If you are a regular reader of the Herald Times, you’ve probably seen the weekly submissions from “Doc” Watson, pastor of Grace Bible Church. What you might not know about Dr. J.D. Watson is that he is a published author, as well as a minister.
“There is an old saying that a writer must thrive on rejection, and I have thrived quite well,” Watson said. “After 20 years of effort, however, my first book, ‘A Word for the Day,’ was published by a mainstream Christian publisher, AMG Publishers in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 2006. It is a one-year daily devotional based upon Greek word studies.
“About a year after its release, AMG asked me if I would be interested in writing a similar book based upon Hebrew words. That book, ‘A Hebrew Word for the Day,’ was released in December 2010.
“Both of these are available ‘wherever books are sold,’ as the expression goes, but Amazon.com has the best price. Several Bible software companies (e.g., e-Sword, WordSearch, and Olive Tree) also offer it in their products.”
Locally, Avis’ on the Corner will carry copies of Watson’s books, as well.
Watson has served as the pastor of Grace Bible Church in Meeker for almost 25 years. A self-proclaimed “Hoosier” by birth, his ministerial training began in Denver in 1971. He entered full-time ministry in 1974 and married his wife Debbie, “the love of my life,” that same year.
“Upon leaving there (Denver) in the summer of 1973, I never dreamed I would make it back. While I preached in various churches in the state during our four years of traveling, I never imagined I would one day pastor here.”
Watson holds two doctorates in religious education and theology. He has taught in a Christian day school, traveled for four years as part of a music and preaching ministry and pastored two other churches.
Since 1986 he has faithfully provided verse-by-verse expository preaching to his Meeker congregation. In addition, he speaks at Bible conferences and has had the opportunity — ”one the greatest blessings,” he says — to teach at the Haiti Bible Institute in 2009 and 2010. He is scheduled for trips to Haiti in 2011 and 2012, and may be a guest lecturer at the African Christian University in Zambia.
Like most writers, Watson describes his need to write as a “driving passion … to leave something behind after I’ve ‘shuffled off this mortal coil’ (Hamlet).”
“If some of my scribblings can be a blessing to a few, then I feel that my life has been at least a tiny contribution to the cause of Christ and His church,” Watson said.
In addition to his books and his weekly column, Watson also offers a newsletter entitled Truth On Tough Texts, published monthly by Grace Bible Church since August 2005.
“We now send out several hundred copies by both regular mail and email attachment. If you are interested in receiving this free publication, just call 878-3228 or send an email to [email protected].”
Watson will celebrate a quarter century of ministry to the people of Meeker in June 2011.
“It has been a wonderful 25 years. It’s a joy to know so many people and be a part of a community. I look forward to many more years of ministry and new acquaintances. Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be glory).”
