Dr. Jessie Williams
Elder Jessie Williams, President & Executive Director of Scholastic Motivation Ministries
Dr. Williams is the youngest of three children. He grew up in the AME Church and joined the Church of God in Christ in 1993 after graduating from the University of South Carolina (Columbia). His work started at Family Worship Center COGIC as the Youth Director and later Youth Pastor. He also served as the district’s AIM Chairman and Youth President, where his Pastor then served as Superintendent. His work with SMM on the Jurisdictional level started in 2008 as the Jurisdictional SMM Coordinator, serving from 2008 to 2021. While serving in that role, he expanded SMM within the Jurisdiction from offering 5 ministries to offering 10 ministries with staffing for all of them. South Carolina’s SMM has now distinguished itself in the Jurisdiction and is a highlight for the youth during the State AIM Fellowship Conference. In addition to serving as the SMM Jurisdictional Coordinator, he also served as the State AIM Fellowship Conference planner.
While serving as the conference planner, Dr. Williams developed a template for planning this conference that is still used today in his Jurisdiction. He also served alongside the Jurisdictional Secretary as his assistant for 5 years until he was appointed The Jurisdictional Secretary of the South Carolina Jurisdiction in 2021 by Bishop William A. Prioleau, Jurisdictional Prelate.
On the National church level, he has served as the Assistant National Coordinator of Personal and Professional Development in SMM and was later appointed the National Coordinator of Personal and Professional Development by Superintendent Michael Eaddy. He was appointed the COGIC Gentlemen Workshop National Coordinator by Bishop David Todd Whittley in 2015. In that role, he had the opportunity to develop a workshop that poured into the lives of young men ages 13-22. During his first year in that role, over 20 young men gave their lives to the Lord, solidifying his divine assignment to that position. He faithfully served in that role until he was appointed the International Executive Director of the Scholastic Motivation Ministries by Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard. When asked how he felt about being selected, Elder Williams responded, “I am truly humbled and grateful for this opportunity to serve.”
Dr. Williams feels that the people he serves within SMM are the brightest and most intelligent people in the Church of God In Christ, and he reminds them of that, every time they meet. SMM serves as the academic ministry for youth and will continue to expand upon this through Dr. Williams’ leadership building upon 4 pillars of Learning – Always being on the cutting edge of designing and developing ministries that are relevant and engaging for youth, Joy – Creating a Dr. Jessie Williams city that is a place of joy for the volunteer staff and youth. Character-Teaching that
you can be a saved and sanctified member of the intelligentsia and finally Community – Educating our youth through social justice education and giving them opportunities to serve mankind. With God’s guidance, we will succeed!
Dr. Williams is married to his high school sweetheart, Mrs. Wyona Williams, and they have one son, Elijah. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching, and a Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration, all from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He also has a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Practice & Innovation from the same University. Dr. Williams has proudly served in the Public schools of South Carolina as a Teacher and later Assistant Principal for 30 years and is now retired.
Dr. Williams has been in choirs and singing ensembles for many years and even served as the Minister of Music at Christian Faith Fellowship, one of the churches in Columbia, SC, for over 15 years. Dr. Williams established the first choir at this church and since that time the department added a Men’s Choir, Youth Choir, and Women’s Choir. He was concurrently serving his local church as an Executive Assistant to the Pastor at Victorious Believers Ministries for 10 years helping to birth and develop new ministries within that church, which was an amazing experience. He served faithfully in these churches and roles until he was led to establish and pastor a new church in Columbia, SC in 2021.
He is the proud pastor and founder of the Hope City Fellowship Church of Columbia. Hope City’s foundational scripture is in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Hope City was founded to instill HOPE into the hearts and minds of people in the USA, and around the world following such a devastating time, we all experienced in 2020 and 2021. Hope City helps to heal and right injustices through giving sacrificial service to mankind, offering opportunities for anointed praise and worship, preaching and teaching Godly truths and encouragement through meaningful Christian fellowship. Serving as a Pastor of this wonderful church is one of his greatest joys! He looks forward to having church with the saints every Sunday and seeing them grow in the Lord through the word being preached and taught!