Servant Leader
Bishop Williams exemplifies a leader with impeccable morals and an unwavering love for all humanity, guiding his actions with integrity. He passionately believes in, adheres to, and teaches the Holy Word of God, emphasizing the necessity of living a holy and acceptable life in the eyes of Christ.
Prolific Teacher/Preacher
Bishop delivers the untainted Gospel of Jesus Christ with unwavering conviction and no compromise. His straightforward approach and compassionate delivery ensure that he does not come across as dogmatic, instead presenting Jesus in a loving way to draw souls to Christ.
Community Advocate
Bishop advocates for a community that embraces the less fortunate, the downtrodden, those incarcerated, and seniors. His ministry has consistently proven to be most effective beyond the church's walls. Witnessing is his mantra, and uplifting his fellow citizens is his mission. He serves as an Ambassador of Reconciliation.
Anointed Leader
Preacher/Teacher
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Presider
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Prayer Warrior
Prayer Warrior
Reflections
Bishop Melvin Williams, Jr., a native of East End Richmond, is widely recognized as “The Gatekeeper of the City.” As a dynamic orator, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication in fulfilling his call to ministry. His covenant commitment has been to develop ambassadors of Christ—those who will urge others to be reconciled to God and help advance healing, hope, and justice, particularly for the least among us. His enduring concern has remained the salvation, sanctification, and liberation of God’s people.
Pastoral Leadership
Bishop Williams has served as pastor of The Temple of Judah Ministries for 52 years, following its earlier identity as True Apostolic Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A personable and proactive leader in community outreach, he is also widely known as Richmond’s Radio Pastor. Among the first televised African American pastors, he has earned the respect of parishioners across the Commonwealth through his pastoral care and his ability to inspire generosity for the benefit of others.
Community Outreach and Innovation
Bishop Williams has established a distinguished record of community leadership through innovative mission outreach programs. His ministry pioneered the Community Association of Security Mobilization, now known as the City of Richmond Crime Stoppers program. His humility, respect for human dignity, and capacity to translate vision into action have been recognized through numerous honors and awards. He was also among the first African-American pastors to unite multiracial orthodox and non-orthodox clergy from a range of denominations. In addition, he directed a food ministry for more than thirty years, serving over eight thousand people through the church’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. His vision in the early 1980s also initiated an early morning prayer service that continues to this day.
"You Don't have any problems; all you need is faith in god!"
Educational Achievement and Ecclesiastical Leadership
Bishop Williams is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and he has consistently encouraged others to pursue educational advancement. He made significant contributions to the development and establishment of the Center for African American Pentecostalism and Leadership Development at STVU. In 2016, he was appointed Co-Chair of Virginia Union’s Advisory Cabinet, which convened its inaugural Holy Convocation in April 2017. During that convocation, Bishop Williams was enthroned as the Presiding Bishop of the Judah Ecumenical Covenant Fellowship. He later retired on January 1, 2023, from his service as Chief Chaplain of the City of Richmond Justice Center under Dr. Antionette V. Irving, Richmond City Sheriff. Nevertheless, his commitment to public service continues through inmate care packages, community outreach, and ongoing support for the Richmond City Justice Center.
Personal Life
In July 1972, Bishop Williams married Jacquelynne Westbrook, whose support has been instrumental in shaping and sustaining his ministry. They are the parents of three sons: Melvin Damon, Shawn Cameron, and Benjamin Derrick. Their family also includes four grandchildren: Carisma, Ché, Cameron, and Bella. In 2022, Bishop and Mrs. Williams experienced the loss of their son, Shawn Cameron, a sorrow they have carried with grace and enduring faith.
Community Outreach and Innovation
Bishop Williams has established a distinguished record of community leadership through innovative mission outreach programs. His ministry pioneered the Community Association of Security Mobilization, now known as the City of Richmond Crime Stoppers program. His humility, respect for human dignity, and capacity to translate vision into action have been recognized through numerous honors and awards. He was also among the first African American pastors to unite multiracial orthodox and non-orthodox clergy from a range of denominations. In addition, he directed a food ministry for more than thirty years, serving over eight thousand people through the church’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. His vision in the early 1980s also initiated an early morning prayer service that continues to this day.