Anointed, man of character, humanitarian, teacher, bridge-builder, shepherd; “a leader and navigator who has the true ability to guide people through troubled waters”; steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, Dr. Daniel Simmons is Pastor of Albany, Georgia’s historic Mount Zion Baptist Church. From his humble beginnings as one of twelve children born to Mrs. Pinkie Norwood Simmons and the late Reverend Perry Simmons, Sr. in the Southwest Georgia town of Cairo, to his soul-winning sermons for Christ at Mount Zion Church on Sunday mornings, Dr.. Simmons’ lifework has been a devotion to the betterment of mankind and servant leadership.
Educated in the public schools of Cairo and Grady County, Georgia, his post secondary educational background includes receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology/Social Work as an Honor Graduate from Albany State University and a Master of Education Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Georgia. In June 1984, he was licensed to preach by the Greater Second Mount Olive Baptist Church of Albany, under the pastorate of the late Reverend C.W. Heath. He subsequently earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. Previous pastoral leadership positions include serving as Pastor of the Mountain Grove Baptist Church of Dawson, Georgia and the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Sylvester, Georgia.
Since 1991, Dr. Simmons has served as Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church. Through the grace of God, he has experienced great success in his ministry. Humbly referred to as “Pastor Simmons” by Mount Zion’s more than 2500+ parishioners, this shepherd is committed to the belief that the church is the salt of the earth and light of the world. This commitment is demonstrated through the more than fifty ministries at Mount Zion that are designed to minister to the total person and the church’s vision statement that was birthed under Dr. Simmons’ leadership of being “a vibrant church that is reaching the world for Christ through evangelism, discipleship, fellowship and missions.” The church has experienced outstanding Christian fellowship, progress, and growth under his spiritual leadership, and is currently embarking upon a major expansion and renovation project of the current facility to continue broadening the scope of its ministries and witness for Christ.
Dr. Simmons has been the recipient of numerous local awards. He received the distinguished NAFEO Award in 2006. In 2004, he received the Ross Report Newsletter Man of the Year Award and the ASU Friend of the University Award. In 2001 and 2003, he received the “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Award” for being an outstanding community leader. Upon being awarded the 2003 Edward A. Freeman Leadership Albany Award, Dr. Simmons was described as “one who not only feeds the hungry but teaches the hungry how to fish.” Dr. Simmons is also the recipient of a Certificate of Special Recognition from Senator Sanford Bishop. 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 supporter, partner, and colleague and whose civic activities create allegiances from citizens of all walks of life.” Presently, Dr. Simmons serves as Special Assistant to Dr. R.B. Holmes, Jr., President of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. He is also the National Campaign Chair for Dr. R.B. Holmes, Jr., candidate for president of the National Baptist Convention. Dr. Simmons formerly served as Assistant Treasurer of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. He is a lifetime member of Albany State University’s Alumni Association.
Dr. Simmons has further been described as a man who develops and nurtures great relationships. He is a member of the Second Mount Zion Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia and the Gamma Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In addition to his ecclesiastical ministry, he has shared a ministry of Christian marriage with Diane Davis Simmons, and is the father of two children, Maya Danielle and Derrick.