About Us

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.

Bishop Debnam was called to serve Morning Star in August 1996.

Bishop Debnam’s life reflects the God-inspired words of the prophet Isaiah that “they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the DeVry Institute of Technology, his Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University, and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Virginia Union’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. 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. 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 that ministers to more than 5,000 persons through its three Sunday worship experiences, weekly bible studies and other opportunities offered throughout the week designed to grow persons spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and professionally. 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 most cherished blessing in Bishop Debnam’s life is his family. He was united in holy matrimony in March 1984 to his wife, Carla, who 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.”

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Dr. Carla J. Debnam

Bishop Debnam’s life reflects the God-inspired words of the prophet Isaiah that “they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Dr. Debnam is the founder of The Renaissance Center in Gwynn Oak, MD. The center is a Christian counseling center that has been in existence since July 2001 and is an outreach ministry of Morning Star Baptist Church.

She has written articles on mental health topics and frequently presents at workshops and conferences. Prior to working at The Renaissance Center, Dr. Debnam worked for the federal government for sixteen years.

She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors of Maryland (LCPCM), Maryland Counseling Association (MCA) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

In November 2005, Dr. Debnam along with two other pastor’s wives began the Leading Ladies Ministry (LLM). The mission of LLM is to encourage, embrace, restore and refresh fellow pastor’s wives. Ecclesiastes 4:12 is the foundational scripture, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. A triple braided cord is not easily broken”. (NLT) She was licensed to preach the Gospel in June 2006 and ordained in June 2013.

Dr. Debnam is a native of Washington, DC and is a proud mother and grandmother. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and baking. She stands on the promise of Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. (NIV)

Our Vision

Morning Star is an experience committed to the mission of Jesus Christ resulting in transformed lives, effective disciples, empowered communities and authentic worship.

Our Beliefs

The Scriptures

(2 Timothy 3:15-17)
We believe the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction.

The True God

(John 4:23-24; Matthew 28:19)
We believe that there is only one true God.
He is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature.

The Fall of Man

(Genesis 1:27, 3:6-24; Romans 5:19)
We believe that man was created by God in a state of holiness but through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God by free choice and fell from his original state.

The Way of Salvation

(Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 3:16)
We believe that salvation involves the redemption of the whole man and is offered to all through the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation includes regeneration, sanctification and glorification.

Justification

(Romans 5:1, 2; Acts 13:38-39)
We believe that justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ.

The Freeness of Salvation

(Romans 1:16, 3:24, 6:23, 10:13; Ephesians 2:8-9)
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all.

Grace in Regeneration

(John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
We believe that regeneration or the new birth is a change of heart brought by the Holy Spirit.

Sanctification

(1 Peter 1:2; I Thessalonians 5:23-24)
We believe that sanctification is the process by which we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

(Acts 8:36-39; I Corinthians 11:23-26)
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer.  
The Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of the death of the Lord Jesus, preceded by solemn self-examination.

The Resurrection

(Matthew 20:17-19, 28:6-7; John 5:28-29)
We believe that the Scriptures clearly teach that Jesus rose from the dead. He now exists in His glorified body at God’s right hand.
There will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.
The bodies of the righteous will conform to the glorious spiritual body of Jesus Christ.

Legacy of Resilience: The Story of Morning Star Baptist Church

Founded in 1896, Morning Star Baptist Church has been a pillar of faith and resilience in the Catonsville, Maryland community for over a century. Its journey began at 48 ½ Winters Lane, a humble brick building that, despite early challenges, symbolized the unwavering spirit of its congregation. On their first day of worship, the congregation found their benches smashed by an angry contractor over an unpaid debt. This faith-testing experience only strengthened their resolve.

For 33 years, Morning Star Baptist Church grew and adapted, eventually laying a cornerstone in 1929. The following year, the church sold its original building to the Masons and purchased a new location on Roberts Avenue from Macedonia Baptist Church. This period marked significant growth, with the church incorporating in 1930 and constructing a new sanctuary on an adjacent lot in 1945. Further expansions included the addition of halls, parking lots, and numerous beautification projects.

In 1979, under the leadership of Rev. Jentry McDonald Sr., the church moved to a larger location at 154 Winters Lane. Remarkably, they managed to pay off a 30-year mortgage in just 11 years. This move facilitated further growth and set the stage for future developments.

By 2016, Morning Star Baptist Church had outgrown its previous facilities and broke ground for a new Ministry Campus in Woodlawn. This campus included the MSBC Community Outreach and Educational Center, a new House of Worship, and a renovated Family Life Center. The 1500-seat Worship Center was dedicated in December 2017, and the Family Life Center opened in September 2018.

