20 under 40: Spencer Bell

Spencer Bell, 21  

Senior Pastor, Mount Zion Baptist Church 

Spencer B. Bell is a lifelong resident of Hartselle. Reared in both First Baptist and First Methodist churches in Hartselle, his faith is the foundation and formation of his life. In June 2018, he surrendered to God’s calling upon his life to full-time ministry at the age of 16 at Hartselle Camp Meeting. Spencer has served as the Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church since August 2022. He possesses a sincere passion for preaching God’s Word, leading others into a relationship with Jesus Christ, and encouraging the saints of God as he assists them in applying God’s Word to their lives.  

Prior to his service at Mt. Zion, he served as a traveling full-time evangelist for Spencer Bell Ministries, a non-profit organization whereby he preached revivals, harvest days, conferences and international engagements, maintaining an itinerant schedule. 

He has also previously served as the Interim Pastor of Gum Springs Baptist Church in Somerville, and as staff evangelist at Mt. Zion Baptist Church prior to assuming the pastorate.  

Presently, Bell serves as moderator of the Morgan Baptist Association, president of the Morgan Baptist Pastor’s Conference, president of Spencer Bell Ministries, chairman of the Non-Profit Cohort for the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce and as a member and advisor on several boards in religious and secular fields. 

He is a graduate of River City Christian Academy, Calhoun Community College and Athens State University, where he received the Acton E. Middlebrooks Award in religion and philosophy and the Outstanding Religion Major Award, graduating top of the religion department. 

Spencer presently attends the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he is working simultaneously on two master’s degrees: a Master of Theological Studies (MTS.), and a Master of Divinity in Preaching (M.Div.). With plans to further his education, he plans to attend the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky for his Master of Theology (Th.M.), and Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas for his Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.). 

He is the son of Ray and Amy Bell of Hartselle. A lifelong University of Alabama athletics enthusiast, Spencer can often be found in the stands cheering on his beloved Alabama Football team. He also is a black coffee connoisseur, an avid reader, writer, musician and a food enthusiast.