Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 

I am Sister Paula Thomas and have been a charter member of God’s “Exciting” Cathedral of Praise Baptist Church (GECOP) since its inception in May 1999 located at the YWCA in Dallas.  

I have been graced by the Lord to serve in the capacities at GECOP as Sunday School Superintendent from 2003 – 2009, and in January 2010, was selected as Church Secretary.  At the present time, I am still diligently serving in that position.  Also I currently serve as a Deaconess and married to Deacon Norris Thomas.  Additionally, I am a member of the dance ministry, Inspirational Dancers of Praise, and am thoroughly enjoying this unique experience and unity with like-minded Sisters.

I thank God first and Pastor Christopher T. Willis, Sr. for affording me the opportunities to “exercise” my God-Given gifts in various ministries within GECOP.  I strive to bring to these ministries spiritual guidance from the Holy Spirit, Accuracy, and Excellence. As I work daily, rather it’s in service to the Lord or in the workplace, I refer to this scripture as a tool, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…Colossians 3:23a.

May God continue to bless our Pastor as he continues to lead out under God’s “Hands” in the edification of kingdom Building throughout GECOP.  May God continue to bless our First Lady Willis as she upholds and strengthens God’s vision of GECOP through Pastor Willis.   May God continue to bless the First Family and our GECOP Family.

Barbara Willis Williams

Director of Finance

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  1 Peter 4:10

Barbara Willis Williams serves as the Director of Finance for God’s “Exciting” Cathedral of Praise Baptist Church.  She is a charter member of the church and has served in this capacity since its establishment in May 1999.  Barbara’ responsibilities include effective management of church banking, accounting, stewardship, payroll and finances. These responsibilities include working with the Pastor, Deacon Chairman, Co-Deacon Chairman and Trustees to make certain that all ministries at GECOP have the essential monetary, technical and facility resources for the successful implementation of church programs and events.

Barbara’s spiritual gifts include administration, leadership, teaching and financial stewardship and because of her excitement in praising God she serves in the praise dance ministry “Inspiration of Praise” and the “Women’s Choir” ministry.

Barbara graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech & Hearing Therapy from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas (1972).  She retired as a Vice President from JP Morgan Chase in 2006 after 33 years of service in the financial industry. Barbara received her Funeral Director License in 2009 and is currently a licensed Funeral Director for The Major Funeral Home & Chapel in Arlington Texas.