A House of Worship at the Heart of Avondale
Faith Temple Ministries sits in an orange building at 825 Rockdale Avenue, right across from the Avondale Town Center in the heart of one of Cincinnati's most historic neighborhoods. The church has called Avondale home since 1959, when a small gathering of believers planted the seed of what would become a multi-generational ministry rooted in worship, discipleship, and hands-on service. Today, Faith Temple is known throughout the area for its Sunday worship gatherings, its youth programs that fill the summer with workshops and block parties, and the steady presence of two weekly outreach ministries, the Vickie L. Spencer Food Pantry and the Mary Ward-Thomas Boutique, that welcome neighbors in need of a warm meal or a fresh change of clothes.
From a Small Gathering to a Generational Ministry
Faith Temple Ministries was established in 1959 by the late Bishop Sterling J. Spencer, a visionary leader whose commitment to faith, family, and community laid the foundation for a lasting legacy of spiritual strength and service. With a heart tuned to God's voice and a passion for empowering others, Bishop Spencer built more than a church. He built a refuge where people could find hope, healing, and purpose. For nearly three decades, he guided the congregation with wisdom and compassion, fostering a culture of spiritual development, discipleship, and heartfelt worship while meeting the practical needs of the people around him. He believed the church should be a living, breathing part of the community, offering support to families, outreach to the underserved, and a safe space for all to encounter God.
In 1983, Bishop Spencer appointed his son, Bishop Jerome Spencer, as his successor. Under Bishop Jerome's leadership, the ministry expanded its reach and deepened its commitment to serving both the spiritual and practical needs of its congregation and the surrounding community. A significant pillar alongside him was the late First Lady Vickie Spencer, whose compassion, grace, and devotion shaped the family-centered culture that continues to thrive today. Her heart for women's ministry, mentoring, and prayer left an indelible mark on the church.
A defining moment came in May 2024, when Bishop Jerome Spencer humbly passed the mantle to Pastor Timothy Stiggers. The transition was framed as a generational blessing and a divine commissioning to continue building on a strong foundation of faith, love, and service. Pastor Stiggers stepped into the role with a heart for God's people and a vision to see lives transformed through the gospel. His mission is rooted in strengthening families, empowering youth, reaching the lost, and deepening spiritual growth within the church and beyond.
Beliefs That Unite the Congregation
Faith Temple Ministries describes itself as a Christ-centered church where worship is heartfelt and spiritual growth is intentional. The congregation holds the Bible as God's inspired, authoritative, and trustworthy rule of faith and practice, and the ministries of the church are characterized by a reliance on personal and corporate prayer. Members affirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the calling of the Great Commission, committing themselves to reaching unsaved and unchurched people locally, nationally, and worldwide through every Christ-honoring means available. The family is also a stated priority. The church is committed to cultivating an atmosphere that promotes spiritual growth within the family by reaching families with the gospel, discipling them in Christ-like character, and teaching each family member how to fulfill their God-given role.
The mission of the church is rooted in faith and aimed at uplifting communities with the love of Christ and addressing critical needs through impactful outreach programs. The vision is a world where every community is empowered with essential resources, creating pathways for health, knowledge, and opportunity for all. Underpinning everything is a set of values summed up in the church's own words: reflecting God's love, grace, and truth in all they do, welcoming every soul, serving with compassion, and living by the Word of God.
Sunday Mornings at 825 Rockdale
Sunday at Faith Temple begins at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School, a time of Bible teaching for every age. The main worship service gathers at 11:30 a.m., with heartfelt praise and preaching rooted in Scripture. Visitors are welcomed to come as they are, in casual, formal, or in-between attire, and to bring a friend along. The church's FAQ invites anyone considering a visit to ask their friends if they have a place to worship the Savior and invite them to come along, especially during seasons like Christmas and Easter. Those who are not yet Christians are invited to experience a service and learn more about Jesus Christ.
Midweek, the church gathers for an online Bible study on Wednesdays at 6 p.m., giving the congregation a regular touchpoint in the middle of the week. Services are livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel, so members at home or out of town can stay connected to the preaching and worship.
The Vickie L. Spencer Food Pantry
Named for the late First Lady whose compassion shaped the ministry, the Vickie L. Spencer Food Pantry is a vital part of Faith Temple's outreach, providing free meals and essential items to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Avondale and surrounding communities. The pantry is open every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and offers a welcoming environment where every guest is treated with respect and care. The pantry is open to all, with no proof of income required, though identification may sometimes be requested. The work of the pantry extends well beyond a single afternoon, as the church also coordinates an annual Thanksgiving Meal Distribution that, in a recent year, provided Thanksgiving meal packages to more than 150 households, reaching over 600 individuals through the help of volunteers and partners including Last Mile Food Rescue, Matthew 25, and Meijer.
