Our Pastor

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Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam

Faith, Integrity, Character and Commitment serve as guiding principles for the life and ministry of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam, the Senior Pastor of the Morning Star Baptist Church in Woodlawn, Maryland.

Born and raised in Baltimore City, Bishop Debnam was called to serve Morning Star in August 1996. Before being called to Morning Star, he served for five years as the Assistant to the Pastor of the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland under the mentorship and leadership of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas. Bishop Debnam was licensed to preach and ordained into the gospel ministry at New Psalmist.

He is humbly celebrating his 36th year in the preaching ministry.

One of the most cherished blessings in Bishop Debnam’s life is his family. He realizes that to have a family that encourages him, supports him and participates in ministry is a gift that must not be taken for granted. His wife of 39 years, Carla, stands with him along with his three children, Corey, Jewell and Jared.

Bishop Debnam’s education, anointing and desire to serve have resulted in opportunities, accolades and consistent reminders that his life and ministry are being orchestrated by God. In 2002, Dr. Debnam was featured in “The African American Pulpit” as one of 20 Young African American Preachers to watch. In June 2003, Dr. Debnam was installed as State Overseer for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of Maryland. He was consecrated Bishop in November 2004 and now serves as the Bishop of Social Actions for Full Gospel. Bishop Debnam is also a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and a member of Sigma Pi Phi – Gamma Boule.

He has preached and ministered locally, regionally and nationally – always sharing an intensity and passion that points persons to the hope and possibility in Christ.

Morning Star Baptist Church is a place of faith and transformation. Because of Bishop Debnam’s obedience and commitment, God is using Morning Star to build and rebuild the lives of men, women and children. The congregation has grown from approximately 200 persons to over 4,000 members. In December 2017, Morning Star dedicated a new Ministry Campus which includes a 1500-seat sanctuary, a separate Community Outreach and Educational Center and a Family Life Center which is scheduled to open in the summer 2018. The Campus is a “means to an end,” providing the Church with the space and capacity to reach more lives. The Ministry holds three Sunday worship services and two monthly communion worship services. In addition, radio broadcasts, social media viewing opportunities and webcast streaming, impact thousands of lives throughout the world. Throughout the week there are bible studies, small group growth opportunities, discipleship classes, children and youth activities and an array of activities which are designed to grow persons spiritually, emotionally, relationally and professionally.

One of the most cherished blessings in Bishop Debnam’s life is his family. He realizes that to have a family that encourages him, supports him and participates in ministry is a gift that must not be taken for granted. His wife of 34 years, Carla, stands with him along with his three children, Corey, Jewell and Jared.

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul asks, how can they (the people) hear without someone preaching to them? Bishop Debnam takes his call to preach the Gospel seriously. He is a preacher, teacher, mentor, counselor and committed servant who sincerely believes “eyes have not seen, ears have not heard and no mind has conceived the great things God has prepared for those that love him.”

One of the most cherished blessings in Bishop Debnam’s life is his family. He realizes that to have a family that encourages him, supports him and participates in ministry is a gift that must not be taken for granted. His wife of 34 years, Carla, stands with him along with his three children, Corey, Jewell and Jared.

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul asks, how can they (the people) hear without someone preaching to them? Bishop Debnam takes his call to preach the Gospel seriously. He is a preacher, teacher, mentor, counselor and committed servant who sincerely believes “eyes have not seen, ears have not heard and no mind has conceived the great things God has prepared for those that love him.”