In February 2003, Pastor Keith Desso Douglas answered God’s call to plant a new church. He reached out to family members, inviting them to join him in this endeavor.

By March 2003, the first official meeting took place at 3504 Hardie, the home of his parents, Desso and Mary. Incorporation papers were filed, and a Federal ID Number was requested.

In April 2003, the new members began their orientation, studying and discussing “A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, with Pastor Douglas leading the classes. The founding group consisted of 11 adults and 3 children, with three infants adding to the mix. This blend of family solidified the church’s belief and motto that “GOD is Nurturing Faith In Families.” Many from this founding group remain faithful members today.

On April 17, 2003, His Way Baptist Church received its incorporation status from the State of Texas. By June 8, 2003, the Church’s Constitution was adopted.

Mission Statement
While showing Christ’s love to a lost and broken world, the mission of His Way Baptist Church is to:

• Act as He Acted
• Teach as He Taught
• Serve as He Served
  While elevating Christ to His rightful position.

In August 2003, the Aldine School District allowed the congregation to hold worship services at Bethune School, located at 2500 S. Victory in Houston, Texas. To show their gratitude, Pastor Douglas, along with Minister Derrick Douglas and Brother Vernon McGowen, power-washed the school building, demonstrating the principle of “Acting as Jesus Acted.”

On Sunday, September 7, 2003, the first official service was held, with Pastor Keith Desso Douglas delivering a sermon from Philippians 1, themed “From the Showroom Floor to the Shop to Service.”

Teaching and Spiritual Growth
A strong emphasis on teaching has always been central to His Way Baptist Church. In September 2003, Sis. Ericca Douglas began leading Bible Study Classes, followed by Sis. Melody Douglas, who continues as the current facilitator.

• Spiritual Growth Classes have been led by Sis. Johnnie Solomon, the late Rev. Charles Payne, and currently Sis. Angela Brooks.
• Youth and Teen Leadership has included Minister Walter Williams, Sis. Verlanda McGowen, Sis. Lacetra Billups, and presently, Sister Melody Jones.
• Young Women’s Bible Classes are led by Sis. Melody Douglas.

In 2004, the church celebrated its first baptism at the home of Vernon and Verlanda McGowen in Humble, TX, with Nyle Page as the first candidate.

In 2008, the first ordination service was held, where Walter Williams was ordained as a minister, and Vernon McGowen and Larry Johnson were ordained as deacons.

From September 7, 2003, until March 11, 2011, the church worshiped at several locations:

• Bethune School (August 2003 – February 2005)
• 8206 Observatory St. (March 2005 – September 2008)
• Sis. Johnnie Solomon’s home at 968 Calvin St. (September 2008 – late 2010)

On March 13, 2011, the congregation dedicated their present location at 1818 Esther, with the theme “Let Your Glory Fill This Place.” Special guests included Pastor Joseph Glenn and The Lord’s House Christian Center, as well as Pastor Rouzan and Freewill Baptist Church.

Programs and Community Service
Since 2003, Pastor Douglas has consistently pursued the mission statement through activities and programs that engage and uplift the congregation:

• Vacation Bible School offers classes for all ages, allowing families to learn, play, and grow together in faith.
• Fall Retreats provide an escape from city life to study God’s Word in a peaceful setting.
• Annual Fall Revivals help keep the church inspired and focused on “Acting as Jesus Acted.”

Touching the community through service is a key mission for His Way Baptist Church. Under Pastor Douglas’s leadership, members have:

• Taught Bible classes at the homes of Desso and Mary Douglas, The Boys and Girls Club, and Garden City Apartments.
• Provided Thanksgiving dinners to those in need.
• Delivered meals and messages under the Pierce Bridge.
• Distributed school supplies and backpacks to children.
• Hosted coat drives for the homeless.
• Operated youth summer lunch programs.
• Served meals at the Star of Hope.
• Hosted a community Fall Festival with clothing giveaways.
• Offered free vegetables from the Mary Lawrence Douglas Community Garden.

For 20 years, Pastor Douglas has led His Way Baptist Church with humility and a deep love for people and their spiritual growth. He inspires members to love Jesus and each other, teaching forgiveness, tolerance, and acceptance, while striving to live a Christ-like life.

Pastor Douglas uses themed lessons to guide and inspire his congregation. Some examples include:

• 2020 Theme: “Focus on the Future with 20/20 Vision” – 2 Corinthians 5:6-9
• 2021 Theme: “God’s Assurance” – Deuteronomy 31:6
• 2022 Theme: “Separate to Elevate” – Romans 8:35
• 2023 20th Anniversary Theme: “A Faith That Functions” – Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
• 2024 Theme: “A Compassion Like Christ” – Mark 6:34

May His Way Baptist Church continue to flourish under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Bible-centered teaching.