The Mary Ward-Thomas Boutique
Across the hall, the Mary Ward-Thomas Boutique offers free clothing to individuals and families in need. With love and dignity, the boutique provides gently used items for all ages, because everyone deserves to feel cared for and confident. There is no cost and no judgment, just a helping hand in Jesus' name. The boutique is open every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Faith on 25th: Outreach and Missions
The church's outreach ministry is called Faith on 25th, a name drawn from the biblical call in Matthew 25 to embody faith through tangible acts of kindness, mercy, and justice. Through the food pantry and the Blessings Boutique, the ministry shares the love of Christ in both word and deed, working to meet practical needs while offering hope, encouragement, and the message of salvation. Whether it is a warm meal, a new outfit, or a kind word, the team is committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus in the community and beyond. The outreach also stages community celebrations like the annual Holiday Brunch and Toy Giveaway, a free December event that brings neighbors together for a meal, festive music, cookie and ornament decorating, a hot chocolate bar, and toys for children while supplies last.
YPF Youth Ministry
Faith Temple's Young People's Fellowship, better known as YPF, is a vibrant, welcoming space where young people can grow in their faith, build lasting friendships, and discover who they are in Christ. Through fun, interactive workshops, dynamic lessons, community service, and real talk about real life, the ministry helps youth develop spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where young people feel seen, heard, and valued, and where they are encouraged to ask questions, explore their faith, and take ownership of their spiritual journey. YPF runs Sunday sessions, special events, and summer programs, including the well-known Rock the Block Summer Youth Program.
Rock the Block: Summer on Rockdale
Each summer, Faith Temple fills its calendar with Rock the Block, a multi-week program designed for youth ages 11 to 17. Workshops cover self-esteem building, personal safety and awareness, conflict resolution, coping strategies, leadership and responsibility, community engagement, and literacy activities. Lunch and snacks are included, and young people who attend six or more classes are eligible for a prize. The summer closes with the Rock the Block Parking Lot Party, a free, family-friendly afternoon of live music, free food, giveaways, face painting, jumbo lawn games, a game truck, a bounce house, and community resources. The youth ministry also partners with the Cincinnati Observatory each fall for a Star Party, an evening of guided stargazing, glow-in-the-dark crafts, hands-on activities, music, snacks, and space-themed surprises that is free and open to the public.
Mothers and Missionaries (M.A.M.)
The Mothers and Missionaries ministry, often called M.A.M., celebrates the love, wisdom, and resilience of women in the church community. The acronym stands for Matriarchs, Anchors, and Missionaries, women dedicated to shaping their homes and serving the world through Christ's love. The ministry honors the powerful role of motherhood, creating a space for women to grow together in faith, service, and purpose. Mothers and women of faith gather to share the joys and challenges of parenting, uplift one another in prayer, and turn compassion into action through local and global missions. Whether someone is a seasoned mom, a new mother, or simply a woman with a heart for service, there is a place for them in M.A.M.
Couples and Singles
Faith Temple's Couples Ministry provides a Christ-centered space where married and engaged couples can grow together spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Through fellowship, workshops, and open conversations, couples are encouraged to strengthen their bond, deepen their faith, and learn tools for building a healthy and lasting partnership. The ministry offers biblical teaching and workshops that strengthen communication, trust, and spiritual intimacy, fellowship events and date nights designed to rekindle joy and laughter in relationships, support groups and prayer circles where couples can share and encourage one another, and community outreach opportunities to serve together and model love in action. A Singles Ministry also gathers adults for fellowship, connection, and growth, rounding out the church's family of ministries for every stage of life.
Leadership Rooted in Generations
The pastoral team at Faith Temple is led by Pastor Timothy Stiggers, who serves as the church's Pastor after being installed in May 2024. Bishop Jerome Spencer continues to serve as Bishop and Overseer, with Nathaniel Robinson as Assistant Overseer. Felicia Ward serves as Associate Pastor, and the ministry team includes Evangelist Fay Ward, Minister Yolanda Spencer, Elders Deborah Murphy, Gwendolyn Flowers, and Barbara Harper, and Deacon Doug Spencer. Rosalind Stiggers serves as a Mother of the church, with Zora Brown as Senior Mother, and Latoya Stiggers as Lady of the church. Together, this team carries forward a heritage of leadership that stretches back to the church's founding in 1959.
Giving, Volunteering, and Getting Involved
Faith Temple Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible. Supporters can give online through the church's secure giving page or drop off a donation in person during services or office hours. The church also invites volunteers to serve in areas like hospitality, outreach, and the food and clothing pantry. A volunteer application and background check are required for those who want to serve alongside the ministry team. Members of the congregation are also invited to support specific campaigns, including university scholarships for at-risk youth, sustaining church hospitals and schools, equipping church leaders, discipling youth and young adults, the children's outreach summer camp, and a critical relief fund for families. Every contribution, whether financial or given in time, helps Faith Temple continue to spread hope, serve the community, and share God's love with those in need.