Faith leader, advocate, and friend to many, remembered for unwavering dedication to truth and civic engagement
Pastor Dave Welch, a steadfast champion of faith in the public square and founder of the Houston Area Pastor Council, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Sunday, June 1, 2025. He was 64.
In a special session that same day, the Texas Senate adopted Senate Resolution 719 in his honor. Introduced by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the resolution remembered Welch as a tireless servant of God, a bold leader in Texas politics, and a unifier among pastors from all denominations and races.
“Pastor Dave Welch was called home to the Lord on Sunday. He’s been my friend and mentor since 2018 and I will miss him deeply,” said U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw in a tribute posted on Facebook.
“Pastor Dave was a tireless servant of God, relentlessly committed to uniting the faith community and strengthening the bonds we share. We often use the word ‘leader’ too loosely, but Pastor Dave was the true embodiment of a leader. He inspired everyone around him with his unshakable faith in Christ and his fearless determination to confront the evils in our culture and government. His passing is a tremendous loss for our community.”
Welch’s enduring legacy began in 2003 with the launch of the Houston Area Pastor Council, which grew to include over 300 pastors united in advocating for Biblical values in their communities and local government.
Under Welch’s guidance, affiliated councils were formed across Texas, leading to the development of the Texas Pastor Council. His influence spread far beyond the state, as he helped pastors nationwide establish similar movements aimed at restoring godly citizenship.
Ordained by Grace International and licensed with the Church of God in Christ, Welch’s ministry blended preaching with principled action. He worked in national leadership roles with Vision America and the Christian Coalition, and he was a delegate to three Republican National Conventions.
In 2014, he emerged as one of the “Houston Five” — a group of pastors whose sermons were subpoenaed by then-Mayor Annise Parker amid the battle over Houston’s controversial “bathroom bill.” Welch helped lead the campaign that resulted in the bill’s defeat at the ballot box.
Through his decades of service, Welch remained committed to defending religious liberty, supporting traditional marriage and family values, and championing educational and justice reforms. His boldness in the public arena was grounded in Scripture and the belief that pastors should not remain silent on cultural and political matters.
Senator Bob Hall remarked during the June 1 memorial session that Welch was “a leader who called pastors out of the pews and into the public square,” praising him for encouraging faith leaders to engage directly with elected officials for the good of their communities.
Pastor Welch was also a good friend and contributor to Katy Christian Magazine and Fort Bend Christian Magazine, where his insights on culture, politics, and faith were both respected and valued. His voice helped shape the moral conscience of the region, and his absence will be deeply felt by many in the Christian community.
Welch is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Valerie, their six children—whom they homeschooled—and six grandchildren. The family lives in Magnolia, Texas, where he continued to pastor and guide others until his final days.
Pastor Dave Welch’s life was one of conviction, courage, and deep compassion. He leaves behind a rich legacy of faith-driven activism, a network of empowered pastors, and a community inspired by his unwavering stand for truth.
