Converse

In is a real joy for me to be able to republish this next Converse interview (first published in October 2008 on www.theologising.info). Jon Watts leads the Rock Christian Centre in Sheffield. He is also a good friend!

Adam Bradley: Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Jon Watts: I was born and brought up in rural Bedfordshire. I started helping on farms when I was 10 years old and studied for an HND at ‘Shuttleworth Agricultural College’. In 1979 whilst at Agricultural College I was converted and soon after felt called towards ministry. After working in Horticulture for a short time I went to study at London Bible College where I gained a degree in Theology and a Diploma in Pastoral Studies. From 1982-2003 I was based at Greenford Gospel Church in West London, first as Assistant and then Pastor from 1989. In 2003 I moved to Sheffield to lead ‘Rock Christian Centre.’

I am married to Tricia, a part time Teacher & Youth Worker. We have 3 children. Sarah, studying at York University who was married in August 2008; Bethany, studying at Warwick University; Thomas, who is supposed to be studying for his GCSE’s!

My main hobbies are DIY – restoring our old city centre house, cars, gardening, sailing.

Adam Bradley: Please can you tell me some of the highlights of your testimony?

Jon Watts: I was born into a family with a long Protestant, non-conformist Baptist history. I was brought up among the ‘Gospel Standard Strict & Particular Baptists’. I rebelled strongly as a teenager and was wonderfully saved through the courageous witness of a fellow student at Agricultural College. Within weeks of being converted I felt God’s call to the ministry. I threw myself into student evangelism and eventually became ‘National Student Chairman’ of UCCF. I believe I was baptised in the Holy Spirit when I was converted, however I was in a cessationist environment. For me it has been a long and often painful journey of theological discovery and experience to bring me to the freedom and liberty of the Spirit that I am able to enjoy today. I still have a long way to go and am a passionate believer that God always has more for us than we have already understood or experienced!

Adam Bradley: What church do you lead? (background, denomination, philosophy of ministry, etc)

Jon Watts: I lead ‘Rock Christian Centre’ a thriving, multi-cultural inner city church in a deprived area of Sheffield. The church was planted in 2000 as an outreach to the spiritually and economically deprived North East of Sheffield. The church started with just 6 people meeting in a local Council Flat, it has now grown to a congregation exceeding 150 adults and children from more than 20 different nations.

We are a totally independent church with no denominational links. We are affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance and enjoy good relationships with other churches across Sheffield and beyond.

We are a ‘Word and Spirit’ church, with a strong emphasis on the teaching and preaching of God’s Word as well as encouraging the freedom and liberty of The Spirit’s work amongst us.

We have a four fold vision based on Acts 2:42-47 – Growing Up in maturity; Growing Together in community; Growing Out in evangelism; Growing Bigger in numbers.

Adam Bradley: What books are your currently reading?

Jon Watts: Many people are surprised to discover that I am not a great reader. I am a strong people person and activist and have to discipline myself to read! The ‘bread & butter’ books I read are Bible commentaries in preparation for preaching.

Current Books –

‘The Hope of Glory’ Sam Storms – Crossway Books

‘The Purpose Driven Church’ Rick Warren – Zondervan

‘Darkest England & the way back in’ Gary Bishop – Rubicon Books

Adam Bradley: What’s sermons/preachers are you listening to at the moment (the i-pod question)?

Jon Watts:

I don’t have an ipod!!!

‘Louie Giglio’ – dvd series – some available via myspace etc

Neil Anderson & Steve Goss – ‘Freedom in Christ’ series

Various Preachers – ‘Life in the Spirit’ conference CDs

Adam Bradley: As a seasoned church leader, what would you say are some of the most important lessons you could pass on to a new emerging leader?

Jon Watts:

‘Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God’ (William Carey’s life motto)

The Importance of Character – insecurity, low self esteem & poor self-discipline lie at the root of most flawed, frustrated & failed leaders.

The Importance of Commitment – stick at it, don’t give up, overcome the obstacles.

The Importance of Courage – Face your fears, Lead from the front, take action

The Importance of Convictions – Know what you believe and why.

The Importance of Compassion – Genuine heart involvement with people, ‘Jesus was moved with compassion.’

The Importance of Charisma – Love life, have fun, smile, laugh at yourself, sense of humour, share yourself.

Adam Bradley: What is the greatest desire you have for your church over the coming 5 years?

Jon Watts: Holy Spirit Revival of genuine, lasting conversions among the ordinary ‘working classes’ living in the many of the deprived council estates in North East Sheffield.

Continued growth of the church with the aim of establishing church plants / Eden projects in those estates.