Rev. Dr. Walter J. Williams
A native of Mt. Olive, Mississippi, Walter J. Williams was born to the late Reverend Freddie and Willie Beatrice Williams. As a teen, his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where met and married Lena Mae. They are the proud parents of Pastor Larry Williams of St. Petersburg, Florida and two daughters, Lori and Angela, who are both married, mothers and working professionally. His wife Sister Lena Williams is a member of The American Association of Christian Counseling and is certified in Christian Counseling from Triune Biblical University, Kelso, Washington.
Pastor Williams, prior to assuming his 14 year pastorate at New Mt. Zion, served as Pastor of Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and as interim Pastor of Bethel Community Baptist Church both of which are in St. Petersburg, Florida.
His preparation included studies at Moody Bible Institute’s Evening School; continuing studies at Beeson’s Divinity School at Samford University: B.R.E. Triune Biblical University and Seminary, Kelso Washington; and in June 2002 was awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree for his lifetime involvement in social, civic, and religious work.
Rev. Williams is the Chairman of the Social Justice Commission of the Progressive Missionary and Educational Baptist State Convention of Florida, Inc.; a Workshop Facilitator in Congress Number 4; Board Chairman of Shepherd's Men's Basketball Ministry, Inc.; Director of Inner City Ministries of Open Door Ministry; First South Florida Missionary Baptist Association; First South Florida Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress; Progressive Missionary & Educational Baptist State Convention of Florida, Inc.; National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
Read about the Shepherd Men's Basketball Team in the St. Pete Times
Using a hands-on pastoral approach, Pastor Williams recognizes the need for user-friendly training materials for the congregation. He is the author of the following publications and training materials:
- New Member Orientation
- Learning To Teach (A text and training guide for Youth Instructors)
- First Steps (A text for new converts)
- Christian Doctrine (Basic doctrinal principles)
- Baptist Polity (An orientation on polity & practice in the Baptist Church)
- Pre-Marriage Manual (A text on marriage counseling)