Meet Michael W. Waters | Founder and Lead Pastor of Abundant Life A.M.E. Church

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael W. Waters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael W., we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
My favorite book of all time is Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was published in 1958. I am honored to own a signed copy of the book. The book is part autobiographical, part theology, part non-violent direction action strategy, and part civil rights history. It is an amazing book that I wish more people would read to discover the authentic Dr. King, not the caricature of Dr. King often promoted today. If you ever want to read in real time what it looks like for someone to walk into a purpose he or she has unknowingly been preparing for his or her entire life, this is the book. It is also amazing to consider what a group of people can accomplish together when they are unified in purpose and goal, This story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott provides an exquisite example.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I wear several hats. I am a pastor, professor, author, activist, social commentator, and recently, a business owner. Throughout my life, I have been blessed with unique opportunities to learn, serve, and to grow personally and professionally. There is little that I have aspired to do that, by the grace of God, I have not accomplished in some shape or form already. This is not to say that there have not been challenges. There have been many challenges, but I have learned that challenges usually present themselves as you are walking in your purpose, and thus, are often an affirmation of your efforts. I love God, I love people, and I believe that when people courageously follow after God together they have the capacity to make things better for others. At the end of the day, my hope is to leave things better than I found them. And the greatest lesson that I have learned is that with God, all things are possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When we have out of town guests, we usually take them to eat at Smokey John’s BBQ and Home-Cooking. It’s the best BBQ in town! For dessert, we might check out The Cake Bar or Cretia’s. We love going to the movies, so, if this were post-COVID, I am sure we would take in a movie or two. We also love live music, especially jazz, so we would see what was going on in the live music scene that week. I think White Rock Lake is the most beautiful outdoor space in town, so we might head that way to enjoy a bit of nature. A stop by Pan-African Connection is also a must. It is a spiritual place that immediately reconnects you with our people, our heritage, and our ancestors. A stop by Half Price Bookstore would likely also be in the works. We love books! However, I definitely would not over plan the experience. While these are a few places that we enjoy, we always leave room for making new discoveries.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Much of the work in which I am involved is inspired by our four children: Jeremiah, Hope, Liberty, and Justice. My daily hope is to engage in work that will make the world better for them, as well as all children. Each day, I am inspired by their genius, creativity, and joy, and I am honored to be their father. My shoutout is dedicated to them and to the unlimited potential that they have been given by God.

Website: michaelwwaters.com

Instagram: RevDrMikeWaters

Twitter: @RevDrMikeWaters

Facebook: RevDrMikeWaters/FREESTYLE