New Pastor for DH Community Church ~

DIAMONDHEAD COMMUNITY CHURCH WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME OUR NEW PASTOR

Pastor Mark Williams

Born June 7, 1961 in Plattsburg, New York

Graduated from Hermitage High School in Virginia in 1981

Served 6 years in the U.S. Army as an infantry non-commissioned officer

Began career as a dance teacher with Fred Astaire Studios in Huntsville AL in 1989

Owned a Fred Astaire Studio in Hot Springs beginning in 1991

My wife, Pam, and I went independent and owned Dancenter Dance Studio from 1997-2011.

Pam and I have been married for 23 years.  Our family includes her two sons: Scott and Ben and 4 grandchildren, Payton, Cayla, Ian, and Evan. Cayla is due on June 3^rd giving us our 1^st great grandchild ( Ella Meredith Caris). Christine, my daughter has given us 4 grandchildren, Trinity Grace, Draven, Jamica, Jamal Jr..  The family is rounded out with our 3 cats: Gypsy, Simba, and Hissy.  Just ask me, and I’ll be glad to show pictures of all the family!

In 2000, with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Pam and I decided to renew our relationship with God.  Pam was baptized and we joined Gardner United Methodist Church.  In 2001 I shared with Rev. Bruce Howard that I felt called to pastoral ministry.

My journey to become a local pastor in the United Methodist Church began with two years in the Candidacy program as well as leadership roles in the church.  Rev. Howard served as my assigned mentor and I worked as a Lay Speaker and also as the Youth Director for Gardner UMC.  During this time of hands-on training and ministry I completed the necessary requirements and attained my License to Preach. I completed my 5year Course of Study Program from Southern Methodist University in Dallas (Perkins) through the extension at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas in 2012. 

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My first appointment in the United Methodist Church was effective June 1, 2003.  I was appointed to Piney Grove UMC as Associate Pastor and blessed to work with a new mentor, the Rev. Dr. Randy Rowlan and three years later the Rev. R. David Jones. I served in this appointment four years total. 

My second appointment in 2007 was at Faith/Morning Star as senior pastor. I’ve had 2 mentors since the Rev. Ted Deweese and Rev.R. David Jones. It was three and a halve years of learning, loving, and good ministry.

My current appointment at Gardner UMC started October, 2011. During my time here we have seen significant growth in attendance and membership. We were honored with the Small church of the year for this district in 2012.

In the last 13 years of service in ministry I found my strengths to be preaching, pastoral care, new ministry starts, the ability to delegate authority, and empower the local body of Christ.

I am excited to share whatever gifts, talents, and grace with which the Lord Jesus Christ has blessed me with Diamondhead Community Church and to continue to share them with Gardner UMC.

                                                               With Love in Christ

                                                               Pastor Mark Williams