06/14/2026
From Doug:
Below is a portion of a Facebook post by a Second Baptist member. His statements are from his heart—I believe that---I also believe that he has not investigated the facts and the facts are what led us to file a lawsuit against the defendants in April 2025. On May 31, 2025, the two year statue of limitations would have run and Second Baptist would forever be under the total control of H. Edwin Young and now his successor, Ben Young. There would be nothing to stop what has happened under the leadership of Edwin Barry Young (known as Ed jr.) at Fellowship Church Grapevine (“FCG”). I don’t need to repeat the church mergers which have occurred with FCG and the church closures and the sale of church properties, or the airplane and the reported wealth of Ed jr. What we know is that Ben Young kicked his father Edwin Young out of his office and ordered him to leave the church the DAY after Edwin had appointed Ben to be his successor. We then know that men who had been faithful members of Second Baptist for decades sought to meet with Ben to reconcile Ben and his father. We know that a meeting took place on August 20, 2024 and Ben stated that he needed no additionl time to consider this reconciliation—that his father had gotten the Bylaws amended and those Bylaws now gave him full power. Continued efforts were made to meet with Ben, none of which were accepted. We then know that legal counsel reviewed the new amended Bylaws and that ALL voting rights of Second Baptist had been terminated even though the Trustees were not informed and the members at the May 31, 2023 meeting were not informed of this fact prior to voting and were NOT given a copy of those proposed Bylaws. We know that the lawyers for the defendants have admitted that they did not comply with Texas law regarding the amendment of the Charter of Second and that they had no obligation or duty to tell the members of the removal of voting rights—all under the ecclesiastical doctrine followed by Courts when asked to interpret or decide biblical or theological doctrine. None of this requires any theology---just simple compliance with the state law on governance matters.
We know that many members have been told that if they wished to see the Bylaws they could come to read the bylaws in Lee Maxcy’s office under his surveillance, with no notes being permitted to be taken, and also being told that there are plenty of good churches in Houston they can go to if they don’t like what has happened. We also know that the three Young brothers—sons of Edwin-- had a “podcast” in which they laughed about not going after those who leave.
Nonone wanted litigation but no one wanted to be lied to and deceived. Even the lawyer who was hired for this matter and is now also a defendant told others that the Statue of Limitations would soon run and then this would all be over. It is not over and Second Baptist will be restored if this is God’s Plan but those who have deceived members cannot be part of that unless they repent and seek to restoration of voting rights and the manner in which Southern Baptist Church operate but also operate under Texas law and transparency, oversight and accountability with independent trustees---not relatives, employees and those who have given up their independence.
We pray for this, but the mediation failed and the next step is for rulings on the motions and then a trial on the proper governance of Second Baptist under Texas law---we have no difference of theology---we have a difference that the process for bylaw and charter changes should be done in accordance with Texas law as Second Baptist of Houston is a Texas nonprofit corporation. Thank you, Doug
Restore Second to a Christ lead church in which the Body of Christ, the congregation, is trusted to make decisions for its mission and governance. Edwin Young has departed and has refused to have any part of this process—so far.
“…churches ultimately survive because people willingly entrust their hearts, their families, their prayers, their service, and their lives to them.
And once enough hearts quietly disconnect…
…the damage becomes very difficult to reverse.
I pray healing eventually comes to Second Baptist.
I pray wisdom prevails over pride.
I pray truth is spoken in love.
I pray mercy and forgiveness are remembered, because they are always within reach.
And I pray those involved find a path forward that honors both conviction and reconciliation.
Because despite all of this…
I still love that church and the countless ways it has changed hearts, minds, and lives.
Perhaps there is still time.
Before another motion.
Before another deposition.
Before another courtroom appearance.
Sit down.
Tarry together.
Pray together.
And show Houston, Texas, the nation, and the world how Christians handle conflict differently.
Not because the issues are small.
But because Christ is bigger.
