Today we’d like to introduce you to David Anthony Spencer Jr.
David Anthony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a native of the Westside of Chicago, Illinois. Attended Near North Career Metropolitan Highschool. My focus was on healthcare. While attending Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, I accepted my calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I later switched from biology to English with a concentration in Literature. After graduating, I attended Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. I earned a double Masters in Divinity and Christian Education with a special focus in Pastoral Care and Counseling. I worked briefly at the Georgia Department of Labor where I established a book checkout system for clients. I later attended what was then Emory Center for Pastoral Services where I earned units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Became Board Certified Chaplain and served at multiple of the hospitals in Atlanta (Piedmont, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Egleston and Scottish Rite), Emory (Main, Midtown, Budd Terrace) and many other hospices. I had the honor of joining Don Lemon on CNN as we discussed children and grief related to the Sandy Hook shootings. I recently became the first Chaplain in the history of WellStar North Fulton. Now, I serve as the Manager of the Spiritual Health Department. I am currently attending United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. My mentors are Drs. Thomas L. Francis, Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis, and Dr. Jerome Stevenson. I am currently attending New Mountain Top Baptist Church in Winston Georgia under Dr. A. Reginald Litman and Golden United Methodist Church in Douglasville, Georgia under Dr. Gregory Williams. I am known for Chappie Speaks 3-5-7 “Your Personal Pastor” on Facebook. Working diligently to become focused and aware of myself to go further and become more effective in ministry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I have had many obstacles. One of the main struggles was finding someone to mentor and pour into me. Another challenge was realizing that the church is changing and is no longer putting all their faith in God but in their own hands. Thirdly it is accepting that we operate with limited thinking and understanding. Many are clueless about the role and value of chaplaincy as a result of many miss out on the true skill set and benefits of a chaplain, especially the church. The myth is chaplains are rejected clergy who are white men with grey hair. Chaplaincy has changed tremendously. Another obstacle includes me becoming fully aware of myself, behavior, thoughts and triggers. Many of us are still unaware of who we really are and what informs us, our behavior and thoughts. Finally, I struggle a great deal with where to serve the hospital vs the parish. I have come to embrace them both and willing to serve both the same.
Please tell us about The House of Enlightenment.
The House Of Enlightenment (THOE) is a business focused on bringing perspective to others through education and other services. THOE performs a variety of services like baby blessings, business and house blessings, funerals, workshops on grief, safety in the community of faith, pre-marital counseling and weddings. What sets me apart is how I make the services I provide specific to who I am serving. I become their personal pastor. Someone who they can come to for spiritual and emotional direction with no judgment. I have uniques skills that will make for an overall approach with a specialty in Healthcare.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could start over, I would have started doing this earlier with no regard to the traditions and opinions of the community of faith. I would have consulted with a business partner and gotten clarity on how to move forward as a business. I would have gotten more education in financial and ministry management.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6786895408
- Email: davidanthonyspencerjr@gmail.com
- Instagram: @davidanthonyspencerjr
- Facebook: David Anthony Spencer Jr
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