Sunday, April 12, was more than just a date on the calendar for Summit Ridge Community Church—it was a profound day of celebration and spiritual affirmation. Surrounded by a supportive community and the presence of the Holy Spirit, Jesse Spencer was officially commissioned as our newest Associate Pastor.

Following a unanimous vote from the congregation, the service stood as a powerful public confirmation of what our Lay Elder Board had already discerned: a clear, compelling, and divine call on Jesse’s life for pastoral ministry.

A Legacy of Service

The ceremony was a beautiful blend of professional solemnity and personal warmth. Jesse was joined by his wife, Dallas, whose joyful spirit was perfectly captured by her shirt: “Entering my pastor’s wife era.” In a moment that brought many to tears, Jesse’s father, Randall Hartman—himself a commissioned pastor—stood before the congregation to officially declare his son an Associate Pastor. This wasn’t just a formal title change; it was the culmination of years of prayer, representing a beautiful legacy of ministry being passed from father to son.

Expanded Horizons

While Jesse remains deeply committed to his vital work with our student ministries, his new role as Associate Pastor will broaden his impact across the entire Summit Ridge family. His expanded responsibilities will include:

Preaching & Teaching: Delivering the Word from the pulpit to the full congregation.
Pastoral Care: Providing comfort and presence through hospital and home visitations.
Church Stewardship: Assisting with the essential administrative tasks that keep our ministry thriving.

The Path Forward: Jesse’s journey is one of continuous growth. While he begins this chapter as a commissioned pastor, he will be actively pursuing permanent licensure within The Brethren Church in the coming years.

Supporting the Journey

Summit Ridge is exceptionally blessed to have Jesse and Dallas serving in this new capacity. As they step into this “new era,” we are excited in supporting them with encouragement and steadfast prayer.

Congratulations, Jesse and Dallas, on this remarkable step of obedience and faith!