Testimonials

Dr. Lori Spears served faithfully as an associate minister at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church for 15 years. During her tenure, she was the Dean of Small Cell Groups. With her appointed committee, she established “Next Level Cell Groups.” Through her leadership, individuals were appointed and trained as facilitators. Dr. Spears created a training manual to ensure that all facilitators were engaging groups from a unified perspective. In addition to training facilitators, Dr. Spears wrote the curriculum for congregants to use in their studies. Next Level Small Cell Groups has become the DNA for Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. Any individual interested in serving in a leadership role participates in a Cell Group, which has become the standard. Over the course of 13 years, Mt. Ararat has explored various topics through these Cell Groups, including leadership, financial freedom, spiritual disciplines, and training, just to name a few. The use of Cell Groups enhances leadership, fosters community building, helps new members acclimate to the church, promotes evangelism, and enriches the study of God’s word. Next Level Small Cell Groups has been, and continues to be, a blessing for the Mt. Ararat Church family!

- William H. Curtis, DMin

Senior Pastor, Mt. Ararat Baptist Church

Pittsburgh, PA

I am honored and humbled simultaneously to speak on the work ethic and professionalism of Dr. Lori Spears and LD Spears Ministries LLC. I first encountered her while I was a Doctoral student at Virginia University of Lynchburg. Dr. Spears was very kind, understanding and passionate about the rigor of academics. She is, in my humble opinion, the best as an editor and support for those writing dissertations and any other form of research and written material!

I am thankful for the opportunity to work with her. She aided me in an unfamiliar process. She is detail-oriented and meets all deadlines efficiently. I am currently in the process of putting my work on paper, and she has graciously committed to that cause. Anyone who decides to use her would be pleased beyond expectation and would excel with her partnership. I love her dedication to seeing projects through to completion. She takes the time to understand the style of the writer she assists and the nature of their context! I highly recommend this esteemed leader and scholar.

- Bishop Brehon Hall

Vice Presiding Bishop

Global United Fellowship

Dr. Spears is an author, editor, and consultant who shares her wealth of experience and knowledge to mobilize and strategize for the kingdom of God. Dr. Lori Spears is a productive individual who has set the goal of excelling in every field of human endeavor while pursuing excellence with passion. Her work speaks for itself. I have known her as a cohort, client, and confidant who not only promotes and values her own growth but also encourages the growth of others. She takes her responsibilities seriously, and her life is filled with numerous gifts and talents. She is dedicated, dutiful, and very intentional about completing any task requested of her, and her mental and emotional intelligence only enhances her strengths. I have worked with Dr. Spears for many years; she exemplifies servant leadership, leading with compassion, grace, empathy, patience, and accountability. She has a natural ability to attract people to her and is also quite generous in her praise of others. She is a true motivator and possesses the tenacity to face challenges head-on and overcome them. Her mindset is one of determination! When I think of Dr. Spears, I recall the words penned by Peter Drucker in his writing on Management: Task, Responsibilities, and Practices, when he stated, “Work is an extension of personality. It is achievement; it is one of the ways in which a person defines themselves, measures their worth, and their humanity.” This certainly describes Dr. Spears; her personality embodies work, fortitude, dedication, and completion. Dr. Lori Spears and LD Spears Ministries, LLC, are a blessing to the body of Christ or any organization serious about making an impact. You will be blessed if you choose to utilize her services.

- Bishop Sir Walter Mack, Jr.

Senior Pastor, Union Baptist Church

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Dr. Lori D. Spears is a remarkable leader and colleague at LD Spears Ministries, LLC. During our collaboration, I witnessed Dr. Spears' exceptional professionalism and meticulous attention to detail, evident in every project she undertook. Her strategic planning in developing a new educational curriculum enhanced the organization's offerings and led to a significant increase in member engagement, a testament to her value to the organization. Dr. Spears consistently demonstrates her deep commitment to her Christian faith through her interactions, embodying the values of compassion, integrity, and respect. She inspired her team by instilling these principles, fostering a cohesive and motivated work environment. Working alongside Dr. Spears is a transformative experience, offering valuable insights into effective leadership, unwavering dedication, and the seamless integration of faith into professional pursuits. Her influence has left a lasting impact on me personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Dr. Spears and her team.

