Mount Hope Baptist Church is blessed to be under the leadership of the awesome and dynamic +Bishop H. Donald Bates, Pastor. His bold, uncompromising delivery of the unadulterated Word of God resonates deeply with all who hear him. A native of Baltimore and a product of Shiloh Christian Community Church, +Bishop Bates is a powerful preacher and a passionate shepherd committed to guiding souls by any means necessary.

Standing faithfully beside him is his beloved wife, First Lady Karen Bates—a Spirit-filled, God-fearing woman who shines as a true example of Christian stewardship and grace. Her support, wisdom, and ministry presence are deeply felt and cherished throughout the Mount Hope family.

If you’re seeking spiritual guidance and a message that’s powerful yet easy to understand, look no further than the teachings of +Bishop Bates and the dedicated preaching staff at Mount Hope Baptist Church.
Come and experience the word, the worship, and the warmth.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…” – Matthew 25:23

The late Dr. Edward L. Payne was a beloved member of Mount Hope Baptist Church for 29 years, faithfully serving for 21 of those years as an Associate Minister under the divine leadership and pastorate of Rev. Dr. H. Donald Bates.

Dr. Payne was licensed and preached his initial sermon in 1996, and in 2007, he was elevated to the office of Elder—a testament to his unwavering commitment to the calling of ministry.

His academic and spiritual dedication led him to earn multiple theological degrees, including:

A Doctor of Ministry (2000) from Family Bible College and Seminary

A Master of Divinity

A Bachelor of Theology

Dr. Payne served Mount Hope in many capacities, including:

President of the New Life Ministry

President of the Male Chorus

Faithful member of the Voices of Mount Hope Choir

Until his transition from Labor to Reward, Dr. Payne poured his heart into the work of the Lord, both in word and in song.

He was often heard proclaiming:

“I'm just a nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody.”

And he believed it wholeheartedly.

Dr. Payne’s life and ministry left a profound impact on everyone who knew him. His wisdom, humility, and faithful spirit will be dearly missed—and he will forever live in our hearts.

Associate Minister of Mt. Hope Baptist Church

Elder Georgia Perry-Colbert has devoted her life to God in true worship and desire to be used to motivate, inspire, and arouse the Body of Christ to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.  Elder Colbert received her education in the Baltimore City Public School and graduated from Forest Park in 1975.  She attended the Community College of Baltimore for Early Childhood Education.   Elder Colbert became a member of the Mt. Hope Baptist Church in 1989.  She was the teacher for the Youth Sunday School and the Weekly Youth Bible Study.  She is the Annual Director of Mt. Hope’s Vacation Bible School.  In June 1993, she graduated from the Baltimore School of the Bible, with certifications in Advanced Church Ministries, and Foundational Church Ministries.   Elder Colbert has attended various local Bible Colleges. 

Elder Colbert accepted the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in August 1995.  She is the designated Worship Leader for Mt. Hope Baptist Church Weekly Sunday Service.  She has ministered at Women Conferences and other services locally. On June 15, 2007, she was ordained as an Elder in the Mt. Hope Baptist Church.   Currently, she is the Director of the Bless a Sister in Christ (BASIC) Women’s ministry.  

Elder Colbert and her twin sister, Evangelist Georgette T. Pettit founded the Twin Ministry.  This ministry was birth out of the need to serve bereaved family and friends.  Prior to the Pandemic they ministered twice a month at Lochern Future Care and Rock Glen Nursing Facility.  

Elder Colbert is married to Robert Colbert, she has one son, daughter in love and two Grandchildren.  Her foundational Scripture is Romans 8:28 “For we know that all things work together for good for those who love God for those who are the called according to His purpose.  

To God Be the Glory

Evangelist Georgette Trent Pettit is a current member of the Mt Hope Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD where she serves under the leadership of Bishop H. Donald Bates.  Evangelist Pettit is a graduate of the Forest Park High School, Strayer University and she attended the Baltimore School of the Bible. 
She enjoys serving God and the people of God and has served on Church ministries to include: the Usher Board, Prayer Band, Music Ministry, Organizer and Leader of the Womens’ Fellowship, Diaconate, Taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Bible Study. 
Evangelist Pettit retired from the Maryland Department of the Environment after 32 years.  When she reflects on her tenure there: God reminds her of the work she did for Him.  She organized and was a faithful member of the MD FDepartment of the Environment’s Bible Study Group. 
Although retired, she continues her Outreach Ministry along with her Twin sister - Elder Georgia Colbert.  Go led them to establish the Twin Ministry which serves Nursing Homes, Bereavement Needs and Preaching/Teaching the Gospel where needed. 
Evangelist is the grateful mother of  two;  Terrell and Jennifer and the overjoyed grandmother of Elijah and Madelyn.  
Evangelist Pettit lives by and loves the challenge God has for all believers to Love, and Let their Light Shine: 
>John 13:35…By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. >Matthew 5:16… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is heaven.

Minister Keon Hayes, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, is the youngest member of the Mount Hope Baptist Church Ministerial Staff and serves faithfully as the Minister of Music and Arts.

Educated in the Baltimore City Public School System, Min. Hayes was musically groomed at the Baltimore School for the Arts and received private instruction from three world-renowned musicians in the disciplines of:

Low Brass (Tuba)

Classical and Jazz Piano

Orchestral Performance

Called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in his teens, Min. Hayes brings a distinct voice to the pulpit. His formative years during the technology renaissance of the 1990s shaped a unique perspective on Socio-Christian expectations, which is reflected in his animated, expository preaching style.

Theologically, his eschatological foundation is rooted in historic premillennialism, with a strong emphasis on the Pauline epistles for both personal and corporate spiritual understanding. A hallmark of his preaching is the use of biblically rooted language, often referencing believers who have died as having “fallen asleep”—a phrase drawn from 1 Corinthians 15:18.

In addition to his ministry, Min. Hayes holds a degree in Mortuary Science from CCBC Catonsville and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Liberty University, with plans to continue his studies toward a Doctor of Practical Theology.

Minister Hayes embodies a powerful blend of musical excellence, theological depth, and pastoral care, making him a vital voice in both worship and word.

Minister Donald Thomas is, by every measure, one of the most powerful and prolific men of God you will ever encounter. With years of life and ministry experience, he brings a deep well of wisdom, compassion, and insight to every setting he enters.

Min. Thomas has a unique gift for encouragement—often able to uplift and strengthen others with just a few Spirit-led words. His approach to the Word is both practical and profound. He possesses an uncanny ability to take scripture and make it personally relevant, helping others grow stronger in faith, character, and purpose.

Hearing the Word of God through Minister Thomas is more than a message—it’s a moment of transformation. His heart for people, combined with his clear, applicable teaching, will bless your life and deepen your walk with Christ.