Over its history, Morning Star Baptist Church has been led by ten pastors, each contributing to its spiritual, organizational, and physical progress. From its first pastor, Rev. T. Quarles, to the current pastor, Dr. Dwayne Debnam, who assumed leadership in 1996, the church has continuously evolved. Under Dr. Debnam’s guidance, the church has seen significant growth, with membership exceeding 3,000. His vision has led to the creation and revitalization of numerous ministries and the establishment of the Renaissance Counseling Center and a Center for Excellence, which offers GED, computer, and career training programs.

Morning Star Baptist Church's legacy is one of faith, resilience, and community. It stands as a beacon in Catonsville, empowering individuals and honoring its rich history while looking forward to a promising future.

The Baptist Ordinances

There are two ordinances to which the Baptist Church adheres. These two ordinances are Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Ordinances, as used here, mean traditions and acts commanded by Jesus that His followers share as a sign of their commitment to Him.

Baptism comes from the Greek work “baptzo” meaning to dip or submerge. Baptists follow the tradition of Jesus having been baptized by John the Baptist. Likewise, we follow the commandment of Jesus who said, “Go, ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and Holy Spirit.”

Baptism is symbolic of the Christian’s death to his old life, its burial and the Christian’s resurrection to walk in the newness of life in Christ. Baptism serves as a confession of faith in God and a willingness to follow Christ.

The second ordinance is the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion, as it is frequently called. Baptist belief holds that the Lord’s Supper is symbolic. The bread and the fruit of the vine are but symbols of the broken body and shed blood of Christ. Any baptized believer is eligible to partake of the Lord’s Supper. It is observed as a remembrance of that which Christ did for us. The bread is symbolic of His body broken on Calvary’s cross out of His love for us; and the fruit of the wine is symbolic of His blood which was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.

We, as Christians, commune together as one body in Christ, members one of another, every 1st Sunday of each month.

1. The Scriptures

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience.

2. God

There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself all perfections and being infinite in all of them; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.

3. The Trinity

God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.

4. Providence

God from eternity decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet, so as not in any wise to be the author or approver of sin not to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures.

5. Election

Election is God’s eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life, not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.

6. The Mediator

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law, suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He forever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church and Sovereign of the universe who will come again in glory for all true believers among the living and the dead.

7. The Fall Of Man

God originally created man in His own image and free from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors.

8. Regeneration

Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins, enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God’s free and special grace alone.

9. Repentance

There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself all perfections and being infinite in all of them; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.

10. Faith

Saving Faith is the belief, on God’s authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification, sanctification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces and leads to a life of holiness.

11. Justification

Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made, not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith.

12. Sanctification

Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified by God’s word and have the Spirit dwelling in them. This Sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ’s commands.

13. Perseverance of the Saints

Those whom God hath accepted in the beloved and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church and temporal judgement on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

14. The Church

The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is composed of all His true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to His commandments, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches, He hath given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which He hath appointed. The scriptural officers of a church are Bishops or Elders (Pastors and Deacons).

15. Baptism

Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of his giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is prerequisite to church fellowship and to participation in the Lord’s Supper.

16. The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and wine, and to be observed by His churches until the second coming of Christ. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship.

17. The Lord’s Day

The Lord’s Day is a Christian institution for regular observance and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, resting from worldly employments and amusements with works of necessity and mercy the only exceptions.

18. Liberty of Conscience

God alone is Lord of the conscience and He hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful things commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

19. The Resurrection

The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God; the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked to be reserved under darkness to the judgement. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.

20. The Judgement

God hath appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when everyone shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment and the righteous into everlasting life.

Morning Star is an experience committed to the mission of Jesus Christ resulting in transformed lives, effective disciples, empowered communities, and authentic worship. Our Staff humbly serves the Church and Community.

Contact us if we can help support your growth and development as you are blessed by THE EXPERIENCE the ministry of Morning Star Baptist Church.

Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Deaconess Robbin Brown

Executive Assistant to Bishop Debnam

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Elder Anita McConnell

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Dr. April Johnson

HR Specialist

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Dr. Carla J. Debnam

Executive Director | The Renaissance Center

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Dawn Green

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Kyle Jones

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Deaconess Lisa Nettles

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Adriana Vargas

Social Media and Marketing Director

PASTORAL STAFF

Minister Helen Carpenter

PASTORAL STAFF

James C. Quinn Jr.

PASTORAL STAFF

Elder Joseph Sanders

PASTORAL STAFF

Mya Hodge

PASTORAL STAFF

Minister Terrell D. Anderson

PASTORAL STAFF

Rhonda Bratcher

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Charisse Mercer

Administrator, The Renaissance Center

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Minister Donna Brown

Accounts Payable Specialist/Bookkeeper

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Isaac Parham

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF