Jesse Watkins, pastor of Friendship Southern Baptist Church in Concord, N.C., will be nominated for vice president of the 2024 N.C. Baptist Pastors’ Conference.

Longtime N.C. pastor Chris Griggs plans to make the nomination during this year’s pastors’ conference, which is scheduled for Nov. 6-7 in Greensboro, N.C.

In an email to the Biblical Recorder, Griggs shared three reasons why he plans to nominate Watkins.

“First, Jesse is a faithful and committed pastor who is an effective and gifted leader,” Griggs wrote. “Second, he loves pastors and has a heart to serve them well. Third, he is a team player and will be a great support for the president of the conference.”

A native of Midland, N.C., Watkins has served as pastor of Friendship Southern Baptist Church for the past 11 years, and he has served in vocational ministry in N.C. Baptist churches for 20 years overall.

Watkins is also active in N.C. Baptist life and the state and local levels. He currently serves on the N.C. Baptist Committee on Nominations and on the leadership team of the Cabarrus Baptist Association.

Watkins is a graduate of Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

If elected, Watkins said his goal would be to serve and encourage N.C. Baptist pastors.

“There are so many issues which can divide us, but the pastors’ conference has historically been a reminder of the primary doctrines which unite us,” Watkins said. “I look forward to serving and encouraging N.C. Baptist pastors who are on the front lines of God’s mission.”

According to state convention records, Friendship Southern Baptist Church reported 178 in average in-person worship attendance and 15 in online worship attendance for last year. The church also reported 29 baptisms.

The church also reported $10,819 in Cooperative Program gifts and $10,472 in gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions. The church also reported $7,837 in associational missions gifts and $23,740 in other missions giving.

Watkins also served 12 years as a jet engine mechanic in the N.C. Air National Guard, which included deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan.

He has been married to his wife, Tyler, for 17 years, who is currently a lieutenant colonel in the N.C. Air National Guard. The couple has three children.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Chad Austin is the managing editor for the Biblical Recorder.)