After traveling extensively and ministering at various Evangelistic Services, Pastor Darren L. Gay, Sr., had a great concern and wanted to see a group of people that would lift up a standard in the contemporary environment in which we live. This vision would be one that would bring deliverance to our community - spiritually, economically and physically. This would be done with God empowering Pastor and People working together to “Change Humanity Under Reverence Charity Hope.” This systematic approach will create a synergy amongst our community that will engulf all who come in contact with the vision.

God brought the vision of Pastor Darren L. Gay, Sr., and Minister Cheryl Gay to pass in August 1997. It was after an Azusa Fire Tent Revival in July 1997, that God allowed Higher Way Full Gospel Baptist Church (Higher Way Ministries) to be birthed. Following the Azusa Revival on that Sunday, August 3, 1997, 130 Bank Street in Waverly, VA became our home and Higher Way Ministries had its first “Sunday” service. Approximately 25 joined that first Sunday.

In addition to spiritual growth, the Lord has also allowed us to purchase major items for the Ministry in Waverly, VA. We purchased the building we were worshipping in, and purchased land in preparation to build our new church edifice. While worshipping in Waverly, VA, under the great prophetic leadership of Pastor Gay, Higher Way received a Word from God that we would be the largest property owner in Waverly, VA and the Lord gave us great favor. Before departing Waverly, VA, the Lord touched the heart of a businessman who SOWED properties on Main Street to Higher Way Ministries, totaling in excess of ½ million dollars. We praise God for His Favor and For The Favor of Man!

Also while in Waverly, VA, being obedient to the call of God, Pastor Gay initiated our Higher Way North Ministry and we held services at the Comfort Inn Suite in Colonial Heights, VA. The Lord added daily to the Church. God also elevated our leader, Pastor Darren L. Gay, Sr., to the office of Bishop and allowed him to serve as 2nd presiding prelate of CAMIF, an international pastor fellowship whereby he mentored pastors locally as well as internationally including the Bahamas, Nigeria and Africa.

In December 2006, another milestone in Ministry was made. The Lord impressed it upon the heart of our Leader to move Higher Way Ministries to 515 Virginia Avenue, Petersburg, VA and we combined the north location in Colonial Heights with our Petersburg location. Since moving to Petersburg, VA, membership has tripled and lives have been transformed!

With continued favor - in April 2011, God added another dimension of Ministry by allowing Higher Way Ministries – Suffolk Campus to come forth. And in June 2015 – Higher Way Ministries – Durham Location came forth. We thank God for having one church – with three locations. God is so good!

In addition, our pastor Bishop Darren L. Gay, Sr., to birth his next apostolic assignment – producing the E.A.G.L.E.S. Fellowship of Pastors and Leaders (standing for Empowering and Assisting God’s Leaders for Extraordinary Servanthood). This fellowship is equipping pastors and leaders to operate in the apostolic anointing for the next move of God. Several churches have partnered with the EAGLES Fellowship and God has been doing the amazing!

So as you can see, within the past 18 years, God has certainly blessed Higher Way. In addition to all of the wonderful things that God has been doing in our midst, the most important thing is seeing the lives of men & women change for their betterment. For we know that as the vision continues to unfold daily, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” We praise HIM for HIS continued growth and we wait with anticipation to see what He will do next!