WAXAHACHIE, TX
September 6, 2017 | Andrew Hurst
Pastors Spencer and Lauren Speed were recently announced as the new District Youth Directors for the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God .
“When Lauren and I were offered the position as District Youth Directors we felt like we were having a dream,” Pastor Spencer Speed said. “It felt unreal. This position is one that we have dreamt of being in, but never imagined it would be this early in our career.”
As District Youth Directors, Spencer and Lauren will be taking on a number of new responsibilities. These responsibilities including supporting and serving in local and foreign missions through Speed the Light, AIM and Youth Alive, coordinating various camps and conventions along with several other tasks. These duties are strategically steered towards and supportive of the district’s main focus: to build 1,000 healthy churches in North Texas.
Spencer says that what excites them the most about their new role is leading and walking alongside youth pastors as they fulfill the vision God has for them and their youth groups. “Developing relationships with these unsung heroes is an honor and privilege that we greatly look forward to,” Spencer said.
Before the announcement, Spencer and Lauren were serving as the Family Life and Executive pastors at New Community Church in Mesquite, Texas. “I was able to learn so much about ministry and grow in God thanks to my Pastors at New Community Church, Aaron and Sara Escamilla, as well as the leaders at the District office who have poured into me,” Spencer says.
They also led the NTD Camp Rec Crew for seven years along with missions trips and multiple leadership training events.
Before stepping into ministry, Spencer attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) to study Church Ministry. He graduated in the Fall of 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries with a minor in Business and Psychology.
“I think looking back, one of the biggest things SAGU did to help prepare me for ministry would have to be the relationships and friendships that were formed and continue to flourish past my graduation date,” Spencer said. “Having professors, pastors and friends who know and understand what ministry is like and have helped in times of need.”
In response to advice he would give to students pursuing ministry, Spencer says, “Get a solid education that encourages and builds your faith. Find Godly mentors and leaders that can help you walk through things that you don’t know and surround yourself with like-minded friends who will be with you to the end, no matter the distance between.”
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
