The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Techie becomes ordained, takes to waters to reach others
‘Ozark’ scene spurs Acworth native’s ‘aha’ moment.
I was invited to hear a sermon on Lake Allatoona at the Cove. Can you tell me about the speaker and the event?
You have been invited to hear Pastor Jason Watkins preach at the Recreation Cove.
It is known as “Sermon on the Water.”
Acworth native Jason Watkins said God had been chasing him since he was in his 20s.
He admits to personally avoiding it and did not make the connection with a class he had been teaching to young girls.
“One day I woke up realizing that I had been teaching Awana for third through fifth grade girls for 12 years,” he said.
A friend’s request was pivotal in Watkins’ life.
He asked Watkins to perform his marriage. After much consideration, Watkins decided to become ordained.
When ext r a s we re needed on Lake Allatoona for the Netflix “Ozark” series, that same individual prompted him to join in.
Watkins said they had no idea what the show was about, but when watching it, there was a scene where a preacher was giving a sermon on a boat.
That “aha” moment with his friend was followed up with “‘Would you consider doing that?’” the pastor recounted.
A lot of reasons not to played in his head, but “one day God just told me to just show up,” he said.
On the waters off Rec Cove, Watkins’ words are voiced over a PA system reaching people who have “given up on church” for a number of reasons.
“Ultimately, I would love to be able to get other preachers, other people at different lakes, to join in just to reach others.
“I encourage boating friends to come and hear the message in a peaceful and loving environment. Maybe they don’t have a boat but have a friend that does.
“There are people that bring people out all the time. Everyone wants to go to the lake,” Watkins said.
■ For more information, visit facebook.com/sermononthewaterallatoona