Our beloved friend and Father, Dr. Carlton Spencer, and his beloved wife, Lady Margaret,
now reside in central Florida, where they remain actively engaged in the Lord’s service. He stands as a Patriarch in the Body of Christ. His name is known and loved the world over. His entire life has been spent in
the glad service of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Carlton did not learn about “Revival” and “Divine Visitation”
in a book; rather, he was born into that dimension! As the eldest son
of Ivan Q. and Minnie Spencer, founders of Elim Bible Institute in 1924, he was called and apprehended of God at a very early
age. From earliest childhood, his life was being molded and formed into the vessel,
which was destined to stand as a sentinel, watchman, and overseer in the Body of Christ.
This calling he has most faithfully served from the early 1930’s until this present hour, in a truly humble and
self-sacrificing manner.
While it is true that Brother Carlton would rather serve quietly, than be thrust into the
“lime-light;” during most of his life, by necessity of his God-ordained Office, it has indeed been impossible
for him to escape the rigors of a public life. Amazingly, he remains untarnished;
having escaped the negative influences of the same.
During his thirty years as President of Elim Bible Institute, and ever since that time, Brother
Carlton has done his very utmost to impart to students, pastors, missionaries, and the
Body of Christ at large, the great importance of “Divine Principles” in the life of the Believer.
Few Christian leaders have lived a more exemplary and unselfish life in the Gospel than has
he. It has been his practice to teach, not only by word and instruction (and
an able teacher he is, indeed), but also by living as an open epistle, “known and read of all men.”
By a strong sense of self-discipline, and walking very circumspectly, with stature and excellence in Christ; he has been able
to teach very effectively, by the vehicle of “example!” By this means, he has very skillfully wrought in
many and varied ways, into the lives of his students, a hunger and determination to “be like Jesus.” As a wise father, he is quick in his teaching and example, to portray and expound upon those life-situations
and experiences, conducive to the leading of his spiritual children into the “Christ-Life,” with its attendant
elements of righteous principles and holiness. Such are to be integrated into
every facet of one’s life; even its routine and mundane experiences. Such
an approach reflects clearly, Christian orthodoxy at its highest and best; affording indeed, a straight and unencumbered pathway
into the “Overcoming Life.”
One cannot remain for very long, under the tutelage of Brother Spencer, without experiencing
a change for the better, in every area. It has often been said that a spirit
of “divine excellence” accompanies and follows his ministry; somehow bringing forth the same quality in those
under his guidance. Not surprisingly, this condition is most often brought to
bear via the implementation, in such persons, of what is generally known to be: “The Dealings of God.” Of course, this is a very proper and Scriptural term, depicting our Lord and His Word, as the “Refiner;”
“Fuller;” “Sword;” “Fire;” “Hammer;” “Threshing floor;” “Winepress;”
“Millstone;” etc.; as well as: “The Author and Finisher of our Faith.”
Brother Carlton’s ministry has carried him to the nations as an Apostle,
to “set in order;” teach and impart New Testament Church order and government; and to encourage and edify the
Brethren. This he has been able to do most effectively; in part, because of the
great love and respect held for him by so many! Truly, many acknowledge and claim
this venerable Patriarch as their “Dad in the Faith.” Many who have
known him for half a century and longer, attest to his keen ability to undergird, strengthen, heal, restore, and repair; and
to (as if by some “proverbial super-glue”), hold things together!
To employ a familiar, Southern colloquialism: “No brag…just fact!”
In conclusion, what perhaps most accurately portrays the heart and soul of Brother Carlton, is the reference to the
“…pillar in the Temple of my God…,” spoken of in Revelation 3:12.
