[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 186 (Thursday, November 9, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING PASTOR ROGER SPRADLIN, FOUNDER OF THE VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH, 
                              BAKERSFIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 2023

  Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
remarkable life of Pastor Roger Spradlin.
  Born in Oklahoma in 1955, Pastor Spradlin graduated from Oklahoma 
Baptist University in Shawnee in 1977. He then enrolled in Criswell 
College in Dallas, Texas, where he began to formulate his vision to 
open a grand church in California.
  Pastor Spradlin arrived in Bakersfield, California, in the late 
1970s, serving as both a pastor and the Baptist Student Union Director 
at California State University, Bakersfield, During this time, he began 
demonstrating to our community that he was a man of resilient faith and 
steadfast compassion. Pastor Spradlin boldly embarked with other local 
pastors on a mission to create a Bakersfield-area Baptist campus.
  Valley Baptist Church was born and grew in size over the next decade 
to a 2,000-seat auditorium by the late 1990s Under Pastor Spradlin's 
leadership and vision, Valley Baptist would incorporate three 
additional campuses in the Bakersfield area. where services are now 
conducted in four different languages to meet the needs of our 
community.
  In addition to his work in Bakersfield, Pastor Spradlin proved 
himself a renowned leader in the California Southern Baptist 
Convention. Exemplifying the highest standards of moral and spiritual 
leadership, Pastor Spradlin served as chairman of the trustees of the 
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as chairman of the 
Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.
  While Pastor Spradlin held an impressive list of accomplishments in 
Southern Baptist Convention leadership, he is remembered most fondly 
for his lasting, positive impact on countless lives. His sermons 
underpinned his passion and commitment to the salvation of all those 
with whom he spoke, balancing truth with the tenderness of grace.
  Pastor Spradlin lived a remarkable life as a true pillar of 
Bakersfield. He cared for those in need with humility and grace, and 
made a difference in countless lives, including mine. He helped spread 
the message of God's love not only throughout our community, but around 
the world. While Pastor Spradlin will be greatly missed, I am certain 
that his legacy will live on through Valley Baptist Church and the 
Valley Baptist church family who I know will continue to strive to 
sustain the vision he brought to our community.
  Judy and I offer our sincere condolences to Pastor Spradlin's 
family--his wife of 46 years. Ginger, their 3 children, Andrew, 
Matthew, and Faith, and 10 grandchildren. We will always cherish his 
friendship, remember the wisdom he imparted on us and our community, 
and keep his family and all those who attend Valley Baptist in our 
prayers.
  On behalf of the 20th Congressional District of California, I would 
like to honor the life and legacy of Pastor Roger Spradlin for his 
dedication to Christ, leading a great congregation, and for being a 
beacon of compassion and love that the whole Bakersfield community will 
miss.

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