Rev. Reginald J. Houston, a native of McGregor, Texas was the second of three sons born to Mr. Lee Houston and Mrs. Essie Houston-Pickens. His family endowed him with the spiritual prerequisites that would lead him to become the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. His family continues to be an integral part of his spiritual life, encouraging him with the effectiveness needed to guide the members of the body of Christ.

He attended George Washington Carver High School and graduated from McGregor High School. He attended Prairie View A&M University where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1973. He received the Associate Degree in Nursing (LVN) from McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas in 1984 and the Masters of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in 1985.

Pastor Houston was nurtured in the Roberson A. M. E. Church where he received his spiritual training. At Roberson A. M. E. he sang in the choir, was an usher, attended and taught Sunday School, and worked in all capacities of the different ministries in the church.

Pastor Houston has extensive training in administrative and leadership skills, and was the recipient of numerous awards while attending Brite Divinity School. He received the Granville and Erline Walker Ministerial scholarship (1993-1995) and the Mary Henson Preaching Award in 1995.

Pastor Houston tenaciously believes in ministering to the whole person. He was licensed to preach the word of God by Bishop John Hurst Adams and began pasturing six months later. He has served as pastor of Sweet Home, Pleasant Home, Wilhite, St. Paul Waco and Wesley Chapel A. M. E. Church.

Since 1999, Pastor Houston has been actively involved in both Christian and Public Education. He believes in total communication with the community. He is employed by the Fort Worth Independent School District where he teaches first grade at Maude I. Logan Elementary School. In 2004, he was selected by his colleagues as Teacher of the Year for Logan Elementary. He is a member of the Nurturing Program at Logan and serves as Chairperson of the Campus Coordinating Committee. He was selected as a finalist for the District Advisory Board.

Pastor Houston has served the North Texas Conference as a Trustee, member of the Examining Board, Men’s Night Facilitator, Conference Church School Superintendent and secretary of the Waco-Temple District.

Pastor Houston and Lady Katie are the proud parents of Terrance Houston, Tamara Houston- Morris, Stephanie Porter-Burk and Jennifer Porter-Kennard. Their quality time is spent with their three grandsons, Evan and Ryan Kennard and Bishop Julius.