House of discipleship

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Unconditional Love in Action

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Service Times

Sundays: 10AM (Worship)
Tuesdays: 7PM (Discipleship)
Wednesdays: 7PM (Prayer)
Thursdays: 7PM (Prayer)

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251 Altitude Street
San Antonio, TX 78227

Empowering People: Building Relationships, Serving Others, and Living Out Faith

Pastor Tena and Terrell Jackson

At the heart of our mission lies the desire to foster meaningful relationships and cultivate a vibrant community through our small groups. Our commitment to service stems from a deep love for humanity. We believe in the inherent value of every individual and the importance of utilizing one’s unique gifts and talents to bring people closer to Jesus.

Our overarching mission is to empower men to fulfill their divine calling. We champion the idea that true masculinity is rooted in servanthood, not dominance. Being a spiritual leader isn’t about exerting control; it’s about selflessly serving and setting a godly example for one’s family. We strive to equip men with the tools and resources needed to build character and positively impact their surroundings for Christ. For us, embracing Christianity isn’t an end goal but the beginning of an enriching lifelong journey.

Testimonies of Transformation: Stories of Recovery and Redemption

testimony of recovery
I was always the type of person who loved life, growing up in a small country town. But everything changed when I was six years old, and my mom married what felt like the boogeyman. My life turned into a series of sad events, with a mother who couldn’t protect me from her sick husband. I was lost, unable to understand or cope, and no one seemed to hear my pain or see my tears—except God. Caught up in addiction, I became a nightmare even to myself. I’ve been married five times, four of which were to men who seemed determined to drag me into darkness. After a few stints in prison, my life began to improve—but only for short periods. I went through treatment programs more times than I can count, yet nothing seemed to stick. It wasn’t until I decided to give it all to God that I began to see real change, although even then, I stumbled. Eventually, I found myself at Faith Based Institute, which gave me hope and a fresh start at Mama Tena’s, under the guidance of Pastor Terell Jackson. Even then, I faced setbacks. But God never left me, and Mama Tena never gave up on me. She and Minister Emma Williams became my backbone, supporting me with their prayers and faith. I knew I wanted to change, but I didn’t know when or how it would come. When I first attended their church, I heard Pastor Jackson speak about his own struggles with addiction and time in prison. I thought, “If God can clean up a preacher and put him in the pulpit, surely He can help me too.” I had experienced God’s power before and developed a relationship with Him in prison, but I had never sought the deep, personal connection that could have freed me sooner. As Romans 8:28 says, “God works everything for our good.” During my time at the home, I deepened my relationship with God and asked for a husband. After leaving the program, God blessed me with an apartment, a good job, a new car, and eventually, the husband I had prayed for. My life finally started heading in the right direction. Mama Tena and Pastor Jackson helped me find order in my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Dorene
My name is Abigail Dominguez, and my journey has been one of searching for love, acceptance, and a place to call home. In 2017, after leaving a ministry that deeply hurt me, I found myself homeless, wandering the streets, sleeping in cars, and in makeshift shelters. During those dark days, I would cry out to God, asking Him to lead me to a church where I could feel His presence and find a community that would love and accept me. I remember passing by Faith Based Institute and feeling a pull to visit. One day, I attended a Bible study there, and although I was still homeless afterward, I couldn't shake the sense that I had found something special. Mrs. Jackson and the other members welcomed me with such warmth and love that I felt compelled to keep coming back, even as I visited other churches. Over time, Mrs. Jackson would invite me to Sarah’s Ministry Home, telling me that God would change my life if I gave it a chance. I was hesitant, scared of the unknown, and unsure how I would pay for it. At that time, I was living in a shed that I rented for $200 a month—a place with no hot water, roaches, and a leaking ceiling. It was a tough life, and when a rat fell through the ceiling, I knew I couldn’t live like that anymore. Desperate for change, I finally called Mrs. Jackson, crying and asking for help. She told me to pack my things and that the church would send men to help me move by the next day. Moving into Sarah’s House was both terrifying and life-changing. I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty, but I knew I wanted a better life. Living with five other women, I didn’t have an ID or medical insurance. But with the support of Sarah’s House, I began to get my life back on track. Mrs. Jackson took me to a mental health facility to assess my well-being, helped me get an ID after ten years without one, and assisted me in finding a job. My life slowly started to improve. We had weekly Bible studies, and I continued attending church services. Mrs. Jackson helped us grow closer to God, receive His healing power, and discover our purpose. As my time at Sarah’s House came to an end, I applied for San Antonio Housing with the help of a roommate. Though the usual wait time was five years, God blessed me with housing in just five months. I was given a better job and a two-bedroom apartment of my choice. Today, I am more confident, open, and free. I serve in the dance ministry and outreach ministry at my church, and I’ve overcome my shyness and learned to trust people again. I’ve also held onto the same job for over a year—something I’ve never done before. My journey has been challenging, but with God’s grace and the support of Sarah’s House, I’ve found a new path filled with hope, purpose, and a brighter future.
Abigail Dominguez
My name is Michael Flores. I am an ex-felon who served a 15-year prison sentence. When I was released in 2005, I had nowhere to go, but by God's grace, I found my way to San Antonio and the House of Discipleship. During my 18 months there, I learned about God, finances, and how to reintegrate into society, all with the guidance and patience of Pastor Jackson and his wife, Tena Jackson. I also reconnected with my family in Florida. After leaving the House of Discipleship, I moved to Florida to be closer to my family. Unfortunately, over the next 10 years, I drifted away from God, fell into the wrong crowd, and spiraled back into drug use. I found myself in a dark place—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Despite my circumstances, God still had a plan for me. One day, the Lord spoke to me and urged me to reach out to Pastor Jackson—10 years after I had left the House of Discipleship. When I called him, he was already in Florida, just three hours from where I lived. He asked if I was ready to come back home. After much prayer and reflection, I left everything behind—my 3-bedroom trailer and all my possessions—and returned to Texas with only the essentials. For the next two years, I devoted myself to seeking the Lord. During this time, Pastor Jackson and Mrs. Jackson were incredibly patient with me, and God's grace and mercy were ever-present. I drew closer to the Lord than I ever had before. Doors began to open—jobs, opportunities, and clarity about my purpose as a servant of God. Pastor Jackson taught me how to delve deeper into the Word, worship more profoundly, and develop a genuine heart for others. Through one-on-one counseling, Bible studies, men's meetings, and fellowship with other brothers in Christ, I learned the power of community and the truth that "iron sharpens iron." After two years, the Lord blessed me with a new job, an apartment, and a place in the church as a Deacon. Eventually, I was honored to become an Elder. Today, I am more spiritually equipped than ever, thanks to the unwavering support and structure provided by Pastor Jackson and the House of Discipleship.
Michael Flores

