Watts' Words

Over the last 40 years as a staff person and Senior Pastor, I have watched across 5 states as every Baptist church has their 'own set of expectations' for their Pastor and staff.  Candidly, when I was young in ministry and a staff person, more than one Senior Pastor expressed to me that most people do not understand the Biblical vocational calling of a pastor or staff person.  Not long ago in a private group conversation one of the things I shared was that the reason for this lack of understanding is no one but YOU is present when God places that call on your life.  Personally, I was content as a Worship Leader because that was where my talents seem to lay.  However, God's voice was much louder than audible that night He called me to preach.  In simple words, that was His call to me.  I can still clearly hear His words. Many people (Clergy as well as Laity) have been heard to say things like, "All our preacher wants to do is preach."  And while genera...

I am posting this because I can't believe this has actually been written. Too often the first thing considered is the age of a man - which may be the least important detail. Since I am now older that I want to be, I'm glad that I didn't write this, but I am sharing it in hopes that, as Southern Baptists, we reconsider putting age constraints on our list of considerations. It is nothing to see an ad for a "Senior Pastor" with age requirements of "30-50"...Take a read... 3 Problems With Choosing Youth Over Wisdom In Church Staffing By Danny Watterson A few years ago, I got the itch to try out for my neighborhood tennis league. In my first match, I was slotted to play an older gentlemen in his mid-to-upper sixties. In my arrogance, I felt sorry for him and figured I’d get a quick victory and make it home by dinner. However, it was apparent after the first few minutes that this “old guy” was clearly taking me to school. Every one of his shots was plac...