Asbury Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin M. Watson as Director of Academic Growth & Formation at the Tulsa Extension Site. “My calling is to raise up the next generation of leaders for the church,” Dr. Watson said. Associate Provost of Academic Affairs John Ragsdale remarked, “This is just the kind of vocational clarity we need as Asbury seeks to continuously improve its relationship to and service of our students that pursue graduate theological education in their home ministry contexts.”

Dr. Watson is a highly sought preacher and speaker on small group formation and the pursuit of holiness and entire sanctification. He is best known for his contagious passion for unplugging the wells of early Methodism. “I am passionate about the difference the doctrine, spirit, and discipline John Wesley articulated in the beginnings of the Methodist movement can make for people seeking to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ and thrive today.” His writings include academic books on Methodism and the Wesleyan tradition and books for congregations on entire sanctification and small group ministries.

Dr. Watson said, “Being invited to join Asbury Theological Seminary, the foremost Wesleyan seminary with a one-hundred-year track record in orthodox evangelical theological education, is a dream come true. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join this team and, by the grace of God, bring Asbury’s commitments and approach to theological education to Oklahoma, Texas, and the surrounding region.”

Dr. Watson is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church. He has pastored churches in Oklahoma and Texas. In addition to his role with Asbury Seminary, Dr. Watson will serve as Scholar in Residence at Asbury Church in Tulsa, OK. He is married to Melissa Watson, and they have three children in high school, middle school, and elementary school.