our APOSTLE & Elect-lady

about our apostle

APOSTLE RONALD L. DEMERY, JR.

Apostle Ronald L. Demery Jr. is the only child of the late Ronald L. Demery Sr. and the beautiful Barbara Demery Johnson. A Washington, D.C. native, Apostle Demery graduated from the DC Public School System and furthered his education at the University of The District of Columbia, where he majored in Business Management. He has an earned Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College and Capital Seminary.

Apostle Demery served and pastored the historic Bible Way Church of Washington, DC, with a compassionate heart fueled by God’s divine Holy Spirit for eight years. His authentic love for God’s people is evident in the way he ministers the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bishop Demery attributes his spiritual formation to his parents and grandparents.

Appointed as interim Pastor of Bible Way Church in 2013 by his grandfather, Apostle James Silver, Apostle Demery's spiritually led leadership was soon recognized by the congregation. After serving as Interim Pastor for one year, he was selected to be the third pastor of the Bible Way Church of Washington, DC, in 2014. His tenure at Bible Way Church marked a period of spiritual growth and community engagement, reflecting his deep commitment to his congregation.

In September 2021, Apostle Demery and his wife, Lady LaShawn, established a new church ministry, Christ Way Cathedral, where souls experience “Care With Compassion.” This new ministry continues to thrive under their leadership, emphasizing a holistic approach to worship that ministers to the complete person—mind, body, soul, and spirit. Apostle Demery's vision for the church encompasses creating a sanctuary where all generations can connect with God and each other, fostering a diverse and nurturing community.

Apostle Demery is a pastor who can reach all generations, integrating traditional and contemporary elements in his preaching and pastoral care. His holistic approach to the preaching moment ensures that his messages resonate with people from all walks of life, addressing their spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs. This approach has made him a beloved father figure in his community, known for his ability to connect deeply with individuals and families alike.

His compassionate heart for God's people drives his ministry, whether he's offering a comforting word to a grieving family or leading a community outreach initiative. Apostle Demery's strategic vision for the church involves not only spiritual growth but also practical steps to support and uplift the community. He believes in empowering his congregation through education, economic development, and social justice initiatives, making a tangible impact on their lives. Apostle Demery has traveled to many states and recently journeyed to Obuasi, Ghana, where two Christ Way churches were established.

Apostle Demery is married to his high school sweetheart, Lady LaShawn. They share three gifted children, Aniya Sarena, James Joshua, and Autumn-Jimmie; one son-in-love, Jordan; one

granddaughter, Adonai, and many spiritual children. Their family embodies the principles of love, faith, and service that guide Apostle Demery's ministry, making them a source of inspiration and support for their church and community.

ABOUT OUR ELECT-LADY

PASTOR LASHAWN DEMERY, WOMEN & MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRIES

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)”. This scripture has proven to be the guiding principle for Pastor LaShawn’s spiritual journey. Driven by her passion for hands-on service, she engages others in a way that leads to the introduction of Christ’s love, which facilitates spiritual healing and soul wholeness.

Pastor LaShawn’s spiritual formation began in the home of her beloved late grandmother Jimmie Lee Davis and Metropolitan Baptist Church under the tutelage of Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. Her spiritual maturation continued under the leadership of the late Apostle James Silver and her husband, Apostle Ronald L. Demery, Jr.

She envisions the church as a community of shared faith believers living their lives submitted to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor LaShawn believes exposure to higher education (both secular and sacred) along with sound Bible-based teachings of the birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ is necessary to be empowered to live a spiritually well and fully engaged Christian-centered life.

Recognizing the diverse emotional and spiritual needs of congregants, Pastor LaShawn crafts her sermons to address the complexities of the human experience by offering practical psychological insights alongside profound theological reflections. She skillfully incorporates therapeutic principles into her sermons while grounding her messages in strong theological foundations. By drawing on her background in pastoral counseling, Pastor LaShawn uses relatable stories, practical advice, and empathetic understanding to connect with her listeners on a deeper level. Her sermons often explore themes of healing, forgiveness, and personal growth, providing both spiritual nourishment and therapeutic support. This integration not only fosters a sense of hope and resilience but also encourages individuals to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing within the context of their faith.

Pastor LaShawn is forging the next chapters of service alongside her husband as they serve as the Lead Pastors of Christ Way Cathedral, a ministry that ensures every congregant feels valued through commitment to Care with Compassion. Together, they maintain a hands-on approach, actively engaging with their community and dedicating themselves to meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of their members.

Pastor LaShawn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from American University. She began her graduate career at Georgetown University studying Religious Studies and graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts, Specialization in Pastoral Studies. She is currently pursuing her second graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health.

Pastor LaShawn is married to her high school sweetheart, Apostle Ronald L. Demery, Jr. They are the proud parents of three gifted and beautiful children, Aniya Sarena, James Joshua, Autumn-Jimmie, one son-in-love, Jordan, a beautiful granddaughter, Adonai NaTosha-LaShawn and many spiritual children.