History

The history of the Strong Tower Pentecostal Church goes back further than Pastor Rodney and Mother Sharon Williams. The “original" Strong Tower Church was established in Stuttgart, Germany many years prior to the Williams family moving there in December of 1992. This church had a strong thriving life throughout the 1980's. It was known as one of the strongest churches in Europe. Unfortunately, the military draw-down had devastating affects on the congregation. With membership being perhaps, 95% military families, when the Army began moving soldiers out of Europe at massive numbers, many of the members of Strong Tower were relocated. This left a church that was once alive and thriving ~ empty, hurt, and gasping for air. Then came the Williams family. At the providence of God, Brother and Sister Williams' military orders were switched from Hawaii to Germany, literally weeks before departure. Not realizing the will of God, Captain Williams resisted this switch and attempted to maintain his Hawaiian assignment. After futile attempts and days of anger and frustration, the Williams' left for what would be the greatest experience of their lives. Brother Williams often joked and boasted in the Lord that if he were ever sent somewhere without a church, "HE WOULD START ONE!" History now proves for him...be careful what you say, it just might come to pass! After arriving at their new home, Brother & Sister Williams found a local telephone directory and searched for a church. They found of course, the Strong Tower Church. The church was small, very small. There was one German family, and three American families, to include the pastor's (Elder Mark Jones). Not being discouraged by the size, the Williams got busy working in the ministry. After approximately 7 months of struggle and the departure of more members, Pastor Jones decided that his efforts, which included a 1½hour drive to church one way, was not worth it. The last straw for him was when his wife decided that she was not coming back. For the sake of his family, he decided the same. His decision occurred while the William’s were at the Holy Convocation 1993. Upon calling back to Germany to check on things, Brother Williams was informed that the church was to be closed. He strongly objected and spoke with District Elder Collins about options. Bro. Williams requested that Elder Collins pastor the church, but he would assume work responsibilities for keeping the church going, to include serving as Sunday school teacher, musician, deacon, usher, and custodian all in the same day-EVERY WEEK! Bro. Williams' would also be responsible for teaching bible study and delivering the message on Sundays. What resulted was that Elder Collins remained on the "official records" as pastor to satisfy military regulations, and Bro. Williams was listed as a local Denominational Service Leader (DSL). Off-the-record, Bro. Williams served as, was accepted by the Germany diocese as, and performed all the duties of the local Pastor. Without even accepting the call to ministry, Bro. Williams was now pastoring a church in Europe. Soon after Brother & Sister Williams began leading this congregation; God began to do absolutely awesome things. He began to manifest himself in unexpected, undeniable, and supernatural ways. Angels appeared, demons were cast out, and the gifts of the Spirit operated freely. The Holy Ghost began instructing the saints through Brother Williams into areas of which he himself had no previous knowledge. Many souls were also water baptized and received the Holy Ghost. Worship services were very unorthodox, nontraditional, and simply rich in unction and direction of the Holy Ghost. Sometimes there was preaching and sometimes not. Many times the Holy Ghost would come upon on the congregation and baptize souls only 5 minutes into the service. Oftentimes the Spirit would direct an altar call after the opening song and many souls would be delivered and filled. One never knew what would happen, but all knew anything could happen! Apostle Groover, at the European Convocation ordained Brother Williams as an Elder in 1995.From that point, the church grew and multiplied in souls, grace, and knowledge. God continued using new converts like seasoned warriors. There appeared to be an anointing in the church for supernatural quick growth. After achieving much success, the Williams family fell victim to the military rotation and was moved back to the U.S. Electing to come to Fort Lee, they reestablished fellowship at Calvary Temple. Promising his wife six months of rest, Elder Williams sat under the ministry of Bishop Taylor. Then came a word from the Lord! God directed Elder Williams with these words, "I set before you an open door!" Upon hearing these words, Elder Williams looked up and the ushers simultaneously swung open both entry doors at Calvary Temple. God, even honoring Elder Williams' promise, almost six months to the day, the Strong Tower Pentecostal Church (STPC) held its first service at Colonial Heights, VA. The church rapidly grew and at the invitation of Bishop Taylor, the congregation moved to the former Little Rock Church location in Chester, VA. Again speaking by the Holy Ghost, Pastor Williams spoke that they would only be there for one year. Thirteen months later, the STPC held its first service at its new Richmond location. How this new church came to be was a miracle of miracles! In 2002 Strong Tower Pentecostal Church changed its tax status to not for profit 501(c) 3 status and thereby changing its name to Strong Tower Pentecostal Ministries to encompass the many different personalities of the church. There have been several ministries added to the church to give the church the ability to reach a multitude of souls. STPM continues to grow and prosper at awesome proportions. God is still working for his people!