Faulkner University alumna, author and entrepreneur Laura Jean Bell (’14) believes ministry isn’t confined to a pulpit.
“Every person is in ministry, whether it’s their job title or not,” said Bell, who graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.
Bell, who recently published her book You Can Always Come Home: Following the Breadcrumbs of Your Past to Find the Hope for Your Tomorrow in October 2024, recalls how her professors at Faulkner ministered to her daily — even though “minister” wasn’t in their job titles.
“The intention [the professors] set behind knowing each of us in a way to bless us beyond just learning Chaucer and Shakespeare carried me in the years that followed,” Bell said. “I joined fields that had no interest in Christianity, but I was positioned to be a minister in the darkness of this world. I’m so thankful.”
During her time at Faulkner, Bell served as vice president of Phi Lambda social club and the Blue Crew pep club. She also ran with the university’s running club and was nominated for both Homecoming Court and Miss Faulkner her senior year.
Just one week after graduation, Bell married her high school and college sweetheart, Cody Bell. Since then, she has held various roles including wedding planner, floral designer, restaurant server, photographer, urban ministry worker and writer.
She has contributed monthly to Journey Magazine, worked as a freelance reader and editor for medical professionals, managed social media platforms and blogged professionally.
“Faulkner helped me see the real stories hidden in every pocket of life,” Bell said. “The importance of how they connect us to the people around us, draw us closer to Christ, and help us spread the gospel in every facet of our lives.”
Bell’s passion for justice led her to serve in Faulkner’s chapter of Stella’s Voice, a service club focused on raising awareness about human trafficking. That mission continued when she and her husband launched Market Town Coffee Company, a bicycle cart coffee business in Montgomery whose proceeds benefited anti-trafficking organizations in Alabama.
Now residing in New Harmony, Alabama, Bell manages properties and works on her family’s tree crop farm. She also serves as a business and social media coach, empowering female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses online.
While she may not work under a formal ministry title, Bell remains committed to shining Christ’s light through every endeavor.