Executive Pastor | Speaker | Leadership Strategist
Faithfully Live • Courageously Lead • Purposefully Serve
Rev. Elisha M. James Waters, affectionately known as “Rev. E,” is an ordained minister, educator, leadership strategist, and fifth-generation preacher whose ministry is devoted to equipping people to faithfully follow Christ by connecting biblical truth to everyday life, courageous leadership, and personal transformation. Licensed to preach in 2014 after delivering her initial sermon, “You Don’t Have the Luxury of Falling Apart,” she is known for communicating God’s Word with biblical depth, practical application, and a passion for helping people embrace the transforming work of Christ within so they can faithfully live, courageously lead, and purposefully serve.
Rev. E serves as Executive Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, alongside her father and Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Therm James, Sr. Prayer and the faithful teaching of Scripture remain the cornerstone of her ministry. Whether preaching, teaching, mentoring leaders, or facilitating leadership development, she is committed to equipping people to grow spiritually, lead faithfully, and flourish where God has called them.
Rev. James Waters brings more than 25 years of experience in education, including 21 years serving in independent schools. During her career, she served as a middle school science teacher, Middle School Dean of Students, Director of Student Life and Engagement, Assistant Head of School for Culture, Community, and Belonging, and Director of Culture, Community, and Belonging. She became known for developing leaders, strengthening communities, improving organizational effectiveness, and guiding institutions through seasons of change with wisdom, compassion, and strategic vision. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School and will begin pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership this fall.
Rev. E earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Chemistry and a Master of Science in Science Education from Morgan State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Theological Studies with a concentration in Biblical Studies from Liberty University.
Married to Preston S. Waters, Rev. James Waters is blessed with four adult children and several grandchildren. Whether serving from the pulpit, in educational settings, or alongside organizational leaders, she remains committed to helping people faithfully follow Christ, cultivate healthy leadership, and embrace the transformative work God desires to accomplish both within them and through them. Her life and ministry continue to be guided by Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”