In August of 2023, we called our Pastor Jerrell Williams. Jerrell grew up in Garland, Texas where his faith journey first began. Through sports, Jerrell was led to Bethel College where he was first introduced to the Mennonite church and theology. Jerrell became attracted Mennonite theology, especially the emphasis on peace and justice. After graduating from Bethel with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible/Religion, Jerrell became the Director of Prison Ministries at Offender Victim Ministries in Newton, Kansas. In 2016, Jerrell felt called to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon graduating from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Jerrell was called to pastor Salem Mennonite church from 2019 to 2023.
Jerrell is passionate about how the church can be involved in peace, justice, and liberation in the world, and enjoys preaching and connecting with people within the community. Jerrell is married to Sierra, who is the Assistant Professor of Social Work at Bethel College. Jerrell and Sierra welcomed their first child, Orly Sandra Williams in February of 2022. In his spare time, Jerrell enjoys reading, watching sports, playing video games, and working out.
Jerrell loves to connect and share coffee with people. If you would like to meet with Jerrell, please contact him at jerrell@shalomnewton.org.