On Sunday, November 8th, Rev. Dr. J. Claudia Watkins, senior pastor of Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 1056 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, celebrated her 23rd Pastoral Anniversary. The celebration was held under the theme “Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole,” drawn from Matthew 9:18-22.
“Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole” theme guides a day of worship, music, and tribute.
On Sunday, November 8th, Rev. Dr. J. Claudia Watkins, senior pastor of Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 1056 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, celebrated her 23rd Pastoral Anniversary. The celebration was held under the theme “Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole,” drawn from Matthew 9:18-22.
The service opened with a greeting from a Gospel Temple member, who welcomed guests to the church of “that beautiful, faithful pastor, Reverend Dr. Claudia Jean McKenzie Watkins.” Music followed from the 16th Ward Gospel Choir, which sang several selections. Margarita Gatlins and Min. Debbie McClennon offered solo performances.
Bishop Shirley Coleman, pastor of Spiritual Wholistic Ministries of Love & Faith, was the guest speaker for the morning service. Dr. Sheila Martin of Spiritual Wholistic Ministries introduced her, joking that Bishop Coleman had told her, “Don’t mind me over here. Just let me wallow in the glory.”
Words of Honor
Min. McClennon, a longtime friend of the pastor, spoke warmly of their bond. “I praise God for bringing me here to Chicago to be with you today,” she said. “In the midst of it all, I can say that Jean is a great person.”
Rev. James Clifton, who has preached for more than 30 years, reflected on women in church leadership with humor. “I’ve been in religion all my life. I never thought that I’d be led by a woman preacher. But I ain’t got no problem with that,” he said, recalling the three women he reported to during his career with the state. He also urged the congregation to embrace servant leadership: “Everybody wants to pastor, but nobody wants to follow. Learn how to follow. Everybody’s not a leader.”
Rev. Rattler of St. Jude Temple Church, who said he canceled services at his own church to attend, offered a blessing. “I’m asking God to give you a double portion,” he said. “I didn’t come to tear up your church.” He also reminded the congregation that “mercy is brand new every morning.”
Evening Service
The anniversary celebration continued in the evening with guest preacher Pastor Keith McGee of Messiah Temple M.B. Church.
