Goodrich – When Jeremy Spear was an 8-year-old boy, he said he knew there was a calling in his life to become a pastor.
Last month, that dream became a reality.
Spear, 39, the new senior pastor at Lakeview Community Church, 10023 South State Road, replaces Pastor Les Altermatt, who served as senior pastor at the church for two years.
‘I am ecstatic to be at this church,? said Spear. ‘This is a beautiful facility and I want to find ways for the community to enjoy it.?
An open door policy, Spear said, is important to him.
‘We are here for the entire community, not just for Lakeview Church. I want this to become a messy church where people can come with messed up lives. It is important that everyone feels welcome and at home here,? said Spear.
Sunday school teacher, Tere Onica who interviewed Spear for the senior pastor position, is confident in the decision.
‘Jeremy has got a fresh outlook, he is young and energetic. He just has a heart for the Lord and people. He is very genuine and really cares about people. There is an excitement about him, like he is going places and you want to go with him.?
Spear is married to Ronda and they have three children, Jordan, 15, Alexis, 13, and Taylor, 11. He has been a youth pastor for 10 years at churches in Florida, Georgia and Oklahoma. Recently, he was a youth pastor at Colwood Church in Caro, for eight years. He has attended Kansas City College Bible School and Hobe Sound Bible School in West Palm Beach, Fla.
‘We are looking forward to seeing what God is going to do at our church now that Jeremy is our senior pastor and we are looking for a new beginning,? said longtime church member Nancy Steele. ‘I have been a member of Lakeview since 1979 and we are happy because Jeremy has a tender shepherd’s heart. He has a vision, passion and leadership to take us forward. We feel that Jeremy and his family are a gift from God.?