About Jen Watley Nelson

Engineer turned nonprofit leader and preacher
learning to love God and neighbor with my whole life.

My Journey to Ministry

I believe that my life’s work should be in the service of others. That conviction has carried me through a winding journey—from engineer to entrepreneur to nonprofit leader, and now to ministry. Each step has prepared me for the call I am living into today.

My engineering background sharpened my critical thinking and taught me how to use data to guide decisions and hold myself accountable. My entrepreneurial ventures stretched me into leadership, relationship building, and vision casting. And when I found myself in the nonprofit sector—almost by accident—I discovered a home for my gifts and a community that fueled my passion for justice and service.

Alongside this professional journey, God was also shaping my heart for ministry. In board rooms, classrooms, and pulpits, I’ve come to see how faith and leadership are deeply connected. My call is to help others grow, flourish, and live into the fullness of who God created them to be.

I’m grounded in my love for my family. My husband, children, and extended family are both my anchor and my cheerleaders, giving me the courage to stretch, grow, and pursue this calling—even when balancing it all isn’t easy.

  • Engineer — learned disciplined problem-solving and data-driven decisions.
  • Entrepreneur — practiced invitation, story, and courageous leadership.
  • Nonprofit leader — found home in service, justice, and community building.
  • Seminary student — hearing God’s call with clarity and saying yes.
  • Preacher/teacher — sharing devotionals and sermons that point us to love.

What I Believe

  • God meets us in everyday life and calls us to love our neighbors, all of them.
  • Justice is a practice, not a slogan.
  • Data and compassion can work together to serve real people.
  • Communities flourish when everyone is seen and invited to the table.
Two hands of different ethnicities form a heart shape, symbolizing unity and diversity.

How I serve now

  • Preaching and teaching across contexts
  • Writing devotionals and reflections
  • Leading in the nonprofit space with a focus on equity and impact
  • Building partnerships that center families and young people