- Taunya M. Tinsley, PhD, DMin, NCC, LPC

Transitions Counseling Services, LLC

Love and Basketball Ministries - Owner

I came to know Lori as a colleague while pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. We were a part of the same cohort. Lori’s leadership skills and abilities were evident from the beginning as she quickly lent her voice to in-class discussions and recommendations. She was intentional in helping to shape the educational experience. The care and concern for education were also passed down to classmates with check-in and notifications to ensure assignments were met and accomplished with excellence. The next logical step for Lori after graduation was to establish a business that promoted continued educational experiences for the Christian community. The written curriculum is exceptional, and working with students to ensure their success in dissertation writing is necessary and proficient. LD Spears Ministries strives to educate the Christian community by providing quality service to its constituents.

- Bishop Michael L. Mitchell

Presiding Bishop, Sixth Episcopal District

African Methodist Episcopal Church

My initial interaction with Dr. Spears was as a student at United Theological Seminary while pursuing a doctorate in Leadership and Preaching. As an eager student, she solicited my assistance as a reader of her work. When establishing LD Spears Ministries, LLC, she sought counsel. She followed the given wise counsel but challenged recommendations to ensure the best business model was established. Over the years, Dr. Spears has worked in conjunction with Mt. Moriah Baptist Church as a leadership facilitator at the Leadership Retreat and a breast cancer survivor speaker. Additionally, she served as the primary editor for the Collaborative Leadership in the 21st Century cohort for several years. In 2025, the leadership team will embark upon the leadership curriculum written by Dr. Spears. Professionalism has been the primary characteristic of the many engagements and interactions with Dr. Spears and her team. In addition to being a professional, compassion, concern, and excellence are portrayed. Over the years, it has been a blessing and honor to work with LD Spears Ministries, LLC. I look forward to future collaborations.

- Lucius M. Dalton, DMin

Senior Pastor, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church

Washington, DC

Lori Spears is a prudent, intellectual and conscientious individual who has been an integral participant in the fabric of our community and theological circle. Her character and skill set has merited her accolades without equivocation. She is a person of long-standing Christianity and moral standard. My history with her service presented her as an enthused and proficient specialist in her field of service in which she is indispensable. I extol the safe, solid, and resourceful background from which she hails, as well as her impressive portfolio with the academy. I am confident that your experience with her service will reflect the disposition of this communication, as well as the history of what has already proven productive for those who have come within the orbit of her influence.

- Tellis J. Chapman, DMin

Senior Pastor, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

Detroit, Michigan

Working with Dr. Lori Spears and her team during my doctoral studies was an exceptional experience that profoundly impacted my academic journey. Their professionalism and commitment to excellence were evident in every interaction, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. The team's remarkable attention to detail and unwavering focus on quality ensured that every aspect of my work met the highest standards. Moreover, their ability to consistently meet deadlines, even under tight schedules, demonstrated their dedication and efficiency. I am deeply grateful for their support and expertise, which played a pivotal role in successfully completing my doctoral journey.

- Vernon J. Shazier, DMin

Senior Pastor, River of Life Fellowship

Fort Pierce, Florida

When I first met Dr. Spears, I was terrified at the notion of having started such a rigorous process in my 50s. As a sixth-semester doctoral student, Dr. Spears has really made the process more assuring and less stressful. Her editing skills are par excellent, and her knowledge of the process is beyond definition. Her professionalism, loyalty, and dedication speak to her character. I have recommended Dr. Spears to every classmate trying to find a professional editor. I will forever be indebted to her for the hurdles she has helped me overcome.

