TEMPLE OF TRUTH
Our Pastor & First Lady
Pastor Gary and Frist Lady Rhonda Watts serve as the shepherds’ of Temple of Truth, where they have been an inspiration to the Body of Christ for over a decade.
Pastor Watts was baptized at the age of 12 as a member of Welcome Baptist Church. He later joined Temple of Truth Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Frances J. Holmes. Upon completion of studies at Central Missouri State University, Pastor Watts accepted his call in the Ministry. In 1998 Pastor Watts became a licensed and ordained minister at New Hope C.O.G.I.C. It was there Pastor was able to use his love and concern for youth as Youth Ministry President. Within a span of five years Pastor Watts was elected as District Youth President (YPWW). He went on to complete Evangelistic Center International Episcopal of Ministry in 2004 under the Leadership of his Spiritual Father Bishop Jack C. Vaughn.
Pastor Watts was unanimously voted pastor of Temple of Truth Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Barbara Henderson in January 2008. Along with his Pastoral duties, he is also husband of First Lady Rhonda Watts (“The Angel missing from heaven” as Pastor Watts always say). The two share over 25 years of marriage, five children and one grandchild. Along with Pastor Watts love for the word, he also enjoys reading, and spending time with his family. He has been employed as an Insurance Underwriter with the Hendrick Auto Group for 15 + years.
Pastor and Frist Lady Watts have a heart full of compassion for everyone they meet. They have been an inspiration to each of us at Temple of Truth. Since their arrival at Temple of Truth Baptist Church, they have started up new ministries and restarted some old ministries that continue to strive today. One of those ministries, in expansion to our Youth Department, would be The Francis J. Holmes Scholarship Fund.
Both Pastor and Frist Lady Watts have a unique way of the deliverance of the Word of God which has been very uplifting, as well as encouraging toward the changing of lives and growth to many members. Our First Lady heads up the TOT Women’s Department, providing the women and young ladies of the church support, and a will to continue to strive to make the lives of women, not just in our congregation but the entire community, thrive in God.
Each year we are blessed to grow with them at the helm, and each year we are reminded we have just begun.
Pastor Lisa Henderson
Pastor Lisa Henderson supports the pastor as associate pastor of the ministry. Assisting in preaching the gospel, bible study, and departmental oversight. Pastor Lisa volunteers at the Community Conflict Resolution Center as a mediator, a public notary for the State of Missouri, and a Loan Signing Agent. She has served on the board of directors for several local churches. As well as has received certification of Stephen Ministries a grief counselor program that provides Christ Centered confidential care to people that are hurting. Pastor Lisa has been married to Deacon Brian J.
Henderson Sr. For over 30 years and they are blessed with 3 children and 4 grandchildren. She is a graduate from Central High School Kansas City MO, she later attended Faith Bible College of Independence, ultimately gaining her Master of Christian Counselor Degree.
She was ordained and started her service as Associate Pastor under her mother-in-love Pastor Barbara J Henderson. Although she has led many departments like the choir, and the youth department over these years; she still love just being a member. She has been known to say, “Temple of Truth gives me a powerful word every Sunday refueling me to continue on this journey throughout the week.” She believes worshiping with her family and church members who are truly friends a blessing.
