About
Stan Vespie, PH.d., LPC/MHSP
Lead Pastor
My Story
I began my journey in ministry as a teenager serving and working in different capacities of church and community. I accepted my first pastorate when I was 21. Forty years later I am still in serving in ministry. Several encounters with those suffering from mental health issues, I earned a degree in Mental Health Counseling, then later a Ph.D. in Psychology. Having a degree both in theology and psychology has equipped me to assist people both in terms of the spirit and the mind.
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I have dedicated my life to learning the scriptures, having read through it dozens of times and studying it daily for decades. I continue to teach and preach the Bible and attempt to adhere to the charge given to Timothy by Paul and therefore "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; repove, rebuke, and exhort with all long suffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2-3).
I’m always looking for the chance to explore new venues and learn something new that I can apply to my work. Explore my portfolio, and feel free to get in touch with any questions.
EXPERIENCE
What I’ve Done
1980-1982
1982-1983
PASTOR
ROCKY POINT BAPTIST CHURCH
MORRISTOWN, TN
​I was a pastor during my college education.
PASTOR
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
KOPPERL, TEXAS
Served as pastor during my educational experience at Southwestern Theological Seminary.
1984-1988
PASTOR
LEADVALE BAPTIST CHURCH
WHITE PINE, TN
First full-time pastorate
1988-1995
PASTOR
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH
HELENWOOD, TN
Served as pastor
1990-1994
1995-2006
TEACHER
ONEIDA HIGH SCHOOL
ONEIDA, TN
Taught American History and Driver's Education
PASTOR
LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH
WARTBURG, TN
Started this church in my hometown. The church grew, built a new building, and paid off the mortgage during my tenure.
2006-2021
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2008-Present
2011-2021
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
PERRY COUNTY SCHOOLS
I was a pastor during my college education.
PASTOR
TOM'S CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
LINDEN, TN
I was a pastor during my college education.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, PSYCHOLOGY
BETHEL UNIVERSITY - MCKENZIE, TN
UT MARTIN - MARTIN, TN
COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE,
COLUMBIA, TN
Taught General Psychology and other courses to college students.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
My Studies
B.A. POLITICAL SCIENCE
CARSON-NEWMAN UNIVERSITY
JEFFERSON CITY, TN
January 1979-July 1981
A political science degree has given me skills to stay abreast with the issue of politics as it relates to spiritual matters. I also obtained my license to teach history, government, and drivers education with this degree.
M.DIV.
BETHANY DIVINITY SEMINARY
DOTHAN, AL
To further my education in theological studies and prepare me further for the ministry and teaching the Bible.
1991-1992
M.A. PSYCHOLOGY
WALDEN UNIVERSITY
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
This degree equipped me to gain my professional license as an LPC with a Mental Health Service Provider designation. I am licensed in the state of Tennessee.
2005-2007
PH.D. IN PSYCHOLOGY
WALDEN UNIVERSITY
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
This degree prepared me to continue teaching on the college level as an adjunct professor in psychology. It also gave me standing for continuing the effort of bridging theology, psychology, and education.
2007-2011