Res Spears, Pastor

Family: I am married to the wonderful Annette Spears. We married when I was 37, and she had two grown daughters at the time, along with two grandchildren. So, I became a stepfather and grandfather on our wedding day. We now have a total of four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, though the number of great-grandchildren is subject to change at any time, as our grandchildren have begun to grow up and get married.

Educational and Occupation Background: I graduated high school from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and attended Virginia Tech, where I frittered away four years and left without a degree. Returning home to Suffolk, I began a career in journalism, serving as reporter, photographer, and editor for various community newspapers throughout Southeast and Central Virginia. Several years after I was saved, when I was in my early 50s, the Lord opened an unexpected door for me to attend seminary, and I now hold a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Personal Stuff: My wife and I came to Christ together on the couch of the home we owned in Portsmouth at the time, led to Him by a sweet and godly pastor who has been my mentor ever since. When Jesus saved us, He also saved our marriage, and the changes He has made in both of us serve as a constant reminder of how good He is and how much He loves us.

Outside of Church: I love (in no particular order) bacon, the Grateful Dead, cigars, travel, research, photography, the beach, and Star Trek. I'm a bit of a nerd, and I continue to be a news junkie, even though I'm not engaged in journalism any more. I follow politics, but I try to remain steadfastly separate from it.

Writing: As a former newspaper reporter and a lifelong avid reader, I love a good story. I wrote literally thousands of them during my newspaper career, along with hundreds of columns and editorials. Many of my favorites can be found on my personal website, www.heleadethme.net, where you can also find some of my photographs and some of my sermons.