About Higher Praise
Get to know our story, our leaders, and what we believe.
Meet Our Pastors
Apostle Donald Jones Jr.
Senior Pastor
With a heart for the lost and a passion for God's word, Apostle Donald Jones Jr. founded Higher Praise in 1997. He leads our congregation with wisdom, humility, and a deep desire to see lives transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Francis Jones
Pastor
Pastor Francis Jones serves faithfully alongside her husband, providing spiritual guidance and leadership. Her nurturing spirit and profound teaching have been instrumental in building a strong, faith-filled community at Higher Praise.
Assistant Pastors
Leadership Team
Our Assistant Pastors are dedicated servants who support the vision of the Senior Pastors. They help shepherd the flock through teaching, counseling, and leading various ministries, ensuring that every member is cared for and equipped for the work of the ministry.
Our History
In 1997, Pastor Donald Jones Jr., along with his wife, Francis Jones, began Higher Praise Christian Fellowship in their living room. While there, they met with early church members for evenings of worship and biblical study. As time passed and the ministry flourished, God opened the door for Higher Praise to begin meeting on Saturday evenings at First Baptist Church.
Soon after incorporating with First Baptist Church, Pastor Jones moved Higher Praise into the Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach, CA for 2 years. There, the congregation grew and developed its foundation, blossoming into what the church is today.
After serving the community of Imperial Beach, we outgrew the facility. In 1999, Higher Praise relocated to Chula Vista, acquiring our own building on Sycamore Drive. Pastor Jones continued to care for his spiritual flock there for 5 more years.
In 2004, God moved in the supernatural and blessed Higher Praise with an 8,000-square-foot building in Chula Vista. This move signaled a special wilderness experience. For six more years, Higher Praise became like the Israelites, trusting God for provision and strength while roaming towards the Promised Land.
Finally, in 2012, the 7th year of our wilderness experience, God provided us with our very own building in San Diego. The journey was long, but it marked the beginning of a new season of divine favor.
After 10 years, in 2022, God expanded the church's territory again, allowing Higher Praise to relocate into our current home in La Mesa, CA.
As Higher Praise looks to the future, the church stands united in purpose and vision, ready to embrace the next chapter with faith and expectation. The foundation laid by Apostle Donald and Pastor Francis Jones continues to bear fruit.
Glory Be to God.