A Moment in Time
Pastor Dr. William J. Lee Sr. was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to devoted Christian, Seventh-day Adventist parents, the late Mr. James Lee Jr. and Mrs. Jean Lee. From an early age, his life has been shaped by faith, family, and a deep commitment to the call of God. Dr. Lee is a gifted and dynamic preacher of the Word of God, known for proclaiming a timely, Christ-centered message for this end-time generation. Flowing under a strong anointing, he ministers with passion, clarity, and spiritual authority. His preaching resonates across generations, touching the hearts of both adults and youth, while consistently pointing listeners to the soon return of Jesus Christ and the everlasting gospel.
With more than 20 years of pastoral ministry, Dr. Lee has served with distinction throughout the Lake Region Conference. He began his ministerial journey as a seminary intern at his childhood church, Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan. During his second year of seminary, he was called to assume full-time pastoral leadership at Trinity Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Over the years, his pastoral service also included the Jackson Summit, Grand Rapids Bethel, and Indianapolis Capitol City, and Chicago Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Churches. In addition, Dr. Lee faithfully served as Men’s Ministries Director for seven and a half years, providing visionary leadership and mentorship to men across the conference.
Dr. Lee currently serves as Senior Pastor of the First Seventh-day Adventist Church, one of the largest and most vibrant congregations in the region. He is also an adjunct professor in the Religion and Theology Department at Oakwood University, where he invests in the spiritual and professional formation of future ministry leaders. Additionally, he serves as Radio Chaplain for WJOU 90.1 FM Christian Radio Station. Dr. Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion (Magna Cum Laude) from Oakwood University, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Andrews University with a concentration in Urban Ministries. His doctoral dissertation, “A Strategy to Increase African American Male Membership in the Adventist Church,” reflects his lifelong passion for outreach, discipleship, and community transformation. In the media ministry,
Dr. Lee is widely known for his work with 3ABN, where he served for several years as host of the television program For Guys Only, addressing faith, leadership, and manhood from a biblical perspective. Dr. Lee is also the author of two previous books: Ready, Set, Go! Igniting African American Males for Christ and the daily devotional Pursuing the Favor of God. His writings reflect his heart for spiritual growth, leadership development, and authentic discipleship. In June 2004, Pastor Lee married his high school sweetheart, Mrs. Latoria Thomas-Lee. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, William Jeffery II and Christopher Joshua. Any success achieved by Dr. Lee is humbly attributed to the grace of God and the support of faithful mentors, colleagues, and family members along the way. One of his favorite Bible texts is Romans 8:31: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Outside of ministry, Dr. Lee enjoys basketball, tennis, cruises, and long walks with his family.
For more information about Dr. Lee and his books visit www.drwjlee.com.