- H. A. Gregory, DMin Candidate, May 2025

Senior Pastor, New Home African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

York, South Carolina

Dr. Spears exemplifies professionalism in every sense of the word. She was prompt, clear, and incredibly supportive throughout our engagement, ensuring I understood exactly what was needed to complete my doctoral degree. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident at every stage, making the process seamless and rewarding. Working with Dr. Spears was a true blessing, and her lived Christian values came through in the way she approached every task with integrity and care.

- Terrick Williams, Sr., DMin

Senior Pastor, Progressive Morningstar Baptist Church

Jackson, Mississippi

I am pleased to share reflections for Dr. Lori Spears, who has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to pay attention to detail in all aspects of her work. Over the course of our professional relationship, I have been impressed by Dr. Spears’ meticulous approach and unwavering commitment to accuracy, ensuring that no detail, no matter how small, is overlooked. We, Dr. Parks, and I have the privilege of serving as co-mentors of the Preaching and Leadership to small/mid-size congregations Cohort at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Since taking on this responsibility in 2021, the cohort has been blessed to work with LD Spears Ministries, LLC. Dr. Spears has repeatedly proven her skills in reviewing and refining complex projects, often identifying potential issues or areas for improvement that others might miss. Her thoroughness ensures the highest quality of work and contributes to the overall success of our student’s final doctoral accomplishments. Whether managing intricate data, crafting comprehensive reports, or overseeing critical processes, Lori consistently delivers precise and reliable work. Her efficiency sets LD Spears Ministries, LLC. above all. She is able to maintain a keen focus on the finer points without sacrificing the bigger picture. This rare balance has made them an invaluable asset to our cohort. In conclusion, I highly recommend Dr. Lori Spears for any role that requires strong attention to detail. Her exceptional skills and professional attitude make her a standout in any setting. Undoubtedly, she will continue to excel in all future endeavors.

- Jamison Douglas Hytche Hunter, DMin

Senior Pastor, Mt. Jezreel

Silver Springs, MD

In reading the book Reflections of a Queen by Dr. Lori Spears, it is well written, informative, and inspiring. This work is an amazing look into her personal life’s journey under the influence and leadership of her Precious Mother, Ardella B. Spears (The Queen). The lessons of love, joy, discipleship, inspiration, and prayer helped to mold and shape Dr. Lori into the caring, respectable person she is today. The Bible says “her children will rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28). Thank you for showing the world how honoring your mother comes with benefits.

- Esther Alikpo, RN

Houston, TX

As I was teaching a class, I was trying to figure out at what point in my career did I become so confident in speaking in front of people. After pondering and reflecting, I realized it was because I had taken orientation and training at Mt. Ararat for small cell groups under the leadership of Dr. Lori Spears. In reflection, I appreciated the structured outline and quality of the materials provided which in turn made teaching easy. It was evident that the topics were a labor of love for Dr. Lori. Thank you for being you. I have learned to follow your example of patience and listening to actually hear what people are saying and to respond not only from a biblical perspective but speak from my heart.

- Pamela Reid, RN

Houston, TX

I am pleased to recommend Dr. Lori Spears and her team for any editorial services you may require. As a follower of Christ, Lori is humble in her approach, yet her spirit of excellence and attention to detail is unmatched. She diligently guided me through my writing process with patience and care while also reminding me to be aware of my time constraints, thus producing timely and high-quality work. She is the consummate professional editor. You won't regret securing her services.

- Anwar A. Carter, DMin

Senior Pastor, Highland Heights Church of Christ

Memphis, TN

New Jerusalem was tremendously blessed to utilize the written leadership and spiritual discipline curriculum. Dr. Lori Spears shares her heart through her teachings and writings, encouraging readers to embrace their vulnerabilities while trusting God’s strength to overcome their weaknesses. Her books have been widely utilized in Bible studies, serving as valuable resources for fostering personal and spiritual growth among participants.

- Dorothy Blue, MA

Senior Pastor, New Jerusalem Bible Church of God, Inc.

Dunn, NC