Lamar Simmons life theme is a skillful tapestry of spiritual attributes, woven together with his passion for God’s Word, coupled with his love for God’s people. Having received his mandate from God, Pastor Simmons, obediently fulfills his calling as Pastor of the Greater Mt. He was called to ministry on March 31, 1985 at the age of 10 under the leadership of Rev. Pastor Simmons began his ministry
as an Evangelist, sharing the gospel from city to city. In 1990, he was ordained to the gospel ministry by Rev. L.C. Phillips of the Lily of the Valley Baptist Church. Five years later, at the age of 20, was called to pastor Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church of Los Angeles. During the past twenty-five years under Pastor Simmons’ leadership, the church has experienced growth and blessings spiritually and financially. Pastor Simmons diligently works to ensure that Greater Mount Olive maintains a family-like atmosphere by making himself accessible to the members. Under his leadership the church has experienced tremendous growth both spiritually and numerically, having established various ministries such as: New Members Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Doorkeepers Ministry, Outreach Ministry and Media Ministry. God is using Pastor Simmons mightily to make a change in the lives of people. His vision is uncompromisingly clear, with one central principle- to Exalt the Savior, Equip the Saint and Evangelize the Sinner. Holding firmly to the commissioned mandate in Matthew 28:18-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” His commitment to the enhancement of God’s kingdom on earth has manifested itself in his loyal attention to the daily activities and services of the congregation, as well as the persuasive impact of the church on community development initiatives: homelessness, senior citizen, cultural awareness and youth empowerment. In 2020 Pastor Simmons achieved a momentous milestone: 25 Years of pastoring… 35 Years of Preaching… and 45 Years of Life! To God be the Glory! Pastor Simmons received his honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary in June 2020. A humble and honorable man, Pastor Simmons delivers the Word of God in a way that challenges, strengthens and encourages the believer, and draws the unsaved to Jesus the Christ. Pastor Simmons teaches and preaches the Word of God so that we all may know Christ in a better way. Pastor Simmons has a passion for the community creating opportunities for his congregation to engage the needs of the surrounding community and beyond. He’s orchestrated and hosted a Teen and Technology conference for youth of all ages that focused on the dangers of the internet and sexting which drew children from all areas to attend and hear different speakers explain how to safely navigate the internet. His passion for the community continues as the church began our traditional Thanksgiving Day feeding of the homeless where over 500 people were served every year and gained support from former Councilmember Bernard Parks and his family who joined the cause by attending and serving the community. Pastor Simmons continually provides opportunities to bless others in need. Through his leadership in 2018 Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church began the Beyond the Walls project where toiletries and food was provided monthly to homeless encampments around the City of Los Angeles. During the summer months a huge health and wellness event was held providing crucial information to all attendees regarding homelessness, housing, safety, and included a food and clothing giveaway. Pastor Simmons works tirelessly to serve the community volunteering on Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Crisis Response Team where he served diligently for two years. All his accolades will never measure up to the work that he does for the body of Christ and this local community. As God is fulfilling his promise of a bountiful harvest, the years of Pastor Simmons ministry is spent building the congregation and working in the community. Pastor Simmons often says that his life’s theme can be summed up in the words of a song… If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or a song, If I can show somebody he is travelling wrong, Then my living shall not be in vain!
