Donte Lazarus, born in October 1975, is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. After spending the first 13 years of his life there, his mother moved with him to Tampa, Florida in pursuit of a better opportunity for them. While in Tampa, Donte’ and his mother attended Bible Based Fellowship Church. It was there, under the leadership of Rev. Arthur T. Jones that Donte’ gave his life to the Lord at the age of 15.
After graduating high school, Donte’ went to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida on a full academic scholarship. However, once there he strayed from the “straight and narrow”, lost his scholarship, began drinking and smoking marijuana heavily, and had several run-ins with the law. After taking a job at a call center in the evenings after classes, Donte’ began to excel at work and was quickly promoted through the ranks at the call center and decided to quit school. But success didn’t last long, and he was ultimately fired and became depressed.
It was at this low point that the Lord spoke to Donte’ in a series of dreams and made clear to him that he was called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He shared his experience with his girlfriend, Kim, proposed to her, and they were eventually married. Not long after, Donte’ preached his first sermon at United Gospel Fellowship Church in Tallahassee, Florida.
Knowing that his assignment would ultimately bring him back to South Carolina, Donte’ took advantage of an opportunity to relocate to Columbia for a management position at another call center. While in Columbia, Donte’ served in various areas of ministry and (with great hesitation) was ultimately licensed and ordained.
After going back to school and completing his undergraduate studies in Political Science at the University of South Carolina, Donte’ returned home to Charleston with his family. It was then that God began to clearly reveal the vision and mission of Spirit & Truth Church and Ministries to him.
Donte’ has been happily married to Kim since January 22, 1999, and has 3 children. Remy, Amani and Sanaia. Outside of serving the Lord and his family Donte’ enjoys cooking, crabbing and playing the organ.