About Us
Prepare the Way empowers Christians with the knowledge and support they need to uphold a Biblical worldview in an increasingly secular society. We partner with churches in equipping Christians through a variety of presentations for both adult and youth audiences that provide practical guidance in transforming our culture for Christ. Explore our Speaking Topics for a more detailed description of our presentations and watch some videos of Stephen preaching and teaching.
Stephen John Williams was born in 1966 in Madison, Wisconsin and grew up in Ithaca, New York and Cupertino, California. Before becoming a disciple of Christ in 2001, his life revolved around swimming and singing–he qualified for the 1984 and 1988 Olympic trials in swimming and attended the University of California at Berkeley on a swimming scholarship. He graduated with a degree in economics and worked as an economic consultant before pursuing a teaching career. Stephen spent ten years teaching in the Cupertino Union School District.
After becoming a Christian, he became increasingly aware of current hostility towards Judeo-Christian values in our public schools and culture. Despite his commitment to honor policies against proselytizing in school, he was censored by the administration from using primary source documents with Christian references. He was prevented by his principal from teaching a lesson using the Declaration of Independence, William Penn’s “Frame of Government” and Samuel Adam’s “The Rights of the Colonists,” because “the district honors separation of church and state in school.” With the help of the Alliance Defending Freedom, he filed a federal court case in November of 2004. The case gained national media attention with articles appearing in The New York Times, Washington Post, L.A. Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, Associated Press, and The New Yorker Magazine, among others. Stephen and his lawyers did interviews on the Hannity and Colmes news program (including the “Take Back America” tour), as well as several national radio talk shows. The case was settled out of court in the summer of 2005 and a written policy was put in place that allowed primary source documents with Christian references to be used in Cupertino classrooms.
Surprised by the lack of awareness within the body of Christ about the level of hostility towards a Christian worldview in public schools and society, as well as the role Christianity played in shaping our country, Stephen felt led to start Prepare the Way Ministries. Having been on the front lines in the Church/state battle and having spent ten years immersed in the public school system, he offers a unique perspective in his Speaking Topics on the subtle ways, and not so subtle, the culture can erode a biblical worldview. He gives practical advice for Christians on how to exercise their rights in the area of Church and state, navigate through an increasingly secular society, as well as uphold a Christian worldview.
Video Stephen’s 2004 court case
Testimonials:
In a culture that is both rejecting truth and embracing lies, now is the time for Christians to take a stand. Christianity does not require a “blind” faith and Stephen’s “Standing Firm” Biblical Worldview presentation does an exceptional job of equipping Christians to give a logical defense for what we believe. I particularly enjoyed Stephen’s defense of the reliability of the Bible. His approach is personable and engaging, connecting in a relevant way to a broad range of ages and backgrounds. As a denominational leader, I am thankful for Prepare the Way’s Ministry to the local church (both large and small). – Rob Walker, Evangelism & Church Health Strategist/Northwest Baptist Convention
I very highly recommend the ministry of Stephen Williams and Prepare the Way. Stephen is very knowledgeable in his fields of interest and is an excellent teacher and communicator. He did an outstanding job leading our recent Men’s Retreat on the theme of “Intentional Leadership: Empowering men with a battle plan to uphold Truth in dark times.” He presented his subject by the very effective use of a clear, practical and memorable outline: Preparation, Perseverance, Prayer, People and Power. His teaching was Biblically-grounded, Christ-centered, practical, and easy to remember! I have already seen his teaching at the Retreat bear good fruit, in my own life and in the lives of the men who attended. – Dan Dillard, Pastor, Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church, Bend, OR
Stephen (and Sarah) Williams share a concise and informative seminar helping families understand their rights and responsibilities in keeping a Christian worldview. From Stephen’s own experience as a school teacher, he gives practical examples how to be an advocate for truth and bring a Christ-centered presence into the public schools and society. It is a well-balanced and respectful approach and you come away encouraged and well informed. Great Seminar! I recommend it for every Christian that wants to make a difference in our world today! – Randy Myers, Superintendent Pacific Conference, The Evangelical Church of North America
Our church was really encouraged and equipped through Prepare The Way Ministries’ Standing Firm apologetics seminar. Not only did Stephen inform us, but he also gave clear instruction on how to use the defense of the gospel in our everyday witness with others. I highly recommend a Prepare the Way seminar for your church family! – Dr. Jim Baugh, Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Ministry Leader, Global Training Network
It’s my joy and privilege to commend to you Stephen Williams and his ministry, Prepare the Way. Stephen’s heart for God, passion for education, and personal testimony are nothing short of inspiring. His deep burden for the state of our nation and the public school system is born out of the crucible of his own experience as a teacher in California. I would encourage any person desiring a greater understanding of the Biblical foundations of our own government and the encroaching dangers of secular humanism to attend one of his seminars. You will be both informed and better equipped to be “salt and light in the midst of this dark generation.” – Glen Schaumloeffel, Sr. Pastor