Meet the Pastor

Rev. Peter J. Spann is a gifted preacher and teacher of the Word of God who also embraces a ministry of civic engagement and social justice. As a result, his ministry extends beyond the walls of the church. He has preached at various revivals, special occasions and events.

He has ministered in detention facilities, nursing homes, homeless shelters, and other outreach settings. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, he went with other missionaries to New Orleans, Louisiana where he ministered to survivors through revitalization efforts, evangelism and outreach. 

Rev. Spann is currently serving as Pastor of the Carron Baptist Church in Washington, DC. As a visionary leader, Rev. Spann emphasizes spiritual growth, pastoral care, cultural identity, community outreach and social justice as a way to connect the community and the church while facilitating change in the surrounding neighborhoods. His leadership includes the church giving away backpacks filled with school supplies, serving Thanksgiving Day meals to the community and collaborating with community leaders to help curb neighborhood violence.

Rev. Spann is the author of the book: We Gon’ Be Alright: A Message of Hope for Believers in a God of Social Justice. This book, with its infusion of biblical truth, hip-hop and social criticism, is an easy read for believers who are looking to counter the narrative that God only embraces neo-conservative views that only center around abortion, gay marriage, and landowner rights. This book is a call to action to believers in a God of social justice and a reminder that though it looks like society is temporarily taking a moral downturn, in the end, we will be alright because God promised we will. 

Rev. Spann is also the host of the weekly podcast entitled: Jesus & Justice. The podcast is a place where people of faith and moral consciousness can discuss issues of faith, culture and politics in a way that is interesting, thought provoking and works toward building the beloved community. The podcast also features messages that incorporate faith and justice.

Rev. Spann is a former instructor at the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary. Rev. Spann is also an elected member of the Howard County, Maryland Democratic Central Committee where he serves on the sub-committee for Fundraising. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. A guiding principle in Rev. Spann’s life is a quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” 

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rev. Spann is the son of a Pastor, the late Rev. James W. Spann II, and Educator, Dr. Wilma N. Spann. Being the 7th of 8 children, it was impressed upon him at an early age the importance of faith and family. 

Rev. Spann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He also received his Juris Doctor degree from American University, Washington College of Law and a Master of Divinity from Howard University, School of Divinity, both in Washington, DC. 

In his spare time, Rev. Spann enjoys spending time with his family, reading, traveling, watching movies and the Milwaukee Bucks play basketball. He is a firm believer in having a strong balance between work and relaxation.

Rev. Spann is happily married to the lovely and virtuous Shurlonda Spann and they have two beautiful and creative children, Peter II and Anissa (pronounced AH-NEE-SAH). His favorite scripture is Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” 

For more information about Rev. Spann and how to reach him on social media go to: www.peterjspann.com