On May 27th, 2026, one of our own, Pastor Ted Keys, was called home to be with his Lord. Pastor Keys began Community Southern Baptist Church in 1977 in his basement in Waterloo and served as pastor there until his retirement in 2022. Pastor Keys also served as the President of the Baptist Convention of Iowa from 2010 to 2011.
Remembering the Life & Ministry of Reverend Ted Keys
Pastor Ted Keys was a pioneer pastor, church planter, and faithful shepherd. In 1977, he founded Community Southern Baptist Church in the basement of his Waterloo home with only a handful of members while continuing to work full-time at John Deere. Through prayer, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness, that small beginning grew into a church that impacted countless lives in the Waterloo community.
Long before many Southern Baptist churches were established in Iowa, Pastor Keys was helping lead the way. Community Southern Baptist Church became the first African American church to affiliate with the Southern Baptist Convention in Iowa, marking an important milestone in the history of Baptist cooperation in our state.
A pioneer Among Iowa Baptists
Pastor Keys faithfully served beyond his local church as a leader within the Iowa Southern Baptist Fellowship and later the Baptist Convention of Iowa. Over the years, he served in associational leadership, church development efforts, seminary extension training, church planting initiatives, and on the BCI Executive Board.
His leadership was recognized across the state when he served as President of the Baptist Convention of Iowa from 2010–2011. Fellow pastors consistently viewed him as a trusted leader, encourager, and friend.
Faithful to the End
Pastor Keys’ love for Christ began at an early age. After joining Antioch Baptist Church as a young boy, he developed a passion for sharing the gospel and teaching God’s Word. That calling would shape the next several decades of his life and ministry.
Together with his wife Sarah, whom he married in 1973, Pastor Keys devoted his life to serving others. Whether preaching, teaching, mentoring leaders, or caring for church members, he demonstrated a steady commitment to Christ and His Church.
A Lasting Legacy
Pastor Ted Keys leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faithfulness. Through 45 years of pastoral ministry, he strengthened families, served his community, helped advance Baptist work across Iowa, and pointed countless people to Jesus Christ.
While we grieve his passing, we rejoice in God’s faithfulness throughout his life and ministry. We are grateful for Pastor Keys’ example, leadership, and enduring impact on churches across Iowa.
