The chairs at Summit Ridge Community Church were full on the morning of Sunday, April 12, but the atmosphere felt more like a family reunion than a formal service. We gathered in Tucson to witness a transition years in the making: the commissioning of Jesse Spencer as our new Associate Pastor.

After a recommendation from the Lay Elder Board and a unanimous vote from the congregation, all five of our pastors took the stage. While the ceremony marked a professional milestone, the personal details brought the room to life. Jesse’s wife, Dallas, stood by his side wearing a T-shirt that read, “I am entering my pastor’s wife era,” adding a lighthearted touch to the gravity of the morning.

The room grew quiet when Jesse’s father, Randall Hartman, stepped forward. As a commissioned pastor himself, Randall stood before the church to officially declare his son an Associate Pastor. It was a moment that moved many to tears—a tangible passing of the torch and a testament to a family legacy rooted in faith.

Jesse’s day-to-day work will still focus heavily on our students, but his new role broadens his reach within the church. He will now step into the pulpit more often, handle administrative duties, and lead visitations. This commissioning is a significant step in his journey, as he eventually plans to pursue permanent licensure within The Brethren Church.

We are grateful to have Jesse and Dallas on this team, and we look forward to seeing how his ministry continues to grow.

Please join us in welcoming Jesse to his new role by sending a note of encouragement to the church office at 505 W Hardy Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85704.

Respectfully submitted,
Dan Acker
Brethren Church Coordinator of Vitality
Lead Pastor, Summit Ridge Community Church