Our Team
Chad and Jade Spencer are the founding pastors of Legacy Church. Though raised on opposite sides of the world — Chad in New York and Jade in South Africa — both encountered the call to ministry through personal, life-changing encounters with God.
They met in 2013 as students at River University in Tampa, Florida, where their shared passion for reaching people and building the Church brought them together. After graduating and getting married in 2015, they spent the next eight years in full-time ministry in Upstate New York, serving faithfully in young adult, outreach, and campus leadership roles.
In 2023, with a vision burning in their hearts, they followed God's leading to plant Legacy Church in Bradenton, Florida — a church marked by His presence, built for His people, and driven by the mission to see the city of Bradenton transformed and generations set on fire for God.
Originally from Texas, Samantha encountered Jesus in 2017, which led her to attend Bible college in Upstate New York. There, she served under Pastors Chad and Jade Spencer and joined their church plant in Ithaca in 2018.
In 2023, when God called Pastor Chad and Jade to plant Legacy Church in Southwest Florida, Samantha prayerfully followed, sensing God's leading to be part of what He was building.
She began as the church administrator, eventually stepping into her creative passions — graphic design, photography, and marketing — as the church grew. Now serving full-time, Samantha brings both structure and creativity to the team. Her greatest desire is to see people saved, discipled, and living out the fullness of their calling.
John and Erica King are passionate worship leaders based in Tampa, Florida, with a shared desire to create atmospheres where people can encounter the presence of God through praise and worship.
John, originally from Kentucky, has over a decade of worship ministry experience, having grown up in a home led by worship leaders. Erica, from Ewa, Hawaii, brings 15+ years of worship leadership and became a licensed minister in 2020.
They met while serving on the worship team at River University and married in August 2024. Together, they carry a heart to lead worship that is Spirit-filled, authentic, and anchored in a love for Jesus.
Jeff and Brenda Gaines, both Florida natives and U.S. Army veterans, bring decades of ministry, leadership, and life experience to Legacy Church. Married for over 40 years, they serve as the leaders of the Elder Team, helping guide the church with wisdom, prayer, and spiritual support.
Jeff is a retired Army Intelligence Analyst, licensed and ordained in ministry, with experience as a pastor, youth pastor, teacher, and grief support facilitator. He holds master's degrees in Practical Theology and is currently pursuing his doctorate at Regent University.
Brenda, affectionately known as BG, is a retired GS-15 executive and founder of BGC, a business supporting mental health and entrepreneurship. Together, Jeff and Brenda are passionate about faith, family, and helping others grow in their walk with God.