Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles And Satara Henry.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
First Missionary Baptist Church–Conroe was first organized in 1892 and, for more than 133 years, has faithfully served the Conroe community. In 2000, a devastating hailstorm rendered the church building unusable, resulting in the suspension of worship at the site for five years. In October 2005, construction began on a new sanctuary located at 611 Avenue H, Conroe, Texas, which was completed nearly a year later.
While commercial development along the I-45 corridor has continued to grow and thrive, the neighborhood surrounding the church has experienced ongoing economic and social challenges. Over time, church membership declined, and in September 2025, the congregation suffered the loss of its pastor, Pastor Pete Rucker. His passing marked a pivotal moment in the life of the church and created the need for renewed leadership and vision.
In response, a new Board of Directors was formed, and a new pastor was prayerfully selected. In November 2025, Pastor-Elect Reverend Charles E. Henry Jr. was formally installed as Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church–Conroe. Alongside his wife, First Lady Satara Henry, Pastor Henry has worked closely with the Board of Directors and Trustees to rebuild the church spiritually, refresh its infrastructure, strengthen its membership, and re-engage the surrounding community.
In less than two months, church membership has increased by 300%, the Youth Ministry has been revived, weekly Bible Study has been reinstated, and the congregation has been energized with renewed purpose and hope. Since November, church volunteers have actively supported the community by feeding the homeless, giving away warm clothing and toys, and—most importantly—offering spiritual guidance.
Looking ahead to 2026, First Missionary Baptist Church–Conroe is committed to not only meeting the spiritual needs of the community, but also serving as a hub of empowerment and restoration. Through partnerships with other organizations, the church will offer free public workshops focused on strengthening marriages, improving personal finances, engaging youth, supporting seniors, building life skills, and promoting higher education.
Through faith, service, and collaboration, FMBC–Conroe is reclaiming its legacy as a beacon of hope and transformation for the Conroe community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
First Missionary Baptist Church–Conroe has faced several significant challenges in recent years. One of the most pressing issues was a steady decline in membership, which placed a heavy financial burden on a small congregation. With limited financial resources, much of the responsibility for maintaining the church and its operations fell on a few dedicated members, leaving little funding available for ministry expansion or community outreach.
Additionally, the church lacked a digital presence. There was no website and no active social media platforms, which significantly limited visibility and outreach—especially to younger generations and individuals new to the community. Without an online presence, it was difficult to share information about worship services, ministries, and community support efforts beyond the immediate neighborhood.
These challenges highlighted the need for renewed leadership, innovative outreach, and strategic planning. Addressing membership engagement, financial sustainability, and digital connectivity has become a critical part of the church’s vision for revitalization and long-term impact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Pastor Henry and I served in leadership at The Word of God Christian Fellowship Church in Cypress, Texas, for 13 years. During that time, we held a variety of ministry leadership roles that allowed us to grow spiritually, administratively, and pastorally. Most recently, Pastor Henry served as Chief Ministerial Officer, while Lady Satara served as Ministry Director.
We both have a strong passion for and are most proud of our youth ministry. At the Word Church, we provided leadership for the P150 Youth Ministry for nearly a decade, serving as Operations and Ministry Leaders. From establishing a bible-based curriculum that laid the foundation for our youth, to Vacation Bible School, to organizing college tours, purity workshops and enrichment programs for boys and young men, we gained extensive experience mentoring youth, building ministry structure, and creating engaging, faith-centered programs.
Earlier in our time at The Word Church, Lady Satara also led efforts in marketing, media, and community outreach, which proved invaluable in developing the church’s website and launching its social media presence—tools that are essential for effective ministry in today’s digital world.
Through his leadership roles, Pastor Henry gained experience officiating weddings, leading funerals, developing ministers, overseeing church and ministry operations and partnering with Compassion International to lead ab initiative to provide food and toiletries to children in multiple third world countries, as well as families in the greater Houston area and throughout Texas. Together, these experiences strengthened our ability to lead with vision, compassion, and accountability.
We truly believe that God has been preparing and equipping us for this assignment. With God’s appointment, the support of strong leadership, and a committed congregation, we are confident that First Missionary Baptist Church–Conroe will not only survive but thrive.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, we envision First Missionary Baptist Church–Conroe becoming a thriving, multi-generational and multicultural church family that intentionally reaches younger generations and evolves into a multi-cultural ministry while continuing to honor, engage, and empower our current demographic as well as our senior saints. We believe this balance is not only necessary—it is biblical.
One of the greatest challenges facing the church today is the racial divide and that many young people are trending away from organized religion, while at the same time, shifts toward less traditional worship styles can unintentionally leave seniors feeling disconnected, unneeded, or left behind. Our vision is to resist choosing one demographic over another and instead create space where every generation and demographic feels valued, heard, and essential.
In a recent sermon, Pastor Henry shared the message that “Jesus is the hook.” The methods—or the bait—may change as culture changes, but the hook remains the same. Our commitment is to remain rooted in the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ while adapting our approach, language, and tools to reach people where they are. This includes expanded digital ministry, relevant teaching, strong youth and young adult engagement, and intentional mentoring relationships between generations.
Over time, we see FMBC–Conroe becoming a community-centered church—a place of spiritual growth, leadership development, and practical support for families, seniors, and youth alike. By embracing innovation without abandoning tradition, we believe the church will grow in both impact and influence, remaining faithful to God’s calling while meeting the needs of a changing world.
Pricing:
- If you would like to partner with us in ministry, simply text GIVE to 866-552-4314. Your support helps us serve and strengthen our community.
- For more information about upcoming events and opportunities to support our ministry, please visit FMBC-Conroe.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fmbc-Conroe.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmbcconroe?igsh=OG1xZTBvbml6empt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PDbDLyYTm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@1stmbcc?si=1a1-utJUdacAvN-f
