Williams announces retirement

Synod of Mid-America executive, who is to leave his post on February 29, 2008, will continue to serve on the steering committee for Joining Hearts & Hands

Dr. John L. Williams

OVERLAND PARK, Kans. – Leap years have always been significant for John Williams.  Not only is leap day Williams’ birthday, it is also the birthday of his wife, Linda.

And the next leap day, in the year 2008, will mark another passage for Williams, his retirement as synod executive from the Synod of Mid-America.  Williams disclosed his decision to the synod at its meeting held here at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church on August 10.

“I do not announce my intent to retire for any health reason,” Williams said.  “I am blessed to date with good health, and I thank God daily for that blessing.”  Instead, he cited compelling personal and vocational reasons for leaving his present post.

“Although I cannot tell you why and do not yet have definite plans for the future, I have never believed that the call to be your executive would be my last call in the PC(USA),” he told the synod.  “I continue to feel that I have something to give, that I can still make a contribution in the PC(USA). I continue to be interested in a ‘big picture’ look at the Church, in visioning toward the future of the Church, in how one leads the Church in chaotic times, and a host of questions that relate to these interests. I am reasonably sure that my experiences and vision need to expand, not contract; and I am willing to explore some new experiences and challenges not heretofore considered.”

Because of his growing interest in taking a “big picture” look at the Church, Williams will continue in his retirement to serve on the national steering committee of the Mission Initiative: Joining Hearts & Hands (MIJHH), the PC(USA)’s $40 million fundraising campaign to renew the church for mission.  He sees the successful completion of MIJHH as essential to the health and future of the denomination.

“Working together with people from across the PC(USA) who are not merely friends, but mentors, encouragers, challengers and faithful companions in a chaotic and changing world and church,” he said, “has kept me and still keeps me alive, motivated, growing, and sometimes entertained.”

Williams, whose tenure with the Synod of Mid-America began on September 1, 1985, told the synod, “Whatever your thoughts or feelings are about my staying or leaving, you have kept your focus on the church’s ministry and mission; and that too is a blessing for which I am grateful to God.”

For a related story on the PNS site, see "Notes about people."