Steve and Rita Williams previously served as MTW missionaries in Germany and Austria where they established the retreat/counseling ministry of Barnabas Zentrum. During that time, Steve also served as the MTW European area missionary care coordinator. In 2006 the Williams redeployed to New Zealand where they now serve with the Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand on a church-planting lead team in Auckland. Steve trains national leaders in pastoral care at Grace Theological College as well as internationally throughout the Pacific region. Both Steve and Rita have been active in the support and care of Christian leaders and their families. They also have a special heart for ministering to young adults. All of these various ministries operate under the MTW/GPCNZ partnership project called the New Zealand Grace Care Community.

Steve has a Ph.D. from Florida State University in both family social science and family therapy. He also holds an M.A. from Wheaton Graduate School in theology and interpersonal relations. He formerly served as adjunct professor at Reformed Theological Seminary-Jackson and as director of family science at Montreat College. Rita, a native of Asheville, N.C., holds a B.S. in psychology from Liberty University and served with Ben Lippen Ministries in administrative and counseling support.