Photo: The original Sagemont Chapel building, built in 1966. The current Student Building stands on that location.
The "Sagemont Story" began long before the first building was constructed—born in God’s heart and revealed to the people of First Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas. In 1966, under the leadership of Dr. L.D. Morgan, the church purchased land in a growing area of Southeast Houston called Sagemont. John D. Morgan and his wife Beth were prayerfully called to lead this new mission, and they accepted, stepping into a journey that would change countless lives.
From the very beginning, Sagemont was a church on mission. Thousands responded to the gospel, and members embraced God’s call to full-time ministry. In 1975, under 'Brother John's' leadership, the church embraced biblical teaching on stewardship and made the commitment to be debt-free. Miracles and provision accompanied faith: $600,000 of church debt was paid in just 14 months in the 1970s, families gave their total income for 40 days to fund a new auditorium in the early 1980s, and property was acquired in surprising ways—all without borrowing. Missions and evangelism were priorities from day one, and today over 300 people have been licensed or ordained from Sagemont.
As the church grew, so did its ministries. Children, students, and families were served in creative and life-changing ways. Helping Hands met physical needs in the community, while missions expanded across Houston, the nation, and the world. Even pivotal decisions—like building a $12.5 million Children’s Building at the turn of the century—were met with faith, and God provided abundantly. In 2012, the Living Proof Project brought a new worship center and adult education building to life through over $30 million in gifts, equipping Sagemont to continue transforming lives. Even as new buildings were added - always debt free - Sagemont poured resources into missions and ministry, allowing both to flourish alongside the church's growth.
After more than 53 years of faithful service, Pastor John Morgan stepped down in 2019, leaving a legacy of soul-winning, missions, financial freedom, and community impact. Pastor Matt Carter then served as Senior Pastor, bringing his experience as founding pastor of The Austin Stone Church, before transitioning to a role with the Southern Baptists' North American Mission Board in 2022. In December 2023, Dr. Levi Skipper was called as Sagemont’s third Senior Pastor, bringing decades of ministry experience and a heart to see God glorified.
Today, under Pastor Levi’s leadership, Sagemont is focused on helping people take their next steps in following Jesus through the Discipleship Pathway: Worship – Connect – Grow – Go. The church continues to reach Houston and beyond with the gospel, remaining true to its roots while engaging a new generation with bold vision, strong biblical teaching, and a heart for God’s mission.
Through every challenge and triumph, God’s faithfulness has been the constant. Sagemont Church is not about programs or buildings—it is about lives changed by the gospel, families strengthened, and a community living boldly in God’s grace.