Meet Our Leaders: Guided by Faith, Committed to Serve

Pastor Mark A. Simmons is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, born to James and Elizabeth Simmons. Introduced to Christ at a young age, he was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost under the leadership of the Honorable Bishop James A. Johnson. At 19, he rededicated his life to Christ and committed to living for Him. He graduated from Murray State University with a degree in physical education. After a career-ending knee injury, Pastor Simmons embraced his calling to ministry. He served in various roles at Bethesda Temple—including Sunday school teacher, Minister, Prayer Warrior, and in Prison Ministry—and studied at Bethesda Temple Aenon Bible Institute. He also earned chaplaincy credits through the St. Luke’s Hospital System. Pastor Simmons is a devoted husband to Dr. Veda Simmons and father to their three children: Mark Jr., Matthew, and Manna.