We are shining our leader spotlight on Pastor Emmanuel J. Watkins, whose heart reflects a genuine sincerity for discipling people to find victory in Christ. Anyone who knows Emmanuel as their pastor, leader, family, or friend can attest to the impact made by his Christ-centered relationships.
Emmanuel is a driven and passionate leader, deeply committed to his faith and ministry. Seeking continuous growth, he joined the Pastor Circle, our online community for pastors. Here, he’s not only received valuable support and mentorship from fellow ministry leaders but also actively contributes by sharing insightful perspectives, offering prayer, and encouraging other members within the circle.
Emmanuel’s success highlights a powerful truth: “Winning seasons require winning circles.” The impact he’s making and the remarkable growth he’s experiencing are a direct result of the supportive community he’s built around him. He’s intentionally surrounded himself with individuals who offer unwavering prayer, encouragement, and honest feedback, especially during challenging times. Most importantly, he has rooted himself in his relationship with Jesus who is his heavenly father and ultimate support.
This begs the question: Does your circle position you for success? We invite you to learn from Emmanuel’s journey and intentionally cultivate a “winning circle” of supportive relationships that will propel you towards greater impact in your work and life.
Meet Emmanuel J. Watkins
Meet Emmanuel J. Watkins, the Small Groups Manager at Faith Chapel in Birmingham, AL where he lives with his wife, Jacques, and their sons Zuri (age 6) and Josiah (age 2).
What was your journey to accepting Jesus as your Savior?
I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at a young age and was baptized around the age of 7. The genesis of my salvation stemmed from asking the Lord to send me a father after my parents divorced when I was a child, to which I heard a voice (that I now was the voice of the Lord) say, “I will father you.” I’ve been walking with the Lord for many years and He has been true to that promise. He has fathered me and has been faithful.
What is your background in ministry?
All my life, I’ve been affiliated with ministry. My birth was prophesied to my parents and the moment I was born, my father lifted me in the air and dedicated me back to Jesus! My mother was so embarrassed she apologized to the doctor’s for my father’s zeal. My father was called to ministry, though in his words: “God called me and I hung up. I am so thankful he ended up calling you.” My mother has served as a minister in our home church for over two decades and my sister and late brother-in-law were church planters and pastors.
In many ways, I was born, trained and developed to serve in ministry. At the age of 15, I delivered my first “official” sermon, “Breakthrough into Glory” on Psalms 63, which teaches us how God brings you from a desert place to place of riches.
From there, I have served as a Chaplain for local non-profits. After graduating from Berea College, Jacques and I moved to San Antonio, TX to join the launch team of an ARC church plant where I served as the pastoral assistant until we moved to Birmingham, AL. Since re-locating to Birmingham, AL, I have served in ministry at Faith Chapel – starting out as a volunteer developing curriculum for a discipleship focused small group, which eventually evolved into my position in the church as the Small Groups Manager in 2021.
What is your mission in ministry?
My professional mission in ministry is related to being a prophetic teacher. My formal education and training is as an educator, therefore my purpose has been to develop people as disciples.
As such, success for me is seeing spiritual growth in them. That is how you know a teacher is influential and impactful – their students pass the “tests” of life. Growth in the people of God will always be my greatest professional accomplishment.
How have you seen God working through your ministry?
This is a hard question to answer as I often wonder, “Is God working through me or did I get in the way?!”
What I can attest to is this: He is faithful and those I’ve served can attest to their spiritual growth and development, joy, and re-engagement with their belief and faith. Surely, that counts for something.
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].
Philippians 1:6 [AMP]
He isn’t done with me… so I won’t give up on me.
What challenges have you faced in ministry? How have you learned to persevere?
Discouragement. Prophetic voices are peculiar, so often we are misunderstood. My heart is to always serve with transparency and trust, but I have been misunderstood and I have often wondered, “Am I cut out for this?!” To be honest- I really don’t know. But I am certain I didn’t call myself. If I had, I would have been more like my father and hung up, and I would have stopped paying the phone bill!
My perseverance is rooted in that – I didn’t call me, so obviously, God knows something I don’t. Call me crazy and a little nosey, but I want to know what that is, at least as much as I can. There is curiosity and wonder in following Jesus.
What advice or encouragement would you like to share with other leaders?
Remember this: You didn’t call you. So don’t let your feelings or the lack of evident progression of your faith cause you to forfeit the promise. He is the God who brings honor to the faithful, joy to the diligent, and rewards to the seeker! Keep seeking, and soon your eyes will see, your hands will manage, and your feet will stand in the promise!
What has been your experience with The Pastor Circle?
Pastor Terry, my mentor in the Pastor Circle, and my late brother-in-law, DeMarlo, were both Youth Pastors and colleagues during the same period. I wasn’t aware of that connection when I joined the Pastor Circle, but through attending the coaching sessions with Pastor Terry, I learned of their connection and I am encouraged and intrigued with God’s ability to wink and let me know – “I ain’t done with you yet.”
A Special Message from Emmanuel: Does your circle position you for success?
In April 2024, I ministered a message at Faith Chapel that evolved my outlook on life and ministry. Before my late brother-in-law, Apostle DeMarlo McKinney, passed, he called me stating how proud he was of me. DeMarlo developed me in the prophetic and his affirmation meant the world me. I miss him. DeMarlo thought this message was good, so maybe I was cooking with a little something something! Be encouraged with the message below:
Key takeaways:
- “Whenever God is going to bless you, he’s going to use a person.”
- “God uses people as a reflection of his love for his people.”
- “Winning seasons require winning circles.”
- “You become what you behold.”
Applications:
1. Foster relationships with people who support you.
2. Foster relationships with people who are spiritually mature. You need to surround yourself with people who pray for you when you don’t have the words and provide clarity when you’re questioning God.
3. Foster relationships with people who have enough faith to believe God in the middle of adversity.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24
Are you recognizing a lack of winning friends in your circle? What a friend you have in Jesus!
Reflection: Evaluate your personal and professional circles.
- Who is in your circle?
- Are they winning?
- Are they positioning you to win?
Ultimately, Emmanuel’s success is rooted in his faith in Jesus. He has built a winning circle that supports his journey, but his foundation remains unshakable – a deep and personal relationship with his Heavenly Father. This provides unwavering support and guidance throughout his endeavors. May his journey encourage you to build a strong faith in Christ and surround yourself with a supportive community.
Connect with Emmanuel J. Watkins
Inspired by Emmanuel’s story? We can help you connect with him! Simply email us at office@leadersfollowingchrist.org and request an introduction to Emmanuel.
Nominate our Next Leader Spotlight
Do you know a leader who inspires you? We’re looking for nominations for our next Leader Spotlight! Send your nomination to office@leadersfollowingchrist.org.