2298 Fern Street
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219)762-7492
Church Phone:
(219)763-1049
E-mail:
bis.spence@thechurchofjesuschrist.net
I was born October 14, 1948, in
Huntington, WV, to Walter and Mary Spence. I grew
up in East Lynn, WV, along with two older brothers
and two younger sisters. During my childhood, I
occasionally attended the Baptist Church.
When I was 19, I moved to
Detroit, Michigan to find work. Within three months
of arriving in Detroit, I was drafted for military
service. I entered the Army in March of 1968 and
served basic training at Fort Knox, KY. A few
months later I was sent to Vietnam. I received an
honorable discharge in February of 1970; and, in
June of the same year moved to Chicago, IL and began
working at U.S. Steel. There I served a four year
apprenticeship for Millwright (mechanical
maintenance). I received my diploma July 8, 1973.
In March of 1971 I moved to
Hammond, Indiana. One month later I met my
wife-to-be, Judy Nunley. We dated for a year and a
half, and were married November 11, 1972. On August
26, 1973, our first child, Jarret, was born. After
he was born we started church as a family.
Fortunately for me, my wife had attended The Church
of Jesus Christ in Portage, where Bishop J. Richard
Lee was pastor. I have always felt that it was a
blessing to have married someone who knew the
truth. When I first started church I actually knew
nothing about the bible. The one thing I did have
going for me was that I believed the bible was the
truth.
I repented of my sins in November
of 1973, and was baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ on January 20, 1974, by Bishop Lee. I
received the Holy Ghost on December 13, 1974. For
many months I knew God was dealing with me, but it
wasn't until July 5, 1975 that I accepted my calling
into the ministry. I was such a quiet person, many
thought I would never make it; but, with the Holy
Ghost came power I never knew I had. I've always
thanked God for bringing me in under a pastor like
Bishop Lee, and for all the teaching and guidance I
received.
In 1979, our prayers were
answered and we were blessed with a beautiful baby
girl, Melissa Lee.
For nine years I sat under the
inspired teachings of Bishop Lee. During this time
I served as a trustee of the church, Young People's
Leader, and then Sunday School Superintendent. On
February 18, 1982, Bishop Lee passed on, and I was
asked to succeed him as pastor.
Besides being pastor, I also
served as Secretary/Treasurer of The Church of Jesus
Christ organization. On July 5, 1987, I was
ordained as a bishop and appointed to the bishop
board for the organization. In 2003, following the
passing of then-presiding Bishop Harvey Perry, I was
appointed Presiding Chairman for The Church of Jesus
Christ.
I find it and honor to work with
such outstanding, God-called ministers. In closing,
I'd like to say I count it a privilege and a
blessing that the Lord has made me overseer of such
a dedicated congregation.
