I’ve hesitated to share this story, but a dear friend encouraged me to do so. A few days before Thanksgiving, I woke up really early, as I do most mornings. My prayer time that morning was deep and wide. I was overcome by a wave of great joy and gratitude, mixed with some confusion and sadness about the past few years.

I’d suffered some losses but gained even more blessings. I asked God to bring final healing to my heart and Natalie’s heart as we stepped into the season of Advent and moved toward a new year. In my spirit, I felt that God promised me this: before the end of 2024, I would see signs that in our lives, difficulties would bow in the face of miracles. I claimed that promise wholeheartedly.

That day, I had lunch in downtown Atlanta. As I was eating, a cardinal kept flying into the window beside me. It would sit on the ledge, stare at me for a few seconds, and then begin flying against the clear barrier between us. This went on for about 10 minutes, so I finally snapped a few photos. It was amazing. All I can tell you is that it gave me a sense of peace that’s hard to explain. I didn’t know what it meant, but I claimed it!

Fast forward to Christmas Eve. That morning, I received phone calls from a few of my former staff members in Lexington, and it lifted my heart. That night, as I stood before the many who had come to worship God, I was reminded of that day a month earlier. In that moment, I knew that God was answering my prayer.

I’ve been blessed with healing. I’ve been blessed with a family who loves and respects me-even when I fall short. And I’ve been blessed to pastor a congregation that not only speaks of grace but practices it while standing firmly on the truth and theology of Christ and John Wesley, without regard to questionable beliefs, religious rules, or systems. God is truly good… all the time.

If you’re waiting on a healing or a miracle, don’t give up. God keeps His promises. Wait, trust, and rest. Natalie and I are choosing to live on the brink of a miracle. You’ll never receive one until you’re willing to be one. Keep moving toward hope. Surely, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

~James

The story of Jesus cursing the fig tree has always been interesting to me. He was always looking for teachable moments. The fig tree event has been confusing for readers of scripture for thousands of years, but if we look at Christ’s teaching style throughout his ministry, it’s not so difficult to understand. It’s important to first consider where Jesus was coming from. The fig tree was just a quick stopping point for the disciples to learn a lesson that would soon be important for them-and remains important for us in the modern Church.

In this passage, Jesus seems a little frustrated, and rightly so. He had just come from cleansing the Temple, where the people had turned the house of God into a marketplace. The respect and reverence for his Father were trampled, and the faith of the people-and likely the disciples-was not where it needed to be. Notice that the tree had many green leaves but no fruit. Now don’t get ahead of me! I can be like that at times: a lot of leaves but little fruit. Our churches can be like that too. Everything looks good, but there’s nothing truly solid for the kingdom.

Fruit follows faith. Jesus used this simple fig tree to show how important faith is to Christian living. Faith and expectation can move any situation in which we find ourselves. The world watches us and longs for what we say in the Church to be true: that Jesus is the answer, that he heals, that he meets our needs, and that he loves us despite ourselves. Our greatest advertisement for Christ is our own fruit and forgiveness. Green leaves are fine, but they often hide the fact that we bear no real fruit. Leaves are necessary but temporary-they eventually wither and die. But fruit produces sustenance and more seed.

Jesus reminds us here that true faith and forgiveness have something to show for it. True faith steps out onto impossible waters. Let’s ask God today to make us true Easter people: followers who bear much fruit.

-Rev. James Williams

Let me start with a disclaimer today: I don’t necessarily represent the views of my congregation in this forum. I am fortunate to have a variety of opinions among my flock, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But lately, I have felt compelled to take advantage of this forum to speak to our community about the state of the Church. After all, that is where I live every day.

My passion is people-especially hurting people. I don’t know why; it has just always been with me. And I believe, of course, that the greatest prescription for pain in this world is the Christian faith. I do not apologize for that in any way. But we Christians really tend to mess up Christianity.

