Reverend Roosevelt Williams, III was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He is married to Reverend Shelia D. Williams, and they have one daughter, Christian Renee’ Williams. His higher education was received from Savannah College of Art & Design, and further studies were received from Birmingham Theological Seminary. Reverend Williams accepted his call in the ministry in 1992 at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama under the pastoral leadership of Reverend James L. Davis (now the Presiding Bishop of the 2nd Episcopal District).

He served faithfully as a Lay Preacher/Teacher until God called him to the pastoral ministry in 1996. Reverend Williams has always had a passion for God’s people, and a gift for teaching the Word of God with power, simplicity, and understanding. Through the ministries of Reverends Roosevelt and Shelia Williams, many churches have experienced growth, spiritual maturity, and unity.

Prior to coming to St. John’s, the Lord blessed Reverend Williams to shepherd two other churches: Hopewell AME Church – Florence, Alabama, and Hopewell AME Church – Birmingham, Alabama. During his time at Hopewell – Florence, the church experienced growth spiritually, numerically, and physically. Before completing the work the Lord assigned him to do there, the church membership doubled, and a fellowship hall, kitchen, and additional bathrooms were added to the existing structure, which greatly increased the value of the church.

In 2002, the Lord blessed Reverend Williams to be assigned to Hopewell AME Church – Birmingham, Alabama, where he faithfully served the church, and the Kingston Community until November 2017. Upon arrival to Hopewell, a new fellowship hall and educational wing had recently been completed under the leadership of the late Reverend Walter D. Moon, and the total church indebtedness was approximately $480,000. The Lord allowed Reverend Williams to lead the congregation in paying off the debt two years early – to God be the glory! During his time there, many successful ministries were created, and countless lives were saved, and added to the church. For several years running, Hopewell – Birmingham was the fasted growing AME Church in the Northwest Alabama Conference.

In November of 2017, the Lord blessed Reverend Williams to be appointed as the Senior Pastor to St. John’s AME Church – Montgomery, AL. Under the leadership of the previous Pastor, the late Reverend James E. Arnell, St. John’s completed the construction of a multi-purpose Christian Life Center. And again, the Lord allowed Pastor Williams to lead the congregation in retiring the remaining debt of approximately $110,000 in just thirteen months – to God be the glory! Under the leadership of Reverend Williams, and his wife, Reverend Shelia D. Williams, St. John’s has experienced the creation of several new ministries, and outreach opportunities, which have resulted in spiritual and numeric growth.

Reverend Williams has served previously as the Director of Church Growth, and Technology for the Birmingham•Florence•Tuscaloosa District, and the Christian Education Director for the Northwest Alabama Conference. He currently serves the Ninth Episcopal District as the Web Master, Director of Public Relations, and the Co-Director of Technology. Reverend Williams also serves as the Dean of the Board of Examiners for the Alabama River Region of the Ninth Episcopal District of the AME Church.

Reverend Williams has received numerous citations and awards for excellence in business and ministry including: an “Addy” award (Birmingham Advertising Club), Entrepreneur of the Year (Birmingham•Florence•Tuscaloosa District), and Businessman of the Year (Ninth Episcopal District) to name a few. He has also been featured in local and regional publications such as The Birmingham News, The Birmingham Times, Birmingham Magazine, Portico Magazine, and most recently in the Alabama River Region’s Journey Magazine. A few years ago, the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce featured Reverend Williams in a television advertising campaign entitled: “Live the Dream”.

In addition to pastoring, Rev. Williams also heads the Graphic Art Communications Program at Lawson State Community College (Bessemer Campus). In 2012, Rev. Williams received the Technical Instructor of the Year Award.