meal before service on Wednesday nights is to help people connect. Especially for visitors, he said, “People feel more comfortable talking to somebody over a meal. I want people to enjoy their meals and be satisfied – that means a lot to me. That is my ministry.”
Wade said if he could offer one piece of advice to the community, it would be, “Speak less, listen more and you will answer a lot of life’s questions.”
As a result of his community commitment and a high volume of requests, this year Wade enlisted the help of his daughters, Katie and Chelsea, to start a catering business, Wade’s Catering. His business motto is “Allow my family to cook for yours!” Over the course of the past year, Wade’s Catering has serviced a number of birthday parties, weddings, funerals, family reunions and more.
Contact Wade’s Catering at wadescatering62@gmail.com or 256-347-8638.
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