Pastor Nolan J. Williams was ordained as Elder, under the auspices of the National Churches of God by Faith in December 2001. Pastor Williams is Founder and Senior Pastor of the Ark of the Covenant Church of God by Faith, Rochester, New York. He works as an adjutant to the District and National Examining Board of Ministers for the National Churches of God by Faith Inc.

Pastor Williams received nurturance in Christian fellowship through Bishop Emeritus, J.E. McKnight Sr. In this experience he learned to operationalize the gift of prayer. Prayer is the focus and strength of his devotion to Christ. Through prayer and fellowship, he humbly accepted his vocation in the Ministry. He enjoys spending his leisure time studying the Word of God as well as nurturing and parenting his church and children, respectively.

Pastor Williams is happily married to Co-Pastor Shelia L. Williams. In August 2020 they will celebrate 32 years of love and devotion in this union. Pastor Williams is the father of four children: Jailani, Nolan, Bradley and Deanna. He is a native of Gainesville, Florida where he received his general diploma from Eastside High School.

Pastor Williams is co-owner of Regency Funeral Chapel, located in Rochester, New York. He serves on staff as a Bereavement Counselor and Eulogist for grieving families. His previous secular employment includes: Meat and Produce Manager for Winn Dixie Foods in Florida and Atlanta Georgia, Installation Manager for Corporate Interiors, Sales Merchandiser for Kraft Foods Inc., and Dairy Assistant Manager for Wegmans Foods.

Pastor Williams has previously served in several leading positions in his local and district church as a dedicated choir member and usher board member. Additionally, he served as Deacon and Associate Minister for New Hope Church of God by Faith, located in Buffalo, New York, under the leadership of Superintendent, Elder Reginald L. Daymon. It was under the provision of Elder Daymon's spiritual guidance, he ventured out into his ministry of hospitality and leadership. He has given himself to serving and equipping individuals and families for discipleship. The purpose and focal point of his ministry is outlined in the book of Isaiah:

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward."   Isaiah 58:6-8 KJV

Co-Pastor Shelia Williams is Co-founder of the Ark of the Covenant Church of God by Faith Inc., Located in Rochester New York. She is a fulfilled rib and wife of Pastor Nolan Williams, the mother of three children, Nolan, Bradley and De’Anna and stepmother of Jalaini Johnson. Her most satisfying domestic accomplishment is her role as grandmother to her eight grandchildren. 

Co-Pastor Shelia Williams’ educational accomplishments include: aDiploma in Mortuary Science, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work and she earned a Masters Degree in Social Work, with a graduate concentration in Social Welfare and Psychology. Co-Pastor Williams is currently a duly New York State Licensed Master Social Worker.

Co-Pastor Williams retired after serving over thirty years in various positions at the Monroe County Department of Health and Human Servicesand the Monroe County Children. She has served her community in thefollowing capacity: as a Child Care Worker, an Examiner, Senior Examiner, Child Protective Caseworker, Adult Protective Caseworker, Preventive Day Care Caseworker and December 2020, retired as the Social Worker Supervisor for the Monroe County Children Center.  As anentrepreneur and co-owner of Regency Funeral Chapel Inc., located in Rochester New York, she continues to serve her community as a Licensed Funeral Director and Vice President of this corporate enterprise.

Co-Pastor Williams was perceived as being an unusual child, as early as the age of four years old, due in part to her gift of discernment, strong-will, and her persistence to explore her creative talents. She accepts the challenge of ministry with gracious enthusiasm. Co-Pastor Sheliaappreciates the work of deliverance ministry, which the Lord has entrusted in her care.  Her God given talents are demonstrative in her gift of faith, discerning spirits, wisdom and knowledge. These gifts allow Co-Pastor Williams the fortitude to disseminate the word of God to all walks of life. Co-Pastor Williams’ ministerial purpose is demonstrated through a life of Christian discipline as exemplified in the life of Christ, and proclaimed in the book of Luke:

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

St. Luke 4:18-19, KJV