Born in Brooklyn and raised in Hemingway, South Carolina, Dr. Waterman’s story reflects an uncommon blend of discipline, insight, and faith. His journey includes nearly two decades as a mechanical engineer, a background that shaped his approach to problem-solving, systems, and long-term building. Those strengths later transitioned seamlessly into ministry—where he became known not only for preaching with power, but also for leading with strategy, creativity, and results-driven compassion. His leadership style is marked by a belief that spiritual truth should produce practical change, and that the church should be a place where people are equipped to heal, grow, and move forward.

Dr. Waterman’s academic foundation mirrors his lifelong devotion to learning. He holds a Doctorate in Ministry from Drew University and a Master of Divinity from the New York Theological Seminary. He also earned undergraduate degrees in Political Science, Philosophy, and Communications from Hunter College. Rather than treating education as something separate from faith, he has pursued learning as a form of stewardship—continuing to expand the ministry’s reach and effectiveness so that the people he serves can flourish. Faith-Led Innovation and Community-Centered Outreach As a visionary leader, Dr. Waterman has launched bold, faith-led initiatives designed to bridge walls and invite people into honest dialogue. These efforts reflect a ministry philosophy that values truth, relationship, and relevance. Sober Café A trusted space for real conversation and connection among the churched and unchurched Focused on honesty, reflection, and spiritual insight without judgment or barriers Conversations (Community Forums) Engaging discussions that explore Christian and secular topics with depth and clarity Designed to help people navigate life with wisdom, both spiritually and socially Beyond local outreach, Dr. Waterman’s leadership extends into civic and organizational service. He serves on boards such as Antioch Development Corp and Antioch Community Services, demonstrating a sustained commitment to addressing real needs—especially those tied to housing, development, and community well-being. He remains active in Brooklyn’s civic and ecumenical life, building relationships across lines so that collaboration can produce lasting impact.

A Prolific Author with Practical, Purposeful Guidance Dr. Waterman is also a prolific author whose writing challenges, uplifts, and equips readers for a deeper faith and a more courageous life. His debut work, God Has Left the Building, critiques outdated outreach mindsets while presenting a purposeful, Great Commission–centered approach to evangelism and community engagement. In this book, he reframes “ministry beyond the walls” as a call to presence, partnership, and transformation—not performance. His later books continue to speak to the realities of contemporary life: From Scattered to Unstoppable Dreams Addresses the emotional and spiritual impact of COVID-19 Encourages readers to realign with God’s vision Offers guidance for redefining success and living with renewed hope Breaking Barriers Beyond Boundaries: Building It Back Again Focuses on healing in a divided world Provides practical direction for rebuilding purpose after disruption Encourages bold faith rooted in community and resilience Dr. Waterman’s leadership philosophy is especially evident in Church Growth: Making Your Church the Talk of the Town, subtitled Growing Your Ministry From Two-Person Choir to MEGA Congregation. The book combines tradition with innovation, offering a roadmap for leaders who want to cultivate unity, celebrate diversity, and strengthen every believer’s connection to God. It serves as a resource for ministry teams seeking vibrant, purposeful congregations in an ever-changing cultural landscape.

Education, Public Leadership, and Servant-Minded Influence Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Waterman is deeply committed to teaching and service. He teaches mathematics and serves as Career Management Services Director at Medgar Evers College, where he helps prepare students to navigate career pathways with clarity and confidence. His work reflects the same values that guide his ministry: developing competence, nurturing purpose, and empowering people to build productive futures. In Brooklyn’s civic life, Dr. Waterman is a lifelong NAACP member. He has chaired Securing Our Institutions and served as President of the African American Clergy and Elected Officials Organization of Brooklyn (AACEO) for more than a decade. He also contributes to local governance and health advocacy as a member of Community Board 3 in Bedford-Stuyvesant and as Vice Chair of the Trustee Board for One Brooklyn Healthy System.

A Legacy of Hope, Unity, and Transformation Through his preaching, teaching, writing, and community leadership, Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman embodies a life of faith-fueled service and fearless uplift. His ministry stands as an invitation to dream boldly, live purposefully, and trust God’s transformative plan—both personally and collectively. Whether through worship, dialogue, education, or public service, he remains a living testament to unity, resilience, and the enduring power of hope to change lives and strengthen communities.

In 2012, Pastor Rob married Judge Lady Lola Oguntunde in a celebration of love, partnership, and shared purpose. Their union reflects not only a deep personal commitment to one another, but also a mutual dedication to family, service, and community impact. Together, they have become a strong presence in both pastoral and civic life—supporting each other’s callings and modeling what it means to build a home grounded in faith, character, and compassion. As a couple, Pastor Rob and Judge Lady Lola have embraced the responsibility of leadership as a form of ministry, continually reinforcing the importance of grace, integrity, and strength within their home. In their journey, they have remained committed to nurturing a loving environment where each member is valued, encouraged, and guided toward purpose. Their marriage has been a source of stability and inspiration, strengthening the foundation from which they serve others. They are the proud parents of three remarkable daughters: Nia Folasade, Imani Oyinlola, and Jada Simisola Waterman. Each child has added joy, perspective, and joyfully meaningful legacy to their family. Together, Pastor Rob and Judge Lady Lola have worked to instill in their daughters a sense of identity, faith, and responsibility—preparing them to grow into confident women who carry both excellence and compassion into the world.