Pioneer Ministry in Iowa

Pastor Keys was, in many ways, a “Pioneer Pastor” in” Pioneer Territory.” On February 6, 1977, Community Southern Baptist Church was formed in the basement of the home of Rev. Ted and Sister Sarah Keys with their children and 5 other members. CSBC soon moved from the basement to the YMCA in Waterloo, and from there to a store front where the church opened a clothes closet ministry for people in need. As Rev. Keys began to participate in the Southern Baptist Convention attending various seminars and training he was guided by the Holy Spirit to join the Convention. On September 10, 1977 CSBC became the first African American church to be voted into the Southern Baptist Convention in the state of Iowa. We celebrate this historical event at the Baptist Convention of Iowa.

Leadership & Involvement in BCI

Pastor Keys has served for many years in numerous capacities first as part of the Iowa Southern Baptist Fellowship and then as part of the Baptist Convention of Iowa. Pastor Keys has been a leader in the Great Rivers and Northeast Iowa Baptist Associations serving in various roles. He led in Church Development with the Sunday School Conferences, hosted Seminary Extension Courses, and helped to start new churches. He has served on the BCI Executive Board and search committee. In addition, he distinguished himself as the President of the Baptist Convention of Iowa from 2010 to 2011. 

Guest Speaker – Ed Gregory

BCI Church Support Staff Ed Gregory was the guest speaker at Pastor Keys’ retirement banquet on Saturday, February 19th. “Pastor Keys is a leader among the fellow pastors in the Waterloo area, in Iowa, and across the Southern Baptist Convention. I was honored and grateful to be able to participate in the celebration for my colleague and friend, Rev. Ted Keys. I want to honor Pastor Keys’ wife, Sister Sarah Keys as well. We have had the opportunity for 40 years now to encourage and challenge one another through the best of times and some tough times too,” said Ed.

SBC Congratulations – Willie McLaurin

Other SBC leaders offered their congratulations to Pastor and Sister Keys. During the retirement celebration, Ed shared a personal letter from Dr. Willie McLaurin, the Interim Executive Director and CEO of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. Will McLaurin became a personal friend to Pastor Ted and Sister Sarah many years ago while McLaurin was still serving with the Tennessee state convention. When McLaurin heard about retirement, he wrote them a letter of congratulation and encouragement on their retirement. 

Thank You and God Bless!

Congratulations to Rev. Ted and Sister Sarah for 45 years of faithful service. “Having known the Keys for 40 years, it was a joy and a blessing to be part of the celebration,” said Ed Gregory. “On behalf of your fellow pastors, church leaders, and staff of the Baptist Convention of Iowa and the Southern Baptist Convention, we want to take this opportunity to say ‘Thank you and God bless!’”