Reverend James Williams earned his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and has since served in three churches, including Centenary, the largest Methodist church in Kentucky, from 2018 to 2024. During his tenure at Centenary, the church grew exponentially, adding a second satellite campus and becoming a key force in community outreach and mission work.
Prior to Centenary, Rev. Williams served for 10 years at Winchester First United Methodist, where he made history by creating the church’s first cross-racial staff, bringing on two African-American leaders at the historic downtown campus. His innovative leadership and commitment to inclusivity helped foster new relationships and outreach in the community.
In addition to his pastoral work, Rev. Williams played an influential role in the broader Lexington community, serving on multiple advisory boards and parachurch ministries. Before his time at Centenary, he served as Lexington District Superintendent and Dean of the Cabinet, working alongside Bishop Lindsey Davis. His leadership within the denomination is extensive, including 12 years on the Board of Ordained Ministry, chairing the Lexington District Board of Trustees, and leading the Kentucky Conference Evangelism Team. He was also elected as a delegate to the General Conference and served on the Southeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Nominations.
In 2014, Bishop Davis commissioned Rev. Williams to create a coaching network for Kentucky churches and pastors, a ministry that has continued to thrive under his leadership. His passion for developing leaders and fostering growth in the church has made a lasting impact.
Rev. Williams has been married to his wife and ministry partner, Natalie, for 33 years. They have two children: John, who lives in Eugene, Oregon with his wife, Jordan, and Grace, a sophomore communications major and cheerleader at Asbury University.