Ministry Staff

Pastor Baker is a native Houstonian, and the founding pastor of Lakeland Baptist Church. Pastor was reared in Acers Homes where he was a member of Progressive Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend B. J. Lewis. He is married to Carol Lynn (Stephens) Baker, and they have two grown children: Jessica (Baker) Heath, and William Baker. They have three grandchildren: Daylen, DJ, and Nadia. Prior to Lakeland, Pastor served as an associate minister of Creston Baptist Church where he was ordained by the late Pastor Leroy Ross. Pastor Baker served as pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Houston, and pastor of St. Luke Baptist Church of Humble. Pastor Baker holds a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, Master of Divinity , and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Along with his pastoral duties, he serves as Principal of Lakeland Ministry Institute. Pastor insists that of greater value than his formal education was his mentorship by the Rev. Dr. Sidney Stephens!

Reverend Martin brings over 40 years of ministry experience to the Lakeland family. He has served as interim pastor, youth pastor, and associate pastor across the state of Texas. He is matriculating at Lakeland Ministry Institute.

Rev. Michael Worthman is a native of Gary, IIndiana. He come to Lakeland from New Loyality Baptist Church were he served as Youth Minister.

Sis. Debra completed prayer training at  Windsor Village Prayer Institute. She earned her Biblical Counseling Certification at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, her B.A. degree in Communications from the University of Indiana, and completed her M.A. degree in Biblical Counseling at Luther Rice Seminary. She is also matriculating at Lakeland Ministry Institute.

Carol (Stephens) Baker is the youngest daughter of the Reverend Dr. Sidney Stephens and Gloria (Franklin) Stephens. Dr. Stephens is pastor emeritus of the New Hope Baptist Church. She attended the University of Houston and worked in retail before marrying Pastor Baker. After marriage she became full time stay at home mom and worked in christian education at the church. She has past students who are grown now that continue to bless her for teaching them in Sunday school. She is a grandmother now and that has rekindled her joy of motherhood. 

Pastor Baker often talks about how Sis. Baker how is comfortable in her skin and confident in her calling. He says he envys her (figuratively speaking) in regards to her contentment and peace.  She is an excellent First Lady and continues to encourage others and support Pastor as much as she can as God wills.

Sis. Lorie is a commited Christian who grew up Catholic. She was led to protestantism by her husband who serves as a deacon at Lakeland. She has Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, a Masters of Business Administration degree from Texas Women's University, and a Masters degree in Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.