About Jayden A. Watkins

 Jayden Amir Watkins is a 16-year-old American Christian author, motivational speaker, licensed minister, podcast and radio host, playwright, nonprofit CEO, and visionary leader. Born on April 25, 2008, in Henderson, North Carolina, to Yamlet Foster and Eric Watkins.

Jayden discovered his passion for public speaking at just 9 years old when he delivered his first sermon in August 2017 at Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church. Today, he serves as a minister at Big Ruin Creek Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles Burwell.

In 2021, Jayden released his debut book, Higher Heights: The Past Is Behind Me and the Future Is Before Me. This 40-day devotional encourages readers to overcome their past and embrace their God-ordained future. The book quickly gained recognition, reaching the Top 5 in Amazon’s New Releases in Teen & Young Adult Christian Devotionals & Prayer.

Jayden is also the host and producer of The Preferable Podcast, which he founded in March 2020. By April 2023, he became the youngest long-running Christian podcast host in the Religion & Spirituality category on all major platforms. Additionally, he is an occasional radio host at WIZS, where he shares his inspirational message with local and regional audiences.

His accomplishments extend into the arts, where he became the assistant director and playwright of The Residue of Unforgiveness stage play in 2023.

In April 2024, Jayden was honored as a member of the prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2024, a program initially sponsored by Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. He also began partnering with the YouVersion Bible App, sharing uplifting content with a global audience spanning over 63 countries.

Jayden’s leadership is equally impactful in his nonprofit work. As the founder and CEO of Higher Is Waiting Nonprofit Organization, Jayden established EMPOWERED: Teen Bible Study & Mentorship Group in 2024. The group has grown from 40 to over 120 members and has distributed more than 800 blessing bags, adopted a highway, and led numerous initiatives to inspire and empower youth.

In June 2024, Jayden was inaugurated as the president of the Teen Democrats Chapter of Vance County, furthering his mission to inspire and engage youth in civic leadership.

Minister Jayden Watkins has been featured in numerous international publications, magazines, and articles for his extraordinary work and dedication to faith-based leadership and youth empowerment.

Guided by his favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV), Jayden strives to bring healing and hope to a broken world, one step at a time.