Rev. Michael J. Watkins

Rev. Michael J. Watkins was first appointed Pastor of New Mt. Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of New Smyrna Beach, Florida during the Florida Annual Conference in July of 1995. He served 5 years at New Mt. Zion and, in 2000, he was appointed as Pastor of Friendship Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Tavares, Florida where he continues to serve faithfully.

He is an ordained elder in full connection with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Watkins is currently the Florida Region Trustee Board Chairman. He has received the "Model Minister Award" from the Florida Region Annual Conference in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

Rev. Watkins is a founding member and for 15 years he served as President of the Tavares African American Heritage Organization (TAAHO), Inc., which brings positive events to his community and shares the rich culture of our ancestors with others.

He has been involved in visiting inmates in county jails, detention centers for the last 15 years. Under his leadership, Friendship CME's Prison Ministry provides a monthly ministry service at the Lake Correctional Institution in Clermont, Florida. He has held prison workshops and helped local churches start prison ministries. He spearheads efforts to ensure those interested in serving the prison population obtain the required certifications to enter state institutions for ministry.

Rev. Watkins graduated from Tavares High School and attended Seminole Community College. He served 6 years in the United States Navy and earned several awards in culinary arts while serving on the USS Monticello deployed out of San Diego, California. He has also attended Lake Sumter State College in Leesburg. In his secular career he has over 20 years of sales experience with Royal Aluminum of Leesburg, Florida where he was employed for 25 years. Rev. Watkins and Kimberly, his wife of 37 years, enjoy two beautiful daughters, Tamara Watkins-Small and Countess (Kia) Watkins. They have three beautiful granddaughters, Zanna, Londynn and England, 3 great grands Mauri, Adariuyah, Sekani.