Dr. Ron Williams has accepted an appointment as the denominational historian and editorial consultant, Foursquare heritage. Ron assumed this new role on October 1, 2004, and, as one of the initial assignments, is writing a sequel to Dr. Nathaniel Van Cleave’s The Vine and the Branches. The sequel will cover the period of 1989 to 2004, a time of major growth and change.
Dr. Jack Hayford, Foursquare president, remarks, “There are few others in our Church who are as uniquely qualified and who have personally ‘lived’ the history of our Church during these fifteen years as Ron. We believe his insight and writing ability will chronicle an objective record of the events as they occurred, as well as provide positive spiritual lessons we as a Church must learn. It will be an invaluable contribution to the movement.”
Ron and his wife, Carole, returned to the United States in June 1985, having completed more than 16 years of missionary service in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. That year Ron accepted the appointment as editor of the denomination’s magazine, the Foursquare World ADVANCE, a position he held until November 2002. Under his leadership the office of communications was formed, as were the media and archives departments, the Foursquare news service, the Foursquare web site, and various other departments and services within the Los Angeles offices. Ron was appointed to the board of directors in 1988, serving as a member until 2000, and as a consultant until 2002. For the past two years, he has served as special counsel to the office of the president. Most visible has been his service as coordinator of the annual Foursquare conventions.
A published author, a theologian, and a teacher, Ron brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position. In this role, he will help provide historical context and continuity; aid the executive offices by providing information regarding Foursquare theology; and chronicle the continuing progress of the Foursquare Church by recording the experiences of Foursquare leaders, ministers, and missionaries. He will also continue to serve as an executive officer for the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA).
While Ron will remain a part of the Los Angeles team, the nature of his new assignment will allow him and Carole to operate out of an office in their new home near Lake Isabella, California, beginning in November 2004. The Williamses also will continue to pastor their Chinese congregation in South El Monte, California, and to work with the Fellowship of Foursquare Chinese Churches in Southern California.
In commending Dr. Williams, President Hayford adds, “There are few leaders ever to minister as a part of our Los Angeles office team who have so faithfully demonstrated the spirit of the Christ-like servant-leader as Ron Williams has. As I have come into my new role, I am so thankful Ron’s transition of home base will not reduce his effectively partnering with us here in Los Angeles. He is a treasured gift, a dear brother of trusted leadership and influence, and a great partner as we move into the future.”
Founded in 1923, the Foursquare movement has a constituency of more than 5 million, with more than 38,000 churches and 49,000 ministers throughout 138 countries.
