​​Reverend LaJoyce Chatwell Lawton, Ed.D.

Ordained in 2004, Rev. LaJoyce Lawton has served churches in Kerrville and San Antonio. LaJoyce is a Methodist minister who speaks at Christian conferences, retreats, and is a lifelong learner that continuously completes seminary courses and theological workshops. LaJoyce is married to Billy Lawton, Program Leader (AGNR), Cooperative Extension Program, Prairie View A&M University. Their daughter, Kimberly, and grandson, Ke'Mar, live in Mansfield, Texas. Education, especially faith based education, is LaJoyce's passion. After earning a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Oklahoma in Adult and Higher Education, Dr. Lawton has continued making contributions within various educational arenas.


Pastor and Professor Lawton has specialized in "sweet beginnings" as:

• Founding Faculty, Texas A&M University – San Antonio.
• Founder and past president of Oklahoma Women in World Trade. LaJoyce was instrumental in the founding of Bermuda Women in World Trade.
• Instituted San Antonio campus of the Interdenominational Theological Center Certificate in Theology program; established The Multitude Experience Certificate in Ministry program.
• Consultant to the founder of I Am Destined Specialty Academy and I Am I Am Church in Tema, Ghana.
• Team member, development of Training and Development certificate program for University of Oklahoma College of Continuing Education.

It's not unusual to find this Reverend Dr. Lawton participating in liturgy during worship services, praying, visiting, teaching, preaching, administering sacraments, or completing ministry projects in various locations. Reverend Dr. Lawton preached the baccalaureate worship service at Piney Woods School (MS), was the commencement speaker at Boley School (OK), and planned/facilitated a citywide Juneteenth worship service in San Antonio, Texas. While serving as Executive Administrative Assistant to Bishop (then Pastor) Sarah Davis, Rev. Lawton actively worked in the successful campaign toward Episcopal service. Further, Rev. Lawton was a part of the team that provided teacher education training in Southern Africa led by Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Dr. Lawton shared lesson-planning strategies with teachers at faith-based schools in Swaziland and Lesotho. Reverend Dr. Lawton supervised an Oblate School of Theology intern and currently trains clergy and lay ministry leaders. LaPrensa Foundation, Inc. has named Rev. Lawton "Outstanding Woman in Action" (Religion Award - 2008). Dr. Lawton received a ministry grant from Inspire Women to create teaching materials for training clergy in Ghana. Lastly, as a Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (TAA) consultant, Dr. Lawton worked with Gulf Coast shrimpers to assist them in completing business plans which enabled them to improve their current endeavor or launch a new venture.

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