Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

CME Strategic Plan

CME Strategic Plan Analysis

Third District

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Sixth District

Fifth District

Fourth District

Seventh District

Eighth District

Ninth District

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Eleventh District

Biographical Snapshot

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. was elected the 58th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church on June 30, 2010. A native of Hale County, Alabama, he is a dedicated spiritual leader whose ministry is rooted in the core values of responsibility, education, and pastoral renewal. He currently serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District.

Current Roles & Leadership

Presiding Prelate: Third Episcopal District, CME Church (assigned 2014).
Board Leadership: Member of the Board of Trustees for both Miles College and the Phillips School of Theology.
Former Episcopacy: Served as the Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District (2010–2014).

Ecclesiastical Career

Pastoral Leadership: Served a diverse range of congregations including Owens Chapel, Emory Chapel, Franconia, and Southside CME (Alabama); Mt. Olive CME (Orlando, FL); and Carter Temple CME (Chicago, IL).
Administrative Service: Previously served as the Budget Director for the Third Episcopal District and Dean of the Leadership Training School for the Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Region.
Global Engagement: Represented the denomination at World Methodist Conferences in England and Korea, and participated in a 15-day Holy Land Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal.

Education & Academic Background

B.A. in Health Care Management: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
A.A. in Mortuary Science: Jefferson State Jr. College.
Master of Divinity: Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta (1988).
Doctor of Ministry: Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) (2008).

Historical Service & Contributions

Financial Stewardship: Served on the Joint Board of Finance for multiple regions, including Birmingham and the Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Annual Conferences.
Community Advocacy: Former Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Commission on Religion in Appalachia.
Chaplaincy: Provided spiritual care as the Chaplain of Brookwood Hospice in Birmingham.

Personal Life

The youngest of three children born to the late Edward and Georgiana Williams, Bishop Williams was raised in a rural Alabama home centered on faith and integrity. He is married to the former Carmen Elaine Leonard, and they are the proud parents of three children: Samantha, Sylvia, and Sylvester II.