At Pump It Up Magazine, we spotlight voices that uplift, empower, and inspire. This week, we’re honored to share the remarkable journey of Pastor Walter Jamie Hawkins—a man whose story flows from the heart of gospel royalty into the soul of mainstream music and now leads a thriving ministry grounded in faith, resilience, and love.
Born into Gospel Greatness
You may recognize the Hawkins name—and rightfully so. Pastor Jamie is the son of gospel legends Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, and nephew to Edwin, Lynette, and Daniel Hawkins. The Hawkins family helped define modern gospel music, breaking barriers and reaching hearts worldwide. But while Pastor Jamie carries that legacy with pride, his voice, vision, and mission are uniquely his own.
A Life Between Two Worlds: Music & Ministry
From the time he was five years old, Jamie was immersed in music. Raised on Earth, Wind & Fire, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson, his heart was drawn toward R&B. He played drums, wrote songs, and eventually made his mark on the mainstream stage.
Between 1992 and 2008, Jamie worked as a musical director, producer, and artist, collaborating with the biggest names in music—Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Destiny’s Child, Donnell Jones, Amerie, MC Hammer, Heavy D, and more. He served as Lauryn Hill’s musical director during her Miseducation tour, wrote much of his debut solo album on the road, and was signed to Mona Scott’s Monami Entertainment/Elektra Records.
“I never liked categories,” Jamie once said. “I just want to create good music. I don’t play the expectations game.”
His 2002 solo debut showcased that spirit—with tracks like Lost My Mind, Next to You, and More and More, all reflecting the blend of soul, sensuality, and substance that defines his style.
A Calling Higher: From Stage to Sanctuary
While music was his first love, ministry became his greatest calling.
Pastor Jamie began his pastoral journey at Love Center Ministries—the church made famous by his family—where he served as Youth Pastor and later as Senior Pastor. In 2012, he founded Transforming Love Community Church (TLCC) in Oakland, California, where he continues to serve as Senior Pastor.
Known for his authentic leadership, prophetic preaching, and deep compassion, Pastor Jamie leads with humility and a heart to heal. He often reminds his congregation:
“We don’t get saved just to attend church—we get saved to be an extension of Jesus Christ.”
A Voice of Worship, A Heart of Revival
Pastor Jamie is not just a preacher—he’s a worship leader, father of six, and shepherd of souls. His voice carries both the weight of his lineage and the intimacy of someone who walks daily with God.
He has shared the stage with gospel icons such as Kurt Carr, Richard Smallwood, Tye Tribbett, and The Williams Brothers, bringing heaven to earth through music. Yet his true mission has always been people—meeting them where they are and guiding them closer to purpose, identity, and grace.
A Journey Marked by Grief and Grace
In 2023, Jamie experienced a profound personal loss—the passing of his beloved wife, Myiia. Together, they raised six children and helped lay the foundation of TLCC. Her memory lives on in the ministry they built, the songs Jamie sings, and the hope he carries into every sermon.
Through grief, he has grown deeper in faith, speaking often of God’s power to restore, redeem, and renew.
Guest Preacher at Grace Online Church – June 1st
This Sunday, under the gracious invitation of Bishop Ernest L. Jackson (featured on our Christmas cover), Pastor Jamie will be the guest speaker at Grace Online Church. His message, titled “Making An Impact,” is a word for anyone seeking meaning, hope, or a deeper encounter with God.
📅 Event Details:
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Time: 10AM PST
Where: Grace Online Church on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GraceTabernacleOnlineChurch
Message Title: Making An Impact – A Life-Changing Word
As part of Pump It Up Magazine’s Spirituality & Faith series, we are honored to share this story with our global readers. Pastor Jamie’s life is proof that no stage is greater than the altar, and no platform is more powerful than love.
“Your soul is the essence of who you are. My music and my ministry come from within—it’s all the essence of who I am.” – Pastor Jamie Hawkins
🔥 A Message for Every Generation
Pastor Jamie Hawkins’ sermon, “Making an Impact,” speaks to both the young and the seasoned with clarity, boldness, and authenticity. Rooted in Matthew 5:13–16, it’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why am I here?” or “Does my life really matter?”
To the youth, he says: You weren’t born to just scroll, follow trends, or fit in—you were born to lead, to shine, to be different on purpose.
To the older generation, he reminds us: It’s never too late to walk in your calling and leave a legacy that lights the path for others.
With a powerful mix of life experience, musical legacy, and spiritual wisdom, Pastor Jamie challenges us all to stop sitting on our potential and start walking in power. This message isn’t just a sermon—it’s a call to rise up and be the change.
At Pump It Up Magazine, our motto is simple: we empower and pump the spirit. And Pastor Jamie’s message does just that—igniting faith, purpose, and passion in every listener, young and old alike.
