Dr. Jimmy R. Watson, Pastor

Dr. Watson was ordained as a minister in the United Church of Christ in 1993. He has served churches in Texas, Missouri, Indiana, and now Kentucky. He came to St. Andrew United Church of Christ in 2007. He also taught religion courses in a small West Texas college and in federal, state, and local prisons in Texas. His education includes a B.A. in Bible and an M.A. in Religion from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, and a Ph.D in Christian Ethics from Baylor University in Waco, Texas (1996). His dissertation is titled, "The Emerging Concept of Just Peace Theory."

 

Dr. Watson served as a delegate to General Synod in 2005 and 2007, and has served on various committees on an Association and Conference level through the years. Currently, he serves as co-chair of the Ministerium and secretary of the Committee on Ministry in the Kentuckiana Association of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference.

 

On a personal level, Dr. Watson has three grown children and two granddaughters. He enjoys reading, particularly works about the historical Jesus, Process theology, and the Emergent Church. He enjoys shooting hoops and putt-putt tournaments, concerts and plays, good food and fine company.

 

From the desk of Dr. Watson:

	Greetings! Welcome to our new website! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at St. Andrew in the last four years. This church is "warm and working," that is, this is one of the most hospitable congregations you will ever find, but at the same time they stay very, very busy! We have many opportunities for people who are looking for a church where they can "plug in" and be of service to this community and beyond. If you are interested in hearing sermons that are often provocative and always progressive, this is the place. If you want to hear music that will pierce your soul, this is the place. If you want to be a part of a church school program that will challenge your mind, this is the place. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here at St. Andrew United Church of Christ.

Dr. Watson's most recent publication is Jesus is Still Speaking Through the Gospel of Mark.  The title of this book is a play on the United Church of Christ’s “God Is Still Speaking” marketing campaign. I have sifted through two decades of sermon writing, which were primarily focused on the Gospels, to see how Mark’s Gospel portrays the still speaking voice of Jesus. The essays in this book work with some of Jesus’ most provocative words as related through the pen of Mark. But what meaning do these words carry in our world today? Are they practical and relevant for us? Is Jesus still speaking to us … through the Gospel of Mark?