Joab Watkins

Compassionate Firefighter/Chaplain with extensive experience at Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue, providing spiritual care and emotional support during crises. Skilled in crisis intervention, peer support, and grief support. I have held a local ministers license for over 4 years in the Free Will Baptist Association. I have served under Pastor Richard Bowers for the last 9 years in ministry, where I have preached for Liberty Free Will Baptist Church and lead the church service when he was out. I have also preached at 5 other churches as needed over the last 4 years. I believe with all my heart God has called me to apply for the position of Pastor at Ridgeville Church of the Nazarene. I also believe that throughout my life God has prepared me for this opportunity to serve as Pastor of Ridgeville. I have spent many hours at the hospital supporting my coworkers during life threatening emergencies with themselves or their families, I have comforted families in their worst moments of finding out their child has died, and I have spent countless hours on the phone checking in on my coworkers who are off work due to sickness. My ministry over the last 9 years has prepared me to love and serve in the role of a Pastor and I am just humbled at the opportunity to apply for this position.

• Responsible for selecting members for the first ever Peer Support Ministry at Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue.
• Worked with a committee to create and implement guidelines, policies, and scheduling of class.
• Supervisor of a team of 26 Peer Support Team Members who serve 260 firefighters.
• As a Fire Chaplain I have led prayer services, funerals, and provided spiritual guidance.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist, Certified Fire Chaplain, and Certified Stephen Minister