Center Grove woman’s calling leads to life-changing Bible club
By Nancy Price
Tracy Watson has had several faith-based callings in her life: communicating the word of God, leading by example to her children and serving as a volunteer coordinator with Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood.
Yet a calling inspired by her childhood has taken a small project into one that has grown by leaps and bounds.
Watson, a resident of Center Grove for the past 20 years, discovered Christ as a child, thanks to women volunteers who visited her classroom and spoke of His love. Their influence encouraged her desire to help bring others to know Him and His plans for a greater purpose in their lives.
Watson grew up in Wabash, a small town in northern Indiana. After graduating from Southwood High School, she attended Ball State University, where she received a degree in telecommunications. She married Stephen Watson and served as a communications director for four years at Mount Pleasant until starting a family.
While raising Tyler, 18, Austin, 15 and Haley, 13, Watson and some other mothers she knew started Center Grove Bible Club to teach their kids about the Bible. Watson remembered the positive impact that Bible teachings had on her as a child and wanted to give back. The mothers also connected with prayer groups at local schools. The idea for the modest beginning began growing in popularity. “What we had no idea is that God had much bigger plans,” she said.
Today, Christ Youth Bible Club makes up 36 clubs in 11 different local school systems with an estimated 2,500 students participating and about 350 volunteers to help lead and coordinate the groups.
“We hear back from teachers and administrators about the positive affect the Bible Club has had on their schools,” Watson said. “It’s a great club that unites kids. We’ve seen kids and their families grow in their faith.”
Watson, who is also employed as a part-time Ambassador Coordinator at Mount Pleasant, said that funding and prayer from churches in the community have been instrumental in support for the volunteer-led ministry.
“God has really been faithful for the club to grow,” she said. “The club is His and we are really privileged to be a part of it.”
What do you consider your greatest virtue? Empathy. I am pretty others-focused. When I was growing up my mom always used to ask me to stop and think how others might feel in any given situation.
What do you like best about Center Grove? I love that people here are involved in the community and they appreciate and strive for excellence. I have participated in a number of events/athletics/clubs, etc. mostly with my kids and I’ve seen time and time again people giving their personal time and best effort.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it? I’d put a pool in our backyard.
What makes you happiest? When our home is filled with people; our kids, their friends, long-term guests etc. We hosted a ground-breaking ceremony before our house was built and invited friends to join us in praying that God would use it to bless others and He has been faithful to answer that prayer! Over the years we’ve hosted multiple Bible Studies for kids and teens; housed several summer interns and a few other long-term guests.
Pick three adjectives that best describe you. Kind, conscientious and hospitable.
What is your favorite vacation spot? There’s so much to see. We never go to the same place twice.
What do you do with idle time? Ask me in 10 years.
What would you change about our culture if you could? I wish people held God’s word, the Bible, in higher esteem. It would solve a lot of our problems.
How do you escape from reality? I like the early morning Tabata workout at Mount Pleasant.
Which living person in Center Grove do you most admire? My husband, Stephen. I don’t know anyone else who lives with more integrity than he does. He is a man of faith who consistently goes the extra mile and he does the right thing even when it’s hard.
What quality do you admire most in another person?
Grace. Life is busy and it can get messy and complicated. I appreciate people who can be authentic and gracious. We’re all doing our best.
What is your greatest extravagance? Manicures. I just can’t justify the expense very often.
What is your greatest fear? I am more fearful than I’d like to admit. It is something I have to pray about, otherwise I risk missing out on joys and opportunities.
What has been the happiest time of your life? I love each new season of life as it comes. I have especially enjoyed raising our kids and being involved in their activities. If there were ever a time I wanted to push pause, it’s probably now, as we are getting ready to send our oldest to college.
Is there a special talent you really wish you had? I really wish I could sing.
What do you most value in your friends? Their faith. We encourage one another with truth and pray with and for one another.
Which historical figure do you most admire? Jesus
What tenet do you live by? Do all things with love.