Several years ago, I read an article in Christianity Today titled, “The Church: Why Bother?” It really challenged my “If you unlock the door, they will come” mentality. I am more convinced than ever that the world, the “unchurched,” feel condemned by the “people in the pew” to the point of being pushed farther away from the truth of the Gospel. And it is destroying the Church, while people are continuing to hurt-more than ever, I’d say.

Consider the statistics from the Barna Group (the Gallup Poll of the Christian world):

• There has been a 92% increase in the number of unchurched Americans in the last thirteen years.
• In 1991, there were 39 million unchurched Americans compared with 75 million currently (2008).
• One out of three adults (33%) is unchurched-a proportion that represents over 70 million adults in America.
• Ten million born-again Christian adults are currently unchurched.
• Men constitute 55% of the unchurched.

As you can see, something is wrong. I know that some reading this article may be thinking, “Nothing is wrong; I just don’t want to go to church.” Well, my question is, “Why not?” What is it about the Church that is not drawing you in? I believe the world sees an institution full of people who say one thing but do another, who condemn others for certain things yet live the same way behind closed doors, and who value their “church membership” in the same way they do a country or civic club. So, I can understand the “Why Bother” attitude.

Now, I am an odd sort of preacher. I don’t blame the hellacious, hell-bound world for the fact that more people are not beating down our doors. I blame “The Churched.” My strong belief is that the Church has failed this world by presenting a Christianity of rules and “do’s and don’t’s” that no one can totally live up to. We skim over grace and go right to punishment, and people are not attracted by negativity.

Study the New Testament. Whom did Jesus tongue-lash? The tax collectors? The prostitutes? The doubters? The adulterers? No, he spent his time confronting the Pharisees-the Church people, the keepers of the rule book. They knew the law. They were the Deacons, the Administrative Council, the Session, the Leadership Team of that day. They were good, upstanding churchgoers. Every time the Temple door was open, they were there. And Jesus said, “You’re liars.”

So we, the Church, have forced people to keep their secrets, delay life changes, and keep up a front. What would happen if we really followed the message of Christ and became real with one another? What if we could share ourselves, with repentant hearts, of course, admitting our faults and walking alongside people instead of condemning them?

I’m talking to myself. Preachers are not perfect. We are held to a higher standard by the Bible, but we struggle with these same issues. I just wonder what the statistics would look like if we put aside our “assessments” of people and saw them with the eyes of Christ. What if we could love people of other beliefs (without compromising our own) and share honestly why we believe what we believe instead of joining categories and interest tanks? What if we could just admit that we can’t keep all the rules-that no one can keep all the rules-but in spite of those facts, we can still love and hold hands?

I’m just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. If that were not just a message, a dogma, but the lifestyle the world saw in “The Church,” the Fire Marshal would have to shut us down so we could build larger facilities. I know that churches today are drawing folks and seeing changed lives, but the numbers don’t lie. We are behind the eight ball. We need to condemn less, tell the truth more, and love in spite of anything. That’s the true message of Jesus.

~Rev. James Williams

Natalie and I have been blessed not to have to be the “new” pastor very often. Not counting my first student appointment, Grace Resurrection is only the fourth church we’ve pastored. You’re hearing that correctly-I’ve always considered Natalie my partner and greatest support. I tell people that after a while, the congregation stops liking me, but they keep me because they don’t want to lose Natalie! She ministers as much as I do and is a gifted prayer warrior. She won’t tell you the stories of her encounters with Christ because she’s too humble, but if you can get it out of her, you’ll be mesmerized.

I’ve had a good “career” in ministry. With the help of many much smarter than I, it has been a path of great blessings and fruitfulness. I heard Bishop Al Gwinn tell a story once about the turtle on the fencepost. When a farmer plows his field, he has to make sure he looks out for turtles. Even with his heavy machinery, if he were to run over a turtle, its hard shell could dull or even break his equipment. So, when a farmer comes across a turtle in his field, rather than run it over, he’ll pick it up and carry it to the top of the nearest fencepost. If the farmer positions the turtle correctly, the turtle won’t be able to get off, and the farmer can continue with his work. The point is, if you ever see a turtle on top of a fencepost, you know one thing for sure: he didn’t get there by himself.

