Meet Our Staff and Ministry Leaders

We’re here to serve you!

Our dedicated team of pastors and church staff are here to provide spiritual guidance and support, as well as resources to help you on your faith journey.

A young man with short brown hair and a beard, smiling, wearing a black jacket, white dotted shirt, and blue jeans, sitting on a stool against a plain gray background.

Chad Spencer

Lead Pastor

Pastor Chad Spencer, originally from a ministry family, was raised in the town of Big Flats, New York. After seeking out a degree in Criminal Justice, unsaved and unsatisfied with the trajectory of his life, attended 3 back to back mission trips in the Summer of 2011. These trips sparked a flame on the inside of him that was ignited at the Uproar Conference - a youth and young adults conference held in the North East - where he answered the call to full-time ministry.

Young woman with wavy brown hair smiling, sitting on a black stool, wearing a black dress with white horizontal stripes, black tights, and minimal jewelry, against a plain grey background.

Jade Spencer

Lead Pastor

Jade Spencer was born and raised in the coastal city of East London, South Africa. She encountered the Lord in a radical way at the age of 15 which completely changed the trajectory of her life. After graduating high school, she moved across the ocean to Tampa, Florida where she enrolled in the River Bible Institute at the age of 18 in order to pursue full time ministry training.

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Samantha Lozano Franco

Administrator/ Creative Director

Originally from Texas, Samantha encountered Jesus in 2017, which led her to attend Bible college in upstate New York. During her time there, she served under Pastor Chad and Jade, and when they planted a church in Ithaca in 2018, she joined them on the journey. Fast forward to 2023, God called them to Southwest Florida to start Legacy Church, and after seeking the Lord’s direction, Samantha followed to help build what God was doing there.

She initially served as the church administrator, but as the church’s needs grew, she stepped into her creative passions—graphic design, photography, and marketing—while continuing to serve in ministry. Now, in 2025, she works full-time as the Administrator and Creative/Marketing Director at Legacy Church. Above all, she has a heart to see people saved, discipled, and walking in the fullness of God’s calling on their lives.

A man with glasses and a beard singing into a microphone during a performance.

John & Erica King

Worship Leaders

John and Erica King are passionate worship leaders based in Tampa, Florida. John, originally from Cynthiana, Kentucky, has over 10 years of experience in worship ministry, growing up in an environment of worship with both of his parents serving as worship leaders.

Erica, originally from Ewa, Hawaii, brings 15+ years of worship leadership experience and became a licensed minister in 2020. Her father a minister, and her mother a worship leader, have deeply influenced her calling.

Both John and Erica graduated from River University—John in 2021 with a degree in Ministry, and Erica in 2016 with a degree in Ministry.

It was at River University where they met, serving together on the worship team, and they married in August of 2024.

John graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in 2018 with bachelor’s degrees in Music and Political Science before moving to Tampa in 2018 to attend Bible school.

John and Erica have a desire to lead anointed worship, creating environments where people can encounter Jesus and experience the presence of God through praise and worship.

A smiling couple stands outdoors near a body of water with trees in the background, embracing each other.

Jeff & Brenda Gaines

Head Elders

Jeff, a Florida native, accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was licensed to preach in Fort Huachuca, AZ, and later ordained in Fort Belvoir Virginia.

A retired U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst, Jeff now serves as the Chief Operating Officer of BGC, a company founded by his wife, Brenda. His ministry experience spans multiple roles, including pastor, youth pastor, Sunday School teacher, and grief support facilitator.

Jeff holds Master’s Degrees in Practical Theology and is currently pursuing a Doctorate at Regent University.

Married to his childhood sweetheart, Brenda, for over 40 years, Jeff is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Together, they have two adult children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and five beloved grandchildren. Residing in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Jeff and Brenda remain steadfast in their commitment to faith, family, and service.

Brenda Gaines, known as BG, is a Florida native, Army veteran, and accomplished entrepreneur. After serving in the U.S. Army, she transitioned to federal service, retiring as a GS-15 Executive Director for the Army’s Office of the Surgeon General.

Brenda’s life has been deeply rooted in faith and ministry. She accepted Christ as a teenager and has served in many churches throughout her journey. Her ministry work includes leading Grief Share for over a decade and serving as the First Lady of Antioch Baptist Church, where she provided spiritual support and guidance.

At Legacy Church, Brenda actively supports the Women’s Ministry, encouraging and empowering women in their faith journeys. She and her husband, Jeff Gaines, lead the Elder Team, helping to shape the church’s vision and spiritual leadership.

Beyond her professional and ministry roles, Brenda is a passionate advocate for mental health, supporting organizations like My Sisters Place and the Growth Healing Organization. She also mentors women in small businesses and veteran-owned enterprises, helping them navigate entrepreneurship. Brenda’s faith, leadership, and commitment to service continue to shape her impact in both the church and the community.