A Look at the Life of Dr. Gary L. Williams, Sr.

Psalms 37:23 tells us The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. This Scripture is befitting for Dr. Gary Lamar Williams, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Mandarin, Jacksonville, Florida, whose steps God not only ordered, but also predestined long before his birth on May 12, 1963 in Jacksonville, Florida.  Gary is the younger of two sons born to Alfreda Williams and the late Roosevelt Williams.  He is no stranger to the ministry.  His father was a pastor and his uncle is the pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Gary Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies in May 1997 from Luther Rice Seminary and an Honorary Doctorate in October 2001 from the Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida.

Humble and gentle as a lamb, yet wise as a serpent, the 43 year old Pastor Gary Williams has the courage of his convictions and is not intimidated to speak, teach, or preach the unadulterated Word of God.  He preaches with power, personality and purpose because he has a fervor to see souls come to Christ to operate, walk, live and bask in their God given authority.  Whether you know him as Pastor, Pastor Gary or Pastor Williams, to truly know him is to love him, for God has blessed him with a sincere, giving, and Shepherds heart.   His generosity and authenticity are transparent and touch all those whom he comes in contact.  His magnetic personality draws people and his no respect of person style makes them want to remain in his presence.  He has a heart for mission and service, a love for youth, and a voice for the downtrodden.  He is a man who has traveled the nation and world extensively preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Gary Williams is the husband of Maxine Williams, the father of Jason, Keianna, Brittney and Gary.

Pastor William Barker embraced Gary's calling, licensed and ordained him as a minister of the Gospel in 1988.  This was the beginning of an exciting, yet challenging, spiritual journey for Gary that is still unfolding. 

In obedience to the will of God and Pastor Barker, his mentor, in 1990 Gary accepted the call to become the pastor of First Baptist Church of Mandarin.  From that date to today, God has used him miraculously in many ways. His leadership and ministry have been phenomenal.  Some of the accomplishments include a 16,000 square foot new sanctuary, a 40,000 square foot family life center, and a 24,000 square foot collegiate gymnasium.  Membership has grown from approximately 75 to over 3,500.  There are over 30 active ministries, and they continue to develop to meet the demands of the congregation.  Two schools have been established (Promise Land Preschool and Promise Land Academy).  Two churches have been planted and supported (Light of the World Christian Center and Mt. Horeb Baptist Church).  Under the direction of Pastor Williams, a missionary has been commissioned and planted in Malawi, African, and the list goes on.

The visions God has given Gary continue to unfold.  Next on the horizon is the City of Hope-30 acres of land, which will house the new home of The First Church, a business and retail complex, credit union, senior citizens home, and family life center. Gary is a good steward over the things God has put under his hand.  He has exhibited a life of obedience, thus God's will is continually manifesting in Gary's ministry. What he enjoys most about ministry is watching the hand of God transform the lives of countless men and women.  He considers it a tremendous honor to be a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ.  However, his successes have not been without pain or disappointments, but through it all Gary has remained faithful, and faithfulness has its own rewards. 

And the journey of Dr. Gary L. Williams continues...