Kevin Watson

Hi! My name is Kevin Watson. I am a pastor and seminary professor and I write books both for professors and ordinary people. (Guess which category I like better?)

I am married to Melissa and we have three children. We live in Tulsa, OK.

Why I Do What I Do
One of my deepest desires is to see people know God’s perfect love for them, find freedom from sin and shame, and move from merely surviving to absolutely thriving.

What I Believe God Has Called Me to Do
I am called to raise up the next generation of leaders for the church, by the grace of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. My favorite thing to do is walk with people who have a calling to local church ministry and help them grow in their confidence in their calling and gifting for ministry.

My Academic Credentials
I currently serve as Director of Academic Growth and Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary. I am anchored at our Tulsa, OK Extension Site. I taught seminary for seven years at Candler School of Theology, Emory University (where I was awarded tenure) and three years at Seattle Pacific University. My teaching focused on Wesleyan Studies and the History of Christianity.

I have degrees from the University of Oklahoma (BA), Wesley Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Southern Methodist University (PhD).

What I Like About Being a Professor
My goal in teaching is to pastor students as they prepare for leadership in the church and to help them appreciate their history and connection to the broader Church. My favorite thing to do as a professor is pray with students.

What I Like About Being a Blogger
I write to encourage Christians to grow in their faith, empower community and connection through small groups, and help the church better steward its theological heritage. I often write here because something is bothering me about a current conversation in the church and I hope to sharpen my own thinking in conversation with my readers.