North Central University President Darnell K. Williams, Sr., D.Min.
About Dr. Darnell K. Williams
Williams has served as Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at NCU since 2022. He also serves as Director of the grant-funded Preaching Institute for City Transformation, part of Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching Initiative, which aims to foster preaching that inspires, encourages, and guides individuals in their Christian faith.
Bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in ministry, education, and organizational governance, Williams was confirmed as the next president by the Board after a national search process that included extensive interviews, leadership assessments, and discernment led by a board-appointed Presidential Search Committee (PSC).
Darnell K. Williams, Sr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio. A lifelong Browns fan, he has been married to Charlene Williams since 1993. They are the proud parents of one adult son, Adrian (Darnell Jr.). Prior to serving as a professor at NCU, Darnell and Charlene spent nearly 30 years of ministry in the role of Lead Pastors, serving churches in Columbus, Ohio (1994-2006) and Lima, Ohio (2006 -2022). Darnell has a passion for practical leadership principles, the multiethnic church, and addressing obstacles to those engaged in Urban Ministry.
Education:
- D. Min – Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, 2020
- M.A. in Business Management – Regent University, 2006
- B. A. in Pastoral Ministry – Holmes Bible College
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- Ordained Minister – Assemblies of God
- President – Assemblies of God National Black Fellowship (2025 – Current)
- Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at North Central University (2022 – Current)
- Executive Director, The Preaching Institute for City Transformation at North Central University (2024 – Current)
- Assemblies of God Executive Presbyter (2019 – 2023)
- Vice President – Assemblies of God National Black Fellowship (2018 – 2024)
- Assemblies of God General Presbyter (2014 – Current)
- Lead Pastor, One Church Lima (2006 – 2022)
- District Secretary-Treasurer, International Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God (2014 – 2020)
- Executive Treasurer – Assemblies of God National Black Fellowship (2013 – 2018)
- Escrow Department Manager, Chase Bank (2004 – 2006)
- Customer Service Quality Coach, Chase Bank (2000 – 2004)
Publications & Research:
- Williams Sr., D. K. (2022). Set Up for a Breakthrough – Studies in the Life of Joseph. DK Williams Enterprises: Lima, OH.
- Williams Sr., D. K. (2020). Wings to Rise – Blacks, Leadership and the Assemblies of God. DK Williams Enterprises: Lima, OH.
- Williams Sr., D. K. (2021, January 18). A pipeline for diverse leadership – How churches can build an inclusive team. Influence Magazine. Retrieved from https://influencemagazine.com/en/Practice/A-Pipeline-for-Diversity-Leadership
- Williams Sr., D. K. (2020, July 8). Will there finally be justice? Where we stand shapes what we see – Perspectives on current events from National Black Fellowship Leaders. Influence Magazine. Retrieved from https://influencemagazine.com/en/Practice/Where-We-Stand-Shapes-What-We-See
- Williams Sr., D. K. (2020, August). How to use business models of leadership biblically – Marketplace advice and ministry application. Influence Magazine. Retrieved from https://influencemagazine.com/en/Practice/How-to-Use-Business-Models-of-Leadership-Biblically
- Wood, G. P. (Host). (2021, February 16). Seven steps to diversifying AG leadership [Audio podcast episode]. In Influence. https://influencemagazine.com/en/Podcast/7-Steps-to-Diversifying-AG-Leadership
Professional Affiliation
- Board Member, Rhodes State College Foundation Board
- Trustees, Evangel University
Community Involvement
- Hospital Chaplain, Lima Memorial Health Systems
- Chaplain, Lima Police Department