Pastor Melvin Watkins is a family man, preacher, pastor, and an Air Force veteran. Reverend Watkins is Senior Pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood. From the beginning of his preaching ministry in 1996, his life and ministry have been driven by a desire to proclaim the amazing grace of God. He is married to Mrs. Loie (Tyler) Watkins and they have three sons.
Pastor Watkins gives leadership to several organizations both locally and abroad. His passion for outreach and evangelism has extended his ministry globally. He has ministered in Sierra Leone, Mali, and Uganda where he assisted in planting churches, teaching in Bible Schools, conducting seminars, and encouraging believers to faithfully continue their Christian ministries.
He is the co-founder of Uplift Westwood CDC, an organization committed to holistically revitalize The Westwood Community. He is also a co-founder of The Chosen Ones Mentoring Initiative, which is an initiative that trains adult male mentors and prepares male youth for manhood. He is an Adjunct Professor of Theology and is on the board of directors at The Memphis College for Urban Theological Studies at Union University.
Pastor Watkins graduated from Hamilton High School in Memphis, TN, received a bachelor’s degree from Crichton College. He graduated from the Memphis Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He is a fellow of The Black Theology and Leadership Institute of Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Theology and Church Revitalization from Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts.