Meet Our Senior Pastor

Reverend Dr. Betty J. Erwin

“Dr.B”

Bio:

Dr. Betty J. Erwin was licensed to the Gospel Ministry on October 1, 1989, at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and ordained on October 10, 1993, by the Mt. Peace Association in Charlotte.

Dr. Erwin's academic journey is both impressive and inspiring. She began her studies at Central Piedmont Community College and continued her theological training by earning both the Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Divinity degrees from Teamers School of Religion. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Shaw University. She later earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University and completed her Doctor of Ministry at New Life Theological Seminary, where she wrote her dissertation titled, “Why Believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?”

Her achievements and recognitions are numerous. Dr. Erwin holds the historic distinction of being the first female Moderator and the first female Vice Moderator of the United Missionary Baptist Association–Charlotte. Her accolades include the Scholarship Honor Award, Leadership Training Award, and a Citation of Recognition for Community Service. She is a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Scholarship Society and has received multiple academic honors, including Academic Achievement Awards from 1994–1996, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Academic Medals, and multiple listings on the Dean’s List. She has also been featured in Who’s Who of American Women and Who’s Who of American Women Leaders. Additionally, Dr. Erwin is a dedicated member of the Executive Board of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc. and is a best-selling author in the category of Religious Leadership for her contributions to The Preacher in Her: Living the Call and Collective Journeys of 15 Women in Ministry and recently being the 2024 recipient of the trailblazer woman in ministry and unsung she-roe award for being in ministry for over 40 years presented by Ambassador Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook.

Dr. Erwin is the proud mother of two children: the late Rev. Wanda Erwin Dae and Johnny Maurice Erwin, Sr. She is a loving grandmother to Keyetta, Takeisha, Kristina, Taylor, and Johnny Jr., and a great-grandmother to Shania, Shamira, Minister Malachi, Minister Micah, Tzion, Tzariah, and Remi.

Her ministry journey includes faithful service at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and leadership in numerous roles. She now brings a wealth of experience, passion, and spiritual insight to her role as Senior Pastor of Watts Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she continues to lead with excellence.

She also serves as the first female pastor in the history of Watts Grove  Missionary Baptist Church, where she was elected on April 20, 2008, and officially installed in June of that same year—marking a historic and trailblazing moment for both the church and the broader faith community.

At Watts Grove, Dr. Erwin has launched a variety of impactful ministries, including the New Members Ministry, Married Couples Ministry, Associate Ministers Fellowship, Children's Nursery, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, and Evangelism Ministry. A passionate educator at heart, she has instituted training programs for Deacons, Deaconesses, Ministers-in-Training, and Church Leaders. Her commitment to youth development is evident through initiatives such as Grovefest, Youth Explosion, Harvest Festival, and Summer Camp—programs designed to keep young people engaged and rooted in faith.

With a heart for the people and a vision for the future, Dr. Betty J. Erwin continues to lead Watts Grove with excellence, innovation, and unwavering faith in God.

Reverend Wanda E. Dae

Youth Pastor-Emerita

Bio:

Reverend Wanda E. Dae, daughter of Dr. Betty J. Erwin is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. She is blessed to be the mother of three daughters: Keyetta, Takeisha, and Kristina, three granddaughters: Shania, Tzion and Tzariah, and two grandsons: Micah and Malachi, one nephew: Johnny  Jr., one niece Taylor and one grand-niece, Remi.

She was educated in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. After graduating from West Charlotte High School she attended Central Piedmont Community College to pursue a degree in Computer Programming. Through continuing her education she satisfied the courses as recommended by Brookstone College of Business and was honored with the title of Administrative Software Specialist. However, her education did not stop there. She went on to attend Southern Evangelical Church Institute of Biblical Studies for further training in God’s Word.

She grew up in Gethsemane Baptist Church were she served in various capacities in the church. As the Lord moved her to go further into ministry she began to attend Redemption Christian Ministries of Charlotte, NC. She accepted the call to preach the gospel and was licensed on August 26, 2001 at Redemption Christian Ministries. Rev. Dae served as Associate Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Fellowship Committee Member and Pastor of New Nations Children Church. Until her death on June 7, 2016, she was serving as Youth Pastor at Watts Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Monroe NC.