Meet Pastor James E. Lawson Jr.
Pastor James E. Lawson Jr. is a dynamic preacher, teacher, counselor, and servant leader who is deeply committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and leading God’s people with wisdom, integrity, compassion, and faith.
Born on November 5, 1958, in Bastrop, Louisiana, Pastor Lawson is the second of eight children born to Dr. James E. Lawson Sr. and Omega Lawson. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized by his father, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and ministry.
After graduating from Bastrop High School in 1976, Pastor Lawson enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served four years as an Aviation Electronics Technician and traveled throughout Asia during his military service.
Pastor Lawson has always been passionate about music, sports, and community engagement. Throughout the years, he has participated in choirs, marching bands, orchestras, and community entertainment initiatives. In addition to ministry, he has built a successful professional career working in construction, aviation, logistics, taxes, and business leadership.
In 1985, Pastor Lawson accepted his call into ministry and preached his first sermon titled, “The Same Jesus.” Since then, he has faithfully served in various ministry roles throughout Louisiana and California, including assistant pastor, pastor, teacher, and spiritual mentor.
His ministry experience includes serving at:
- New Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church
- New Jerusalem #2 Baptist Church
- New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church
- Marion Baptist Church
- Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church
- Saints’ Rest Missionary Baptist Church
From 2012 to 2016, Pastor Lawson faithfully served as Interim Pastor of Saints’ Rest during a pivotal season of restoration and renewal. In 2016, he was officially elected Pastor of Saints’ Rest Missionary Baptist Church.
Under Pastor Lawson’s leadership, the church has experienced spiritual growth, expanded ministry outreach, strengthened community impact, and renewed unity within the church family.
Pastor Lawson comes from a strong legacy of ministry and faith. He is the son of the late Dr. James E. Lawson Sr. and brother to Pastor Martin Luther Lawson Sr. and Dr. Gregory Orlando Lawson.
Above all, Pastor Lawson is a devoted father, grandfather, mentor, and man of God who believes in following the leading of the Holy Spirit in all things.
His life scripture and ministry model comes from Isaiah 6:
“Here am I; send me.”
Through passionate preaching, biblical teaching, and servant leadership, Pastor Lawson continues to inspire others to grow in faith, walk in purpose, and trust God fully.