We’re passionate about helping you grow and make an impact.
Meet the Leaders of Abundant Life Worship Center
Apostle James S. Williams - Lead Pastor, Strategy and Leadership
James answered the call to preach the Gospel in 2007 and immediately began to attend to his first ministry: his family. Beyond the home, James is one of the lead pastors at Abundant Life Worship Center. James has served as a Worship Leader and an Adult Sunday School teacher and supported the Youth Ministry by delivering a portion of “The Blueprint,” a year-long curriculum developed by Apostle Dr. Jewel D. Williams. In the broader movement, James served as the Treasurer for the Chicagoland Area Ministers Fellowship.
Prior to becoming one of the lead pastors [and Apostles] at Abundant Life Worship Center, James was an associate minister at South Suburban Church of God under Pastor Bobby Jackson, where he led worship and taught Sunday School. James also served on the Board of Trustees of Langley Avenue Church of God, as assistant superintendent of the Sunday School, and as co-chair of the Leadership Consulting Team for several years before attending South Suburban Church of God.
Professionally, James has been a long-time employee of the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM). Since 1988, he has held numerous positions in finance, transplant, admission services, and supply chain. He currently holds the title of Vice President.
James received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Medical Center for his work with his church and in the community. He also received the Anders C. Rasmussen Award from the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council for his work dedicated to the growth and development of minority-owned businesses.
In January 2013, James was honored to be one of the honorees of the "Men of Excellence" award given by the Chicago Defender. James attended college-preparatory at The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in Leadership and Strategic Change Management at DePaul University.
Apostle, Dr. Jewel D. Williams - Lead Pastor, Teaching and Vision
Dr. Jewel was ordained a Prophet and Apostle under the guidance of Apostle Carolyn Fair. She and her husband of 42 years, Apostle James S. Williams, are the lead pastors of Abundant Life Worship Center, an independent church on the South Side of Chicago. Apostles James and Jewel have three adult daughters, Joselyn, Jamie, and Jacqueline.
Education-wise, she received a BS in Christian Ministry from Mid America Christian University in 2008. She was “Outstanding Student of the Year” in 2008 with a 4.0 GPA; Master’s Degree in Religious Education in 2010 with a 3.9 GPA; Magna Cum Laude, Doctorate of Ministry in Servant Leadership from Bethel Seminary. Dissertation work, “The Whole Servant Leader: Leading from the Inside Out.” This work created a model to train servant leaders in the eleven godly attributes so they can live outwardly the virtues developed by Dr. Kathleen Patterson. This model is used at Abundant Life Worship Center to train ordination candidates.
Authored several books including, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (2008), and I Soar: The Chicken is out of the Coop! (2012). Additionally, she has books for children under the pen name Jules Bloom. Jewel has written several plays and “made for Church” movies, which she wishes to produce under her company, Tri-Production Publishing. Jewel is an author coach and teaches others how to publish their books. Jewel had the opportunity to record a 3-part series for the prayer app Pray.com on Life, Leadership, and Legacy. Jewel has been mentoring women for over 25 years with her newest project, “Eagles Soar,” a 3-month mentorship program. Additionally, Dr. Williams runs several businesses, such as Paparazzi Accessories and The Jewel Box Online.
If I were to tell someone about myself, it would simply be that I am a child of God, called to minister first to my husband and children and then to be a living testimony of God’s goodness. Through Christ’s saving grace, I am able to live on purpose.
"Like many others, I, too, understood the healing power of Christ. He saved me and then set me free from the scars of abuse, abandonment, and low self-value. I find it a joy to help others WIN with Christ because I, too, was lost and losing on this journey until Christ came along and saved me. I love teaching God's Word because I know it is the greatest tool we have to set us free.”
Apostle Sandra Orr - Executive Pastor
Apostle Sandra is a servant of God who has been walking in healing and deliverance for over a decade. She demonstrates the Kingdom of God in miracles, signs, and wonders. Her ministry, Rophe’s Ministries, was birthed out of a God-given mandate. She has seen many people healed and set free. Sandra is dedicated to seeing the body and soul made whole by the spirit of God.
The anointing on Sandra’s life brings healing to the brokenhearted. She is a woman of God whose life is marked by practical wisdom and application. Sandra has trained many churches and facilitated healing training. She has authored The Becoming: A Journey to Healing to provide biblical and practical instruction about healing and deliverance.
Currently, Sandra’s primary assignment is to multiply and raise up healers and deliverers for the Kingdom of
God. Apostle Sandra Orr’s ministry’s scripture is Mark 16:17-18. These signs will accompany those who have believed. In my name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues. They will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; They will lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
She currently serves as Executive Pastor at Abundant Life Worship Center, where Apostle Dr. Jewel and Apostle James Williams are the Senior Leaders.
