Keion Henderson, Senior Pastor, Lighthouse Church

In an interview with Invest:, Keion Henderson, senior pastor of Lighthouse Church, discussed Houston’s growth, the intersection of faith and business, and the role churches can play in addressing community challenges. “The church can’t do without the state, and the state can’t do without the church,” Henderson said.

What has Lighthouse Church’s growth looked like over the past year in Houston, and what does that say about what people are searching for right now?

When we originally started the church, it grew organically. People were excited about it. It was a startup, for lack of a better term. Recently, we have been able to scale because we understand our market.

Houston continues to attract people from higher-cost cities and states. When new residents arrive, they are looking at where their home is in relation to their office, the quality of the school district, and increasingly, the distance between their new home and the church they are already familiar with. Because of online access, people are now moving with church dynamics in mind.

We recognize that and make sure that when people come to our church, they are not only able to get faith from us but also have access to programs such as APEX, our business arm. Through that program, we provide startup support for people launching businesses. We have meshed who we are with what people are looking for, and that awareness has contributed to the growth we have experienced.

How would you describe Houston’s spiritual and economic climate?

This is Houston, and this is the Bible Belt, so those things are connected. It is oil and God.

Oil and gas remain the major economic drivers. Energy companies continue to invest heavily here, and when energy does well, Houston feels the benefits through jobs, commercial real estate, and local spending.

Faith also remains deeply woven into the culture. I graduated with a business degree before I earned my seminary degree, and that combination fits Houston well. Business and faith are not viewed as separate worlds here. They exist on the same continuum, and this city embraces both.

What initiatives are having the biggest impact on families right now in Houston?

Inflation has caused many people to leave more expensive cities and move to places like Houston. The city is still viewed as relatively affordable compared to places such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

That said, Houston is not inexpensive. Property taxes, insurance costs, and interest rates continue to put pressure on homeowners. There are parts of Houston that are just as expensive and challenging as any major metropolitan area.

While Houston remains attractive for newcomers, affordability is becoming a more complicated issue than many people realiz

What community or economic trends are you paying the closest attention to today?

We are paying close attention to food insecurity and housing insecurity.

We steward the resources people entrust to our ministry, and that means using those resources not only to operate the church but also to help the less fortunate and the disenfranchised.

As cities grow, needs grow with them. Governments have to fund infrastructure, education, transportation, and countless other priorities. Churches often step in because people have historically viewed them as places of refuge and support.

Beyond that, helping people is simply the right thing to do. We often say at our church that it is our responsibility to be the hands and feet of God for people who may not know Him yet. You have to meet a person’s need before asking them to meet yours. That philosophy guides much of what we do.

How has mission work changed as economic challenges appear even in affluent communities?

Because the world is so interconnected, economic hardship can exist even in prosperous places. Mission work is no longer only about traveling overseas. There are communities throughout the United States that need attention and support. There are areas of economic depression and hardship even within affluent cities.

That reality reminds us that we are all connected. Whether we are talking about economics or relationships, people are sharing the same resources and facing many of the same challenges. It is important to recognize that we are all in this together.

As Lighthouse Church continues to grow, how are you maintaining trust and personal connection?

It is not easy. In some professions and institutions, when one person makes a mistake, the entire group is judged by it. The church often faces that reality. We are a collective organization, but people sometimes struggle to distinguish between individual situations and the broader faith community.

That creates a challenge. We have to demonstrate that we are committed to doing things the right way while also recognizing that we are part of a larger community.

Over the last 16 years, we have worked hard to navigate those challenges and maintain trust. It is an ongoing effort and something that requires attention every day.

Where would you like to see stronger partnerships between Houston’s business community and faith institutions?

Too often, affordable housing is separated from desirable neighborhoods. I believe there is an opportunity for mixed-use communities where people from different economic backgrounds can live within the same broader area and have access to similar opportunities.

A child whose parent works a night shift should have access to many of the same opportunities as the child of a Fortune 500 executive. Economic circumstances should not determine every aspect of a person’s life.

Affordable housing is one part of the equation. Access to fresh food is another. There are communities where fresh produce is difficult to find, while others have abundant options. That imbalance creates challenges that affect quality of life and long-term outcomes.

The business community, government, and faith institutions each bring something valuable to the table. Government has resources and expertise. Churches have relationships and direct connections to people. Businesses provide investment, jobs, and economic opportunity.

When those groups work together, they can address housing, food access, and employment in a meaningful way. If people are fed, educated, clothed, and supported, they are better positioned to participate in the workforce and contribute to the broader community.

That benefits everyone. The church can’t do without the state, and the state can’t do without the church.