Pastor Joshua W. Speights, Jr., D.R.S.
A Servant Leader Rooted in Faith, Proven in Service
Born to the late Rev. Joshua W. Speights, Sr. and Ms. Eular Lumpkins, Pastor Joshua Speights, Jr. has devoted his life to faith, family, and fearless leadership. From his earliest days, Pastor Speights felt the call of Christ, accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior in his youth—a decision that would shape every step of his extraordinary journey.
A 1971 graduate of the Blytheville, Arkansas, school system, Pastor Speights enlisted in the United States Navy that same year, answering a higher call to serve. He rose through the ranks to become a Chief Warrant Officer, serving honorably for 22 years, including a tour in Vietnam and assignments worldwide. A decorated veteran, Pastor Speights attributes his survival and success to God’s sustaining power and unexplainable grace.
In 1975, Pastor Speights was licensed to preach the Gospel by his father, planting the seeds of a lifelong ministry. Guided by God’s hand, he married the love of his life, Ms. Rubbie Cole, in 1977. Their marriage, rooted in prayer, partnership, and purpose, has flourished for nearly five decades. Sister Rubbie Speights, now First Lady, accepted Christ in 1976 and has walked faithfully beside her husband in ministry ever since.
Together, they raised two children—Niesha and Joshua III—both of whom continue to reflect their parents’ values of faith, family, and service. Pastor and First Lady Speights are proud grandparents to Chloe, Josiah, and Weldon, witnessing God's faithfulness across generations.
Ordained in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1983, Pastor Speights began his formal pastoral journey at Calvary Baptist Church in Waipahu. Military transfers led him to serve in various associate roles in California, Italy, and Washington, D.C., enriching his spiritual leadership with cultural breadth and a global perspective. While stationed in Naples, Italy, he also supported his family through transitions, including First Lady Speights’ entry into the workforce.
After retiring from military service in 1993, Pastor Speights continued serving with distinction in both ministry and government. His pastoral assignments included leadership roles at First Baptist Church in Leesburg and Dale City Christian Church before answering God’s call to Neabsco Baptist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia, in 2007.
Now in his 17th year as Senior Pastor of Neabsco Baptist Church, Pastor Speights has led with visionary faith and unwavering strength. Under his leadership, the church completed Phase I of a $15 million expansion—a magnificent $8.5 million sanctuary that seats 700, equipped with modern ministry resources including a fellowship hall, multimedia room, classrooms, nursery, and kitchen. Groundbreaking took place in 2016, and by September 2017, the congregation had entered its new spiritual home. Phase II—an on-campus gymnasium and office complex—is on the horizon.
Pastor Speights’ influence extends beyond the local church. He has served as President of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Northern Virginia and the Baptist Ministers, Deacons, and Laymen’s Union of Northern Virginia. He is a respected member of both the Northern Virginia Baptist Association, Inc., and the Hampton Ministers' Conference.
An academic as well as a shepherd, Pastor Speights holds multiple degrees:
- Associate of Science in Electronics Technology, Gavilan College
- Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Management, National Louis University
- Master of Science in Information Technology Management, Colorado Technical University
- Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry, Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary
- Doctor of Religious Studies, Trinity College (awarded in 2019)
Pastor Speights’ calling is clear: to preach the Gospel with conviction, to lead God’s people with integrity, and to build a legacy of faith that glorifies Jesus Christ.
He does not lead alone—his wife and partner in ministry, First Lady Rubbie Speights, stands steadfast beside him. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., First Lady Speights is a passionate educator, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Park University and a Master of Education from George Mason University. Together, they serve as living witnesses to what God can do through a couple wholly committed to His will.
