HE IS
Often, it is difficult to present someone whose life and accomplishments are greater than that which can be described by the English language. But let’s begin by simply stating, Dr. Daniel Simmons is a man after God’s own heart.
He is more than just a native of Cairo,
Georgia.
He is more than one of twelve children born
to Mrs. Pinkie Norwood Simmons and the late
Reverend Perry Simmons, Sr.
He is more than a husband to Diane Simmons and father to
Derrick and Maya Simmons.
His degrees at Albany State University, University of Georgia and Bethany Theological Seminary afford him his Doctorate, yet he is by far more than his education.
To his community in Albany, Georgia, Dr. Daniel Simmons is a leader, an activist, a supporter, and a partner. To the members of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Dr. Simmons is a teacher, a healer, a spiritual leader and an advisor. He is the shepherd of his church, and he is one whom we all call friend.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 states
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.”
Dr. Daniel Simmons lives his life by this biblical teaching. In 1991,God placed him at Mount Zion Baptist Church to serve as senior pastor. God has a vision for Mount Zion. Through unwavering faith, Dr. Simmons was chosen to deliver and implement God’s plan. The vision of this great church is this: Mount Zion Baptist Church is a vibrant church that reaches the world for Christ through evangelism, discipleship, fellowship and missions.
Under the leadership of Dr. Daniel Simmons, Mount Zion Baptist Church is growing significantly in membership, presently at 3100+ members and counting. Mount Zion Baptist Church continues to do the work of God through outreach missions and community involvement.
Dr. Daniel Simmons is committed to the belief that the church is the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This commitment is demonstrated through more than 50 outreach ministries. These include the support of the Civil Rights Institute, Mt Zion Garden Properties, Samaritan Clinic, Summer Youth Academy for Boys, Summer Reading and Mathematics Enrichment Program for the Youth, C.A.P.S After School Tutorial Program, and many more.
The Bible states, “To whom much is given, much is required.” God has given Dr. Simmons His vision to reach the world for Christ. As Dr. Simmons and Mount Zion continue to work towards that goal, God continues to bless Mount Zion Baptist Church in abundance.
On Easter Sunday - April 4, 2010, Mount Zion held its first service in its new edifice which includes state of the art technology and a sanctuary that accommodates a seating capacity for over 2,000 people. Mount Zion continues to build upon its mission-God’s vision.
In addition to the success of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Dr. Daniel Simmons has also experienced great personal success. He is the recipient of numerous local awards including the distinguished NAFEO Award, the Ross Report Newsletter Man of the Year Award, Albany State University Friend Award, the “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Award” for being an outstanding community leader, as well as the 2003 Edward A. Freeman Leadership Albany Award just to name a few. During the declaration of “REVEREND DANIEL SIMMONS DAY” on October 6, 2001 in the city of Albany, Georgia, the Mayor and City Manager described Dr. Simmons as “one whose alliance to this city is that of a supporter, partner, and colleague and whose civic activities create allegiances from citizens of all walks of life.”
Through ordained leadership and divine grace, Dr. Daniel Simmons has built a church for the masses. He continues to build a congregation like none before. He delivers God’s message and works daily to implement God’s vision. Dr. Simmons personifies the love of God through his teachings, his works and his way of life. He Is, indeed, a child of God.