Covenant Presbyterian Church

Since becoming a Christian, Pastor Eric has been a life-long student. His first degree is an A.A. in Therapeutic Recreation. He received his B.S. in Biblical Studies from Southeastern Bible College. He became curious about the biblical languages and the Reformed faith in Bible College, and thus continued on to Westminster Theological Seminary in California where he earned his Master of Divinity (with a counseling minor). Questions related to church history led him to pursue a ThM in Reformation studies from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. In May of 2016, he graduated with a PhD in Homiletics (preaching) from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands.

Pastor Eric has been a minister in the OPC since 2001, following a year-long internship at Harvest OPC in Vista, CA. He was first an associate pastor and then a church planter in Orlando, FL. He came to Saint Augustine to plant Covenant Presbyterian Church in late 2007.

Pastor Eric strongly believes in preaching Christ from all of Scripture for all of life, and is passionate about evangelism, discipleship, and the beauty of Reformed worship. He hopes to be at CPC for a long time, and rejoices at the great work that God is doing in the church.

God has given Pastor Eric a wonderful wife in Heather. They were married in 1996 and spent their honeymoon here in St. Augustine. They now have three delightful children, Kirra, Carl, and Liam. Eric’s mother Neda also lives with the family. The Watkins are hoping to adopt more children in the near future.

Pastor Eric’s pastimes are surfing, beach volleyball, and playing guitar; but above all, he loves being with his family.

Pastor Eric is currently enjoying a well-deserved sabbatical following nearly a decade of continuous, faithful work in the service of Covenant OPC.

For the duration of his absence, pastoral inquiries may be directed to Associate Pastor Bill Hobbs.
bill.hobbs@covenant-opchurch.org

William M. Hobbs was called to be the part-time associate pastor of Covenant in October of 2016, after retiring as pastor of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, which he served for 24 years. He holds degrees from Davidson College, the University of Virginia, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Before entering the ministry, he was a cost accountant in North Carolina and a diaconal missionary in Africa. He is married to Mimi, has two children, four grandchildren, and four greyhounds. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening and reading mysteries.

Pastor Hobbs is currently serving as primary pastor while Eric Watkins is away on sabbatical.

Associate Pastor Bill Hobbs may be reached at bill.hobbs@covenant-opchurch.org