A Look at the Life of Dr. Gary L. Williams, Sr.
Dr. Gary L. Williams, Sr., a native of Jacksonville, Florida, is the younger of two sons born to Alfreda Williams and the late Rev. Roosevelt Williams. Pastor Gary Williams 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.
In 1990, Gary accepted the call to become the pastor of First Baptist Church of Mandarin. He seeks to transform the lives of many through the simplicity of the gospel. The focus and aim of his ministry is church and family centered – to do what he can to support the nucleus (the fabric of the community).
Under his leadership at The First Church, membership has grown from approximately 75 to over 4,000. There are more than 30 active ministries, and they continue to develop to meet the demands of the ministry. Other accomplishments include the construction of a new sanctuary, a family life center and a collegiate gymnasium, totaling 80,000 square feet.
In addition, two churches, Light of the World Christian Center and Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, have been planted and supported. Two schools, Promise Land Pre-school and Promise Land Academy have been established. Under the direction of Pastor Williams, a missionary was commissioned and planted in Malawi, Africa and a Task Force was established. In Malawi, 40 buildings have been roofed; more than 2000 villagers have been taught to read, and hundreds have accepted Christ.
In obedience to the visions God has given him, Gary works to expand God’s kingdom on earth spiritually, socially and economically. Therefore, the vision continues to unfold with the “City of Hope,” which is Christ-centered, and involves conversion (salvation), commerce (business and economics) and commitment (community involvement). The City of Hope, an estimated $50,000,000 project, comprises 30-acres of land and will be the new home of The First Church, a business and retail complex, Family Life Center, gymnasium, teen center, and convention center.
Dr. Williams earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Luther Rice Seminary in May 1997. He holds Honorary Doctorate Degrees from the Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary (2001), Doctor of Divinity from Saint Thomas Christian College (2001) and Edward Waters College (2008). He is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration at NOVA.
Over the years, Pastor Williams has received accolades, awards and certificates from numerous prestigious organizations. He was recently appointed by Governor Charlie Christ to serve on the One Church One Child Board of Directors. Other awards, civic affiliations and works include:
- 1996 African American Achievers Award
- El-Beth-El Divine Holiness Outstanding Leadership Award 2001.
- Board of Directors for the YMCA
- Big Brothers, Big Sisters
- Jacksonville Jaycees
- 1997-1998 Co-Chair of Inter-Church Coalition for Action
- Reconciliation and Empowerment
- President of Preachers and Pastors Conference
- 1996 Outstanding Young Man of America 30th Anniversary edition
- 100 Black Men Outstanding Leader
Pastor Williams is presently involved with Take Stock in Children, One Church One Child and on occasion by special request, serves as Chaplain to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He is a man who has traveled the nation and the world, including Russia, Austria, South Africa, Malawi Africa, Cuba, Israel, Germany and many others preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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. He has a heart for mission and service, a love for youth, and a voice for the downtrodden.
Pastor Williams is the author of nine books: “Man to Man”, “Why Can’t I Hold On to this Grudge”, “Deliverance from the Down Low”, “Tricked”, “Prevailing Over Pornography”, 21 Days to Breakthrough”, “Man to Woman”, and “Let’s Stay Together”.
Gary Williams is the husband of Maxine, the father of Jason, Keianna, Brittney, Gary, Jr., and grandfather to Trey and Autumn.