Rev. Carl Von Epps Jr., Senior Pastor

Rev. Carl Von Epps Jr. has been Warren Temple's senior pastor since 2020.  A resident of LaGrange, Georgia, he is recognized for his significant contributions to communities of faith as well as politics in the state of Georgia.

 

Born in LaGrange, Pastor Epps pursued higher education at Morehouse College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration. He furthered his studies by completing a program for senior executives in state and local government at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

 

First elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1992, Pastor Epps served ten consecutive terms, retiring in 2014 after 22 years of service.  During his tenure, he chaired the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus from 2000 to 2004.

 

Pastor Epps is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church who served as pastor of Smith Chapel United Methodist Church in Newnan, Georgia, and presently as senior pastor of Warren Temple.

 

Pastor Epps is also the founding president of West Georgia Chapter of 100 Black Men of America and has served on the boards of the Troup County Board of Health, the Roosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation Foundation, and the Chattahoochee Boy Scout Council.

Min. Jeanell Spence-Settles, Liturgist

Min. Jeanell Spence-Settles is a dedicated spiritual leader, ordained minister, and founder of Spence International Ministries and Young Voices Liturgical Ministries.  With a heart for service and a passion for empowering others, she has spent over a decade serving communities through both pastoral care and leadership development.

 

In 2014, Min. Spence-Settles was ordained, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to ministry.  Building on this foundation, she furthered her theological training by earning a Master of Divinity from Sound Doctrine Bible Seminary and Slidell Baptist Seminary where deep academic insight was coupled with practical ministry experience.  In 2022, Min. Spence-Settles expanded her role as a spiritual guide by receiving her Certification in Chaplaincy, preparing her to offer emotional and spiritual care in diverse settings such as hospitals, prisons, and community organizations.

 

As the founder of Spence International Ministries. Min. Spence-Settles leads initiatives aimed at global outreach and community transformation. Through Young Voices Liturgical Ministries, she fosters the spiritual and creative growth of youth, encouraging the next generation of leaders in worship and ministry.  With a deep commitment to faith, education, and service, Min. Spence-Settles continues to make a profound impact, dedicating her life's work to bringing hope, healing, and the message of faith to all she serves.