Rev. Dr. Moses A. Simms, Jr.

Reverend Dr. Moses Alvin Simms, Jr. is the Pastor of Greater Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, Greensburg, LA. Dr. Simms, with his extensive educational background, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. His journey in ministry, which began in 1985, is a testament to his unwavering dedication. He was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in 1990 and an Itinerant Elder in 1992, showcasing his deep commitment to serving the Church and the community.

Dr. Simms's journey is a testament to the power of education and personal growth. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering from Southern University and A & M College, Baton Rouge, LA, a Master of Divinity degree from Turner Theological Seminary of the I.T.C., Atlanta, GA, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, OH, with a concentration in Transformative Leadership. His over 15 years of experience as a manager, working in the Office of Sponsored Programs at SUBR, which was responsible for over $20 million dollars of federal funding, further honed his skills. He has been able to utilize the skills that he has developed, inclusive of being trained in fiduciary responsibilities to become an effective pastor and community leader. His journey is a testament to the power of education and personal growth, and it is a journey that inspires us all.

Dr. Simms's leadership at Cummings Temple A.M.E. Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, was characterized by significant financial achievements and strategic planning. Under his guidance, the Church successfully raised over $82,000, which was instrumental in the purchase of their worship facility for $188,000. The facility was later appraised for $387,000, a testament to Dr. Simms's financial acumen. He also played a pivotal role in the formation and incorporation of the Allen Community Development Corporation (CDC), a significant community initiative that he championed. This initiative led to a multi-million-dollar housing development project in collaboration with Hibernia National Bank, securing a 3.7-million-dollar line of credit at zero percent interest.

Dr. Simms's second appointment was to Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church, Morgan City, LA, where he made significant strides in the Church's financial stability. His financial expertise was further demonstrated by his organization and incorporation of the Christians Aiming to Reach Everyone (CARE) CDC. This organization played a pivotal role in forming the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, a testament to Dr. Simms's commitment to community involvement and his leadership in addressing the community's needs.

Dr. Simms's third appointment was to Greater Powell Chapel A.M.E. Church in Grenada, MS. His unwavering commitment to community service, demonstrated by his reduction of the Church's indebtedness by over $100k and his leadership that resulted in major renovations of over $200,000, is truly inspiring. He served on the City of Grenada Election Commission and the Grenada Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and took on the role of president-elect of the chamber in 2013. His dedication extended to the chairmanship of Powell Chapel Housing Development Corporation, a $1.7 million elderly housing apartment complex at Powell's Place.

Dr. Simms's fourth appointment was to Greater Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church in Greensburg, LA. Under the leadership of Dr. Simms, the membership continues to grow, and the Church was able to complete the $250,000.00 in infrastructure renovations. The indebtedness of the Church has been reduced by over $200,000.00. Dr. Simms has organized and incorporated Louisiana Initiatives for Empowerment Community Development Corporation (LIFE CDC), a 501 (c) 3 entity that has collaborations with the Council on Aging, providing lunch for seniors in the community, and the LSU AgCenter, which provides a seasonal weekly Farmers Market for community and local farmers. Dr. Simms served for two years as the President of the Florida Parishes Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Simms has established standards and procedures of transparency and accountability in the Church's business affairs.

Connectionally, Dr. Simms served on the General Board for eight years and the Revisions Committee for two General Conferences. During his services and because of his integrity and work ethic, Dr. Simms was elected sub-committee chair on the Revisions Committee and elected as the Assistant Secretary of Statistics and Finance.

Dr. Simms is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a resident of Zachary, Louisiana. He is married to the Rev. Karen D. Thompson Simms, a native of Birmingham, Alabama. They have been married for over 39 years and have two children, Brandon Malik and Kiara DeShea, and one grandson, Priest Ermias Simms. Dr. Simms understands that the call to ministry is to serve God and God's people, and he lives by the motto, "Serving God by Serving Others."