Leadership

Pastor Allen T. Speer is the son of a Southern Baptist pastor and was raised in a Christ-centered home where he developed a deep love for the local church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age and sensed God’s call to ministry during his early teenage years.
At just 15 years old, Allen began his pastoral ministry by serving a small rural church in southern Illinois. Prior to attending Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Allen accepted a summer assignment as a Student Pastor.
Following seminary, Pastor Allen served as Senior Pastor of three churches over the next 25 years, leading each congregation with a commitment to biblical preaching, discipleship, evangelism, and servant leadership.
In 2011, Allen and his wife, Jennifer, relocated to Venice, Florida, where Allen became the Chief Executive Officer of Agape Flights, an aviation ministry serving missionaries throughout the Caribbean. Since moving to Venice, Allen and Jennifer have been active members of First Baptist Church. Jennifer’s ministry, Word of Joy, has been a tremendous encouragement and blessing to the church family.
Over the past 15 years, Pastor Allen has also served a number of churches as a Transitional Pastor, helping congregations navigate seasons of pastoral transition with stability, encouragement, and a clear focus on God’s direction for the future.
Allen considers it a privilege to serve First Baptist Church in this important role. He is especially grateful for the faithful ministry of Pastor Tom Hodge, whom both he and Jennifer have been blessed to call their pastor.
As Transitional Pastor,  Allen is providing consistency in the pulpit ministry, shepherding the congregation during this season, and working alongside the Pastor Search Team as they seek God’s leadership in identifying the church’s next Senior Pastor.
Please join us in praying for Pastor Allen as he faithfully serves our church family during this significant season of ministry, asking God to grant him wisdom, strength, and grace as he leads with humility and points our church toward God’s exciting future.

John began serving at FBC Venice in 2022. John received his Bachelor of Science degree from Delta State University. He attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. He has served churches in Louisiana and Alabama, before making Florida his home. John and his wife, Candy, have three daughters and two sons-in-law...and recently added his first grandchild to their family. John enjoys spending time with his wonderful family, fishing, and hunting with his dad.
 jsaxon@fbcvenice.org

 tdixon@fbcvenice.org 

 finance@fbcvenice.org 

 dlesh@fbcvenice.org