Cecilia Williams
Title: Associate Pastor of Engagement & Care and Evangelism & Outreach
What does that mean? Pastor Cecilia cares. She cares for the struggles people are journeying through and for the needs of the whole congregation. She builds networks and resources to help people care and pray for one another. She also finds ways to share God’s love beyond the walls of our church community.
Pastor Cecilia is a gifted communicator, our resident Hebrew expert, and woman with a passion for reconciliation. Prayer is at her core.
Q & A with Cecilia
Q: Who do you most admire?
I most admire Mother Teresa because she lived her life in service of others. My favorite quote of hers: “We can do no great things… Only small things with great love!“
Q: When did you first come to Sanctuary?
I first came to SCC as a part of the church plant ... directly from Park Avenue where Pastor Efrem and I were both serving. I was a part of the original core (planting) team so I have been here since inception.
Q: Who has been a mentor to you?
My living mentors have been my spiritual mother, Anita Edwards, and spiritual sister Dr. Claudia May. For spiritual nurturance, my biggest mentors, trusted friends and confidantes have been my sister and brother-in-law, Andrea and Pastor Keith Johnson. For reconciliation, I have and will always look to my greatest guide, Dr. Curtiss DeYoung. There are a host of saints passed on now who have mentored me. Among them, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, Howard Thurman, C.S. Lewis, and a host of others.
Q: What was your childhood ambition?
To be a “Soul Train” dancer… on stage with Don Cornelius.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
I LOVE McD’s french fries. I have been strongly advised to stay away from them.
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
“Out of Africa”
Q: What impact has the Sanctuary Community had on your life?
I have made friends for life at SCC. My small group is here; my accountability circle is here. My service and ministry is in and through SCC. My entire family is at SCC - each one connected, each one serving, and I have been profoundly impacted by an opportunity to work, worship, minister and serve in the North Minneapolis community in which I have lived for over 25 years. What an honor - what a blessing!
Q: Your most memorable experience?
Personally, the day I came to know Jesus as SAVIOR. So grateful He has now also become LORD. Next memorable… the day I married Mr. Troy Williams.
Ministry-wise, speaking with Minister Gloria Wildschut of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission about the role of prayer and worship in the post-Apartheid reconciliation process of South Africa on my visit in 2006. I am so pleased to be hosting a team from SCC on a follow-up mission to South Africa this summer where they will hear her speak.
Q: Your greatest indulgence?
Reality TV - what a guilty pleasure!
Q: Your first job?
My first job was as a “soda fountain jerk” (waitress of sorts) at O’Toole’s Drug Store in South Minneapolis.
Q: What do you look for in a friend?
I look for someone who “stays at the table” ... who doesn’t flee at the first sign of tension or struggle. I look for truth ... and transparency ... and authenticity. I look for someone who can laugh at themselves, who has a good sense of humor and a genuine love for people. I look for people with joy ...
Connect with Cecilia at:
612.692.6573 or
