Our Pastor

Reverend J. L. Williams is a devoted preacher, teacher, and servant-leader whose ministry reflects a deep commitment to God’s Word, God’s people, and God’s purpose. From his youth, he has displayed an uncommon passion for preaching the Gospel and serving with humility and excellence.

Pastor Williams began his ministry at the early age of fifteen, preaching his very first sermon at Water Bluff CME Church in Winona, Texas. His early calling and spiritual maturity were evident to all who witnessed his dedication to the Word. On July 22, 2018, Reverend Williams was licensed to preach the Gospel by Reverend Dr. M. D. Hood at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, where he was later ordained and faithfully served as an Associate Minister.

A native of Tyler, Texas, Pastor Williams is a proud graduate of Tyler Junior College, where he earned his Associate of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. He is currently completing a dual-degree track at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, leading to a Bachelor of Humanities and a Master of Divinity. This advanced course of study reflects his dedication to both theological scholarship and effective pastoral leadership.

Pastor Williams first accepted the pastoral call to Rock Hill Baptist Church (Greater Rock Hill Baptist Church) in October 2019. Under his dynamic leadership, the church experienced a season of renewal and growth marked by strong administration, property improvements, and expanded ministries. Among his notable initiatives was the revitalization of the Praise & Worship Ministry, known as The Voices of GRHBC, through which many souls were inspired and added to the church. His leadership was characterized by vision, stewardship, and a heart for God’s people.

In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Pastor Williams is an active member of both the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the Southern Baptist Convention. He also served as Vice President of the Ministers’ Division of the Greater East Texas Baptist Association, where he mentors and collaborates with fellow clergy to strengthen churches and equip leaders throughout the region.

Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Williams served his community through education and mentorship. He is a Physical Education Coach at Brown Elementary in Whitehouse, Texas, and served as an Emotional Counselor at Kissam Intermediate School in the Chapel Hill Independent School District in Tyler, Texas. His compassion for children and families mirrors the heart of Christ and his desire to impact lives beyond the church walls.

Pastor Williams is also an active member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, proudly serving as a member of DeWitt Lodge No. 429 in Tyler, Texas. His involvement reflects his lifelong commitment to brotherhood, service, moral integrity, and the uplift of his community through faith and fellowship.

Pastor Williams is the beloved son of Ms. Joakima Bircher and Mr. James Williams, who nurtured his early faith and instilled in him the values of integrity, perseverance, and love for God’s people.

In July 2025, Pastor J. L. Williams accepted the divine call to serve as the Senior Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church, Inc. in Longview, Texas. As a new-age traditional Baptist pastor, he bridges the timeless truths of the Gospel with a fresh, Spirit-led approach to ministry. His leadership is guided by prayer, compassion, and vision—blending the historic strength of the Baptist faith with a forward-looking commitment to community transformation, excellence in worship, and discipleship for all generations.

Pastor Williams is humbled by the opportunity to lead Galilee Baptist Church into a new season of growth and purpose. His message remains clear and consistent: Christ is the center, the Gospel is the focus, and love is the foundation. Having seen what God has done and believing what God will continue to do, Pastor Williams looks forward with great expectation to all that the Lord has in store for Galilee Baptist Church and the Kingdom of God.