Pastor Mel

Melford S. Keyes, born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in a home of tremendous love with the guidance and support of his mother Patricia as well as her late parents, Melford C. & Laura  J. Keyes.

At an early age, Mel gave his life to Christ under the leadership of the late, Dr. V. Simpson Turner, pastor of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York.

At the age of seventeen he entered the United States Air Force where he spent ten years on active duty, becoming a professional military education instructor at the Kelly AFB and then after separating from active duty, spending another seven years in the Air Force Reserves.

He became a son in ministry under the leadership of the late Pastor Clifton Phillips receiving his license to preach on 27 November 2000. Later, his ministry journey took him away to prepare for what God had in store for him, serving as armor bearer under the leadership of Elder T.L. Craig, St James, A.M.E. church, Weimar, Texas and again in the same capacity under the leadership of Pastor Ray D. Brown, Sr., Resurrection Baptist Church, Schertz, Texas.

In addition to ministry, Mel enjoyed a professional and successful sales career  for over fifteen years. He has been married to the lovely, Kendra Keyes for over twenty two years with three children.  His favorite areas of ministry are learning more about God’s vision, leadership, and relationships. His hobbies include reading, writing, videography, playing chess and enjoying great movies with family and friends.

Over a year after the passing of his father in ministry, On June 5th, 2005, Mel received his call from God, to go back home to Joshua House of Worship as pastor. Since coming back to Joshua, God has begun using thisyoung pastor as a vehicle to bring about many dynamic fresh changes for the fulfillment of His vision on the west side of San Antonio.

Within the past four years, Joshua House of Worship, has baptized over 40 persons and has grown into their most culturally diverse membership ever, loading our role and value as an up and coming, multi- generational and multi-cultural church with much potential.

As the founder and organizer of Joshua Generation Radio, an outreach arm of the Joshua House of Worship and a collaborative effort of numerous ministries geared at making a larger community and kingdom impact together, Mel is on a mission. Additionally as a bold business owner in the telecommunications and energy industry, he is determined to build and leave a lasting legacy for his family  while training other leaders and persons with passion how they can totally change their economic circumstances through technology and social media even in this challenging economy.

Pastor Mel has devoted himself to listening, learning, laughing and whenever possible lightening the load for others as an expression of his love and praise to God.

His studies include an associate degree from the United States Air Force in military instruction methodologies and completion of several biblical courses from Moody Bible Institute and Rockbridge University. He is currently a graduating senior at The Baptist University of the Americas  where he been recognized on the President’s list, the Texas Baptist Standard periodical and by the Baptist Group Convention of Texas at the 2011 annual convention.