Dr. Thayer L. Williamson
Senior Pastor, Community Baptist Church of Fort Wayne
Our Pastor
Dr. Thayer L. Williamson
Senior Pastor, Community Baptist Church
A Call to Serve
Dr. Thayer L. Williamson is a servant of God whose life has been shaped by a deep reverence for Scripture and an unwavering love for people. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, he is the son of the late Leroy Williamson and Juanita Crawford. He was a devoted member of Peter's Rock Baptist Church in Gary, under the pastoral care of the late Dr. Clarence Baity. In October 2000, he answered God's call to ministry and preached his trial sermon in November 2000. Since his ordination, he has carried the Gospel with conviction, humility, and grace to pulpits across the country.
Family
Dr. Williamson is married to Lady D. Michelle Williamson. They are the proud parents of four children — daughters Imani and Elyse, and sons LeMonte and Thayer Jr. — and they call Fort Wayne, Indiana home.
Education
He holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (concentration: Christian Leadership) from Anchor Bible College in Jacksonville, North Carolina. In June 2026, he received his Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Anchor Bible College.
Ministry Journey
Dr. Williamson was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he served under the late Dr. Samuel Walker. He served as Interim Pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church for three years, and continued serving under Pastor Michael Griffin (appointed 2009). In November 2012, he was elected Senior Pastor of Community Baptist Church of Fort Wayne, preaching his acceptance sermon on November 25, 2012. In his first year, 79 people were baptized and more than 200 united with the church.
Accomplishments at Community Baptist
Since becoming Senior Pastor in 2012, Dr. Williamson has led the church through a season of remarkable growth and renewal. The church is celebrating its 86th Anniversary in 2026.
- Established Women of Worship (WOW)
- Established three Praise Dance Ministries
- Established a Pastoral Aid Ministry
- Established a New Members' Class
- Oversaw major facility renovations
- Purchased a church van (2019)
- Kept the church open and safe during the 2020–2021 pandemic
- Completed full interior and exterior renovations (2022)
- Added new pulpit furniture and expanded social media (2023)
- Launched school transportation for childcare children (2024)
- Established the Children's Choir (2025)
Dr. Williamson ministering to the Community Baptist Church family
Denominational Leadership
- President of Associated Ministers (Jerusalem)
- Director of Christian Education (Jerusalem)
- General Secretary, Fort Wayne Baptist Ministers Conference
- State President, Associate Ministers Auxiliary, OGMBSC of Indiana, Inc.
- Immediate Past Moderator, Logos Baptist District Association (6 years)
- Immediate Past General Secretary, OGMBSC of Indiana
- Second Vice President, Ft. Wayne Baptist Ministers Conference, Inc.
- Assistant Secretary, Executive Board, United Pastors of Fort Wayne
- Executive Secretary, NPHC of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Civic Involvement
- Member, NAACP (Fort Wayne Chapter)
- Member, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated
- Member, Knights of Pythias, Pride of the Dunes Lodge #56
“Lord, help me to learn Your Word, so that I may go out and teach and preach Your Word!”
He believes that what God has ordained and assigned, He is vested in — and what God is vested in, God approves.
