Our Pastors

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Williams, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Williams Sr. Pastor St. James Alpharetta

The Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Williams is a man of God, a husband, and a father. He grew up in High Springs, Florida, after moving from Walterboro, South Carolina. Pastor Williams received his Bachelors in Religion and Philosophy at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Furthermore, he received his Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry specializing in Death and Dying, in May 2007 at Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Williams has a passion for doing God’s work. He is the loving husband of 29 years to Davina Randolph. He is also the proud father of their 22-year-old daughter, Deviny, and their 17-year-old son, Justin.

Dr. Williams began his ministry under the mentorship of Rev. Emile Ennis at Fort Street UMC in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he served as an assistant pastor to the Homeless and Youth ministries. Subsequently, his ministry continued at St. Mary United Methodist Church in Hogansville, Georgia, and Burns United Methodist Church in Newnan, Georgia. His ministry, with the help of God, grew from part-time to full-time status. Consequently, both churches increased in membership, expanded, and remodeled. He pastored both churches for 10 years, feeling blessed to do so.

God continued to expand Dr. Williams’ ministry in Douglasville, Georgia. He served as the pastor of Golden Memorial United Methodist Church for 13 years. While Dr. Williams was at Golden, its membership increased from 200 to over 1300 members. He served on the Rome Carrollton District Board of Ordained Ministry as Chairperson, of the District Strategic Growth Committee. Currently, he serves on the Black Congregational Development Committee, the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the Committee on Local Pastors and Transfers. Lastly, he received the 2011 Denman Youth Award at Golden, as well as the 2015 Harry Denman Evangelism Award.

Dr. Williams’ is a builder, visionary, leader, and teacher and his greatest achievements follow the footsteps of what he believes. They are increasing parishioners, preparing them for the 21st century, and laying the foundation for a $28 million senior living community.

Church Vision:

To share Jesus Christ with everyone we encounter.

Senior Pastor Since September, 2020

Church Vision:

To share Jesus Christ with everyone we encounter.

Associate Pastor Since July, 2022

Rev. Jacquelin Ratliff

Associate Pastor of St. James Alpharetta

Rev. Jacquelin Ratliff Assistant Pastor of St. James Alpharetta

Reverend Jacquelin Ratliff is passionate about her faith and the centrality of the Gospel. Moreover, she values grace doctrines and relevant expository preaching, dedicating herself to building authentic generational ministry opportunities. Additionally, she believes in community engagement. She actively connects and equips God’s people for ministry. Through teaching and serving beyond the church walls within the community and abroad. Throughout her life and ministry, Rev. Ratliff demonstrates her compassion for the lost and passion for outreach and mission.

Rev. Jacquelin Ratliff, a native of Texas, graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in Family Counseling. Additionally, she furthered her education at Candler School of Theology, earning a Master of Divinity degree. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctor of Ministry in “Courageous Leadership in a Changing Culture” at Drew University. Transitioning into her professional journey, Rev. Ratliff has served as the Senior Pastor at North Springs United Methodist Church for four years. Before North Springs, she served as Senior Pastor at Bold Spring UMC in Carnesville, Georgia. Then, she was the Pastor of Discipleship at Christ UMC in Roswell, Georgia.

Rev. Ratliff, a lifelong Methodist, has marked his leadership in the North Georgia Conference by actively serving on various committees. These include the Housing and Homeless Council, The Connectional Discipleship Committee, and the Outreach/Missions Committee.

Before Rev. Ratliff’s call to ministry, she served in the political sphere with the Georgia General Assembly for over 17 years. She brings forth a wealth of business, marketing, and administrative experience to the Methodist Church. God has prepared Rev. Ratliff within the Church because of her background and ability to build bridges between all people.

Rev. Ratliff and Marquis Ratliff have been married for over 26 years. They have a daughter, Meighan, a son-in-law, Kris, and three grandkids, Karter, Kori, and Karsyn.