Outstanding Leadership in Queens
2009 Honoree of the Queens Federation of Churches

Bishop Lester L. Williams

Bishop Lester L. Williams was born in Putnam, Alabama, in Marengo County, and he began his career in the New Orleans and Jefferson Parish School Systems after graduating from Xavier University. He was called into the Gospel Ministry in January 1976 and furthered his studies at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a M.R.E. degree in January 1982. In 1993, he received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Because of his outstanding work and leadership, Bishop was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by the Saint Thomas Christian College of Jacksonville, Florida, in November 2004. Bishop Williams is a Board Member and Faculty Member of the National Association for Theological Schools of Washington, DC.

As part of Commissioner Ray Kelly’s community policing and sensitivity initiative, he serves as a liaison between the Police Department and the community. He meets and prays with the new NYPD recruits and cadets before their ascent into active duty. Bishop Williams is the Pastor of The Sean Bell Family and because of his efforts and demeanor in diplomacy, he is assumed the “voice of reason” in the South Jamaica area and the surrounding communities and is constantly called upon by the Police and Elected Officials to help establish better relationships and understanding between officials and constituents.

Bishop Lester L. Williams is currently the Chief Prelate of The Community Churches of Christ International and Senior Pastor of the Community Church of Christ, Jamaica, New York. As Chief Apostle, Pastor, and Leader of the CCC for 20 years and CCCI for 9 years, Bishop has initiated several thriving ministries and programs that benefit both the local and international church and surrounding communities. As the Chief Prelate of CCCI, he has traveled extensively to South Africa and Zambia where he has earned the respect of Big Poppa. He has held more than 15 yearly leadership conferences where he has helped our brothers and sisters in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Lusaka to reach their fullest potential in the kingdom. He took an entourage bi-annually in February and August to establish ministries, train pastors and church leaders, and to pour into their lives.

Bishop Williams’ personal motto is: “To Whom Much is Given – Much More Is Required.” God has given him much as he is a truly anointed and highly appointed man of God – with a vision for Such A Time As This!!!