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Reverend Tracy Watkins is a St. Louis, Missouri native, who received her B.A. in Business Administration and her MPA in Public Administration and Public Policy from Saint Louis University.  Reverend Watkins has worked at SLU for over 20 years, where she is currently the Executive Assistant to the Provost and an adjunct professor.

Reverend Watkins has been in ministry for over 30 years. She currently serves as an Associate Minister at the historic Central Baptist Church. Throughout her time here, she has served as the Youth Minister, taught Youth Bible Study and Sunday School, was the Young Men and Youn Ladies of Christ director, Director of the Homework Hub, was the Creative Arts Ministry (“C.A.M.”) director, Outreach Minister, among other positions.

As the Youth Minister, she has encouraged 85% of the youth to attend and graduate from higher education institutions and trade schools. In 2018 Reverend Watkins initiated the Central Baptist Church Youth Ministry Saturday Enrichment Program which is a product of her Garden Center for Scholars (“GCS”) initiative. This program takes an innovative approach to develop holistic teens and disciples of Christ in mind, body, and spirit through customized workshops. These workshops are designed to inspire, educate, and challenge teens to learn, grow, give back to the community, and foster their highest potential in Christ by providing workshop attendees with a fun, interactive, and supportive environment. GCS’ philosophy is that active engagement and nurturing with the Word of God results in healthy and productive young disciples of Christ. GCS developed its philosophy from Dr. Richard M. Lerner’s longitudinal study, The Positive Development of Youth. Dr. Lerner is the Director of the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University.

In 1991 Reverend Watkins became the sole proprietor and steward of Weddings by Tracy . . .  Marriages Ordained by God. Through their work, Reverend Watkins and her staff act as ambassadors for Christ and also impress upon saved couples the gravity of their covenant with God. Many clients and guests have come to know Christ through her business. She is a motivational speaker for youth and women in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, and she is a champion for justice, education, and equity in her local community.

Reverend Watkins has a passion for the Lord and His people. The premise of her ministry is Matthew 20: 26-28, a scripture that conveys the importance of service:

Matthew 20: 26-28, But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. She believes to serve God is to serve and love His people.