Biography - The Reverend Torrence D. Spears

The Reverend Torrence D. Spears was called to serve as the fourth Senior Pastor of Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church and officially began his pastoral tenure in August 2025.

Since Pastor Spears' arrival in March 2025, Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church has experienced a season of intentional growth and renewal. During this time, the congregation has welcomed more than 60 new members, celebrated a significant increase in baptisms, expanded its ministry through the addition of 10 staff positions, established an Executive Leadership Team, developed a comprehensive church identity and campus-wide branding, enhanced its digital presence, launched a Christian Education Department with discipleship and new members' orientation, introduced a weekly noon-day Bible study and prayer call, and organized seven new ministries to further equip the church for worship, discipleship, and community engagement.

Early Years and Upbringing 

Torrence was born on July 9, 1994, and raised near the Gulf of Mexico in Angleton, Texas. In 2001, Torrence confessed Christ as Lord and Savior and was baptized at age 6. He matriculated through the Angleton ISD school system, demonstrating leadership as class president and holding officer positions in several student organizations. In early acknowledgment of his leadership qualities, Torrence was a nationally selected applicant to attend the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Grand Conclave Youth Leadership Conference at the University of Minnesota in 2012. Concurrently, he pursued higher education at Brazosport College during high school, continuing his associate's degree upon graduation.

Educational Journey and Ministerial Calling

The Reverend Torrence D. Spears' lifelong commitment to ministry began under the pastoral leadership of The Reverend Gerald R. Holland, Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church (Angleton). Torrence's spiritual calling was affirmed as he was licensed to the Gospel Ministry at eleven (11) years old in September 2005, marking his journey into spiritual leadership and service. During his associative tenor in Angleton, Torrence labored throughout the church in various capacities, cultivating his gifts under doctrinal leadership and supervision. Reverend Spears was later ordained in February 2018. 

Torrence's academic endeavors have been intricately woven into his spiritual path. Torrence graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Practical and Christian Theology from Houston Baptist University, now Houston Christian University (HCU). He carries forward his passion for theological studies at Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary, pursuing a Master of Divinity in Christian Theology. Simultaneously, he aspires to achieve a Ph.D. in Preaching, a testament to his dedication to advancing theological scholarship.

Reverend Spears has also been a Professional Mentor at Friends of the Children-Austin (‘22), where the core model is described as “Friends [who] advocate and help amplify the voices of our youth and their families who often become voiceless [amid] the systemic failures. By challenging the status quo, we also help shift the way institutions and systems view and treat our youth and their families. Friends also create meaningful experiences that teach youth to build life skills and make informed decisions, while exploring the child’s diverse talents and interests.” Reverend Spears mentored these underserved students to support their families amid substantial challenges. Reverend Spears has been trained by careered professionals in diverse instructional techniques to accommodate various learning styles, ensuring positive outcomes while staying updated on industry standards and regulations. His role as a Professional Mentor at Friends of the Children-Austin underscores his commitment to guiding and nurturing children, offering vital support to families in need.

Curating Ministry and Music

Torrence's passion for ministry extends to music leadership. Finding his voice as a 2009 Texas UIL Solo and Ensemble Outstanding Performer at the State level in Austin as a freshman in high school, Reverend Spears nurtured his art through many more years of voice and collegiate training. At Ebenezer Third Baptist Church and First Missionary Baptist, his role as the Interim and Assistant Minister of Music, respectively, showcased his ability to curate worship experiences, infusing spiritual depth into musical arrangements and directing ensembles to create an uplifting and authentic spirit-filled atmosphere. His gift also led him to serve in various denominational music positions in the greater Houston area. In addition to his church-related positions, Torrence also founded a gospel choir, New Revelation Voices (NRV), at Houston Christian University (HCU), which not only toured for recruitment purposes on behalf of the university but also resulted in choir members volunteering and aiding numerous underserved grade school scholars weekly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education (STEM). This endeavor helped fund the group's initiatives to create a positive financial impact on the organization. Torrence also organized worship opportunities for NRV to sing and minister at Southwest Memorial Hermann Hospital and local churches. Most recently, Torrence has served as the music curator and worship leader for the Racism in the White Church Conference at Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. 

Philanthropy, Volunteerism, and Commendations

Reverend Spears' noteworthy contributions have been noted through various awards, including groundbreaking initiatives in student engagement and relaunching the gospel choir at Houston Christian University, aiding diversity, and being heralded as the "Student Organization of the Year." Torrence has spoken as a Commencement Speaker at Elmhurst University (Illinois) and as a convocation speaker at HCU. Reverend Spears has also been invited to share his spiritual insights as a guest preacher at esteemed institutions such as Huston-Tillotson University (Austin) and Baylor University.

Apart from academia, Torrence has been recognized for his impactful service in ministry and discipleship, receiving accolades such as the inaugural recipient of the Meritorious Kaleo Discipleship Christian Service Award at HCU and Mr. Houston Christian University nomination, along with the Brazosport College Distinguished Alumnus nomination. He has also been honored with the Communities in Schools’ Service Appreciation Award and several other accolades within the ministry and ecclesiastical realms.

Torrence's commitment to education and support is evident in his various roles, where he has provided valuable guidance and assistance. As a seminary student, he is regularly invited to speak to undergraduate Baylor University students at Facetime with God, a credit-bearing student-led organization. Torrence also showcases his dedication to empowering Black clergy and ministry students by serving as the Vice President for the George W. Truett Black Seminarians Association at Baylor. 

Additionally, Torrence has engaged in community outreach by providing motivational speaking, pastoral counseling, and mental health resources for suicide prevention to students at local Brazoria County high schools and middle schools through Communities in Schools. He was also selected to serve two terms as a representative for Angleton ISD’s School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) to promote education and community welfare, highlighting his leadership and quintessential voice amongst his peers and various community organizations.

Family and Shared Values

At the heart of Reverend Spears' life is his cherished family. He is married to Dr. Luxjoria Giovanni Spears, an ordained minister, award-winning educator, Magna Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M University, and holder of a Doctor of Education degree from Baylor University. Together, they are the proud parents of their daughter, Giavonni JoLee Spears, and are united in their shared commitment to faith, service, education, and community.

The life and ministry of The Reverend Torrence D. Spears reflect a steadfast commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, cultivating disciples, and serving both the Church and the broader community. Through pastoral leadership, scholarship, mentorship, and compassionate service, he continues to dedicate his life to advancing the Kingdom of God and inspiring others to faithfully answer the call of Christ.