Doctor of Philosophy, Evangelism & Missions, Southwestern Seminary, Fort Worth, TX
Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages, Biblical Theological Seminary, Hatfield, PA
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, New Testament, Biblical Theological Seminary, Hatfield, PA
Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has profoundly shaped Christian mission work, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions of North America. As Chief Visionary Officer, President, and Dean of the School of Theological Studies at Missional University in North Augusta, South Carolina, he also serves as Professor of Missiology and Evangelism, specializing in Missional History. Dr. Watke’s work focuses on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities through innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges such as globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism.
Dr. Watke holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Evangelism and Missions from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where his dissertation, A Generative Analysis of Selected Socio-scientific Theories in Urban Evangelization Among American Protestants, explored innovative approaches to urban ministry. He also earned a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (New Testament) from Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. His extensive academic journey includes further studies at renowned institutions, including Fuller Theological Seminary, Perkins School of Theology, and doctoral research at Harvard Divinity School, Yale Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, Candler Theological Seminary, Billy Graham Center, and Moody Bible Institute.
With a robust teaching portfolio, Dr. Watke has served as Director of the Kim School of Intercultural Studies at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, California, and as a professor at institutions such as Prairie Bible College in Canada, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His teaching specializations—evangelism, missions, church growth, and church planting—reflect his commitment to equipping leaders for culturally sensitive and contextualized ministry. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. Watke lectures at seminaries and conferences worldwide, inspiring and equipping new generations of missional leaders.
Dr. Watke’s ministry and professional experiences are extensive. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Intercultural Institute for Contextual Ministry in North Augusta, South Carolina, and has held roles such as Director for Missional Leadership with the Baptist Resource Network in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Resource Preparedness Associate with the North American Mission Board’s Church Planting Group in Alpharetta, Georgia. His pastoral ministry spans Georgia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and he has led mission trips and traveled to countries including Colombia, Germany, Austria, England, France, Canada, and the United States. Having lived in 11 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, Dr. Watke brings a global perspective to his mission work.
A prolific writer, Dr. Watke has contributed to collaborative works such as Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures and Starting Reproducing Congregations, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission strategies. His international experience in Austria, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States informs his approach to building sustainable Christian communities. Dr. Watke’s enduring legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to the mission of God and his profound influence on missional thought and practice, continuing to shape the future of global Christianity.
