Pastor Williams had the vision for establishing regional conventions for Sunday school workers, the BASS Convention being among the first of them, in the early 1960’s during the time he was the chairman of the National Sunday School Association.

The first BASS Convention was held at Melrose Baptist Church in Oakland in 1963.

During Pastor Williams’ distinguished career as a Christian leader, he has also served as:

• Senior Pastor of Redwood Chapel Community Church (1961-1980) where he currently still serves as Minister-at-Large.
  
  

  "Sherm Williams is a breed apart. In over fifty-five years of ministry I have never known a man more Christlike and faithful than my choice friend. My prayer is that God will preserve his life. His wisdom and commitment are legendary and desperately needed. May His tribe increase!" Howard G. Hendricks Distinguished Professor Chairman, Center for Christian Leadership, Dallas Theological Seminary (Join us on March 4, 2004 when Howard Hendricks addresses the BASS General Session)

• Member of the Board of Administration, National Association of Evangelicals, 1950-1998
  
  
• Executive Director and Board Member of Nor-Cal NAE
  
  
• Co-chairman and member of the Executive Committee of Billy Graham Bay Area Crusades
  
  
• Chairman of the Pastor’s Committee, “Here’s Life, America” (Bay Area)

Pastor Williams, we thank you for your faithful service to the Lord, as well as for your vision for BASS and continued support and encouragement of its ministry!