As the new pastor of Grace Resurrection, one thing is for sure (more than you’ll ever know): I didn’t get here by myself. This is an unusual appointment. The Bishop didn’t send me. A District Superintendent didn’t try to sell me on it! I was interviewed, tested, prayed with, and vetted closely. Then, the members voted. It was 97%. My Baptist colleagues tell me that’s pretty good. I’m looking for that 3% and planning to take them a loaf of Natalie’s famous banana bread at some point. That will win them over!

But I’m a blessed, blessed man. I’m leading a new church plant-a dream I thought I’d never see come to fruition. As Natalie knows, I GET to work with Dr. Randy Mickler and a group of gracious, generous people. Thanks to all who set me on this fencepost. The view is amazing.

~Rev. James Williams

As Christians, we often reflect on the painful history of persecution faced by early believers under Roman emperors like Nero and Caligula. Those times were brutal and disheartening. Today, the challenges we face as followers of Christ often come not from outside threats but from within the Church itself. You may have heard the saying that the church is the only organization that “shoots its wounded.” After over 30 years in ministry and church leadership, I’ve seen some wolves, yes, but I’ve encountered far more situations where fellow believers have hurt one another.

Whether it’s disagreements over politics, theology, personality, or even something as simple as carpet color, Christians can sometimes be quick to wound each other. It makes me wonder why we are surprised when so many feel disconnected from the church. Natalie and I have friends who aren’t involved in church, and the reasons often stem from deep hurt caused by other believers. It has made me reflect deeply on who we are supposed to be in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.

I believe the Church is meant to be the most important force for good in the world. Yet, at times, we get stuck in our ways-caught up in old mindsets, focusing more on being right than being loving. We sometimes miss the heart of Jesus’ teachings, which center on mercy and grace. In the second half of my ministry, I want to focus on walking in mercy, love, and healing. I believe that while knowledge and resources can sustain a church, only mercy and grace will allow it to thrive.

As I move forward, I want to lead in a way that prioritizes love and compassion, and I encourage all of us to do the same. Let’s be kind, even when it challenges us. Let’s step in to protect and support one another, especially when someone is hurting. Jesus called us to focus on the least, the lost, and the broken. That should be our aim too-sacrificing our pride, preferences, and judgments to show love. Let’s not miss the blessings God has for us by staying stuck in self-righteousness. Jesus’ closest friends may not have fit in with a church committee today, but they understood love and mercy. Let’s strive to be healers and truly be the Church.

~Rev. James Williams

Journeys are tiring, confusing, and rewarding. I’ve found that to be true, haven’t you? I’ve struggled most of my life with trusting the right people. My tendency is to trust first and ask questions later, for the most part, but the journey has made me more careful-or jaded. I don’t know which. Life’s journey, I’m convinced, is 99.9% relationships. The rest is administration! That’s what makes relationship hurts go so deep. Jesus was all about relationships and staying on the journey despite the junk.

As a pastor, I have to be careful about how and what I share about my life, and Natalie is the only truly safe place. But as a human, I long for other safe spaces. Don’t you? It’s rare, though. I can’t help but sometimes feel that I’m alone when walking through the desert places on my journey. Oh yes, I walk through the Times Squares of life, the Main Streets of life, the “home sweet home” times of the journey. But then there are those “dad-burn” (I like Loretta Lynn) desert stretches of the journey. And there-oh, there, my friends-I have one source: Jesus.

And I trudge on, take a few sips of water, and keep moving. I always keep moving because if I stop, the heat and hot sand are too much to bear. Often, when I least expect it, I look ahead and see a face that says “safety” all over it. A face that says, “Trust me,” and always means it. Jesus is the ultimate safe place. And I “administer” and pray and pray some more. And keep moving.

I’m not going to arrive-I’m already there. The journey is the destination. And other people come into my life, teach me, love me, and move on their own journeys. And I’m glad. Because through the pain, in the end, it always feels right. Because of Him.

-Rev. James Williams

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.