Discover Our Journey: Our Story, Mission, and Vision

Our Mission

The Faith Based Institute - House of Discipleship is a faith based residential program for men and women is transforming the lives of those who are trapped by the deception of drugs and alcohol and reintegrating them back into society as contributing citizens.

Our Story

In June of 2007, Faith Based Institute, “Church in the Streets” was established. Founder, Terrell Jackson’s life experiences of overcoming adversities of prison, and addiction has helped hundreds of others learn new life skills to restore families and communities. After years of alcohol and drug abuse, Pastor Terrell and wife Tena Jackson are living examples that no matter what crisis of life brings there is hope.

Our Vision

Celebrating recovery through faith-based community solutions helping men and women regain their lives and restore families.

Here at the Faith Based Institute, we are committed to serving God and the needs of you and your family. Using universal principles of spirituality, we offer programs and practical tools for leading a joyous, abundant and peaceful life.

We aspire to strengthen each person's confidence and joy in Jesus Christ and integrate that joy and confidence into every aspect of their life. We encourage personal and spiritual growth through prayer, engaging studies of the Bible, and we require program participants to volunteer within our church and community.

Wherever you may be on your spiritual path, at the Faith Based Institute you will find a supportive community with a wealth of opportunities for personal growth.

Support Services

Recovery Programs

The Faith Based Institute – House of Discipleship stands as a beacon of hope, offering a faith-based residential program tailored to the needs of both men and women. Our mission is clear: to provide a supportive and nurturing environment where adults facing challenges such as homelessness, parole, probation, and drug addiction can find solace, guidance, and ultimately, transformation.

Within our transitional housing program, individuals are welcomed into a comfortable and loving home environment, where they embark on a journey of healing and growth. Lasting from 6 to 12 months, our program offers a structured path towards recovery and rehabilitation. However, we understand that each individual’s journey is unique, which is why we offer the flexibility for participants to extend their stay for further training and support once the initial program is completed.

Our ultimate goal is to break the chains of addiction and deception, empowering our participants to reintegrate into society as confident and contributing members. We strive to instill values of faith, resilience, and self-worth, equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose.

At the Faith Based Institute – House of Discipleship, we cherish the opportunity to earn the trust of those we serve. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence, we aim to deliver the finest faith-based services available, making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of all who walk through our doors.

  • Individual Recovery Coaching
  • Anger Management
  • Drug Counseling
  • Discipleship Classes
  • GED
  • Life Skills Training
  • Recovery Support Groups
  • Mentoring
  • Money Management
  • Spiritual Support
  • Family and Marital Counseling
  • Employment Coaching
  • Relapse Prevention

find us - we're here for you

faith based institute

Looking for a non-denominational church dedicated to seeking God’s heart for His people and teaching the truth of His Word? Come pay us a visit!

Call us

210-842-4969

📍 251 Altitude Street San Antonio, TX 78227