Bishop Fred T. Simms, D.D.

HEART OF GOD MINISTRIES “ CHURCH HISTORY”

Heart of God Ministries in Beckley, West Virginia was founded by Elder Fred Thomas Simms. The church held its first service on Sunday, February 7, 1993. During our initial years, services were held at the New Era Building located at 1600 South Kanawha Street, in Beckley before constructing the building we now call home. Elder Simms wife, Sister Marilyn L. Simms and their daughters led the congregation in praise and worship. The first morning worship service had seventy-two people in attendance. It was during the evening service of that same day that the Heart of God Ministries received its first six new members, and one new convert.

Often the question has been asked, “Where did the name ‘Heart of God’ come from?” God spoke through Elder Simms ten-year old daughter to call the church “Heart of God”. It was then that Elder Simms realized God was using his daughter to speak to him concerning the name of the church, because she had no foreknowledge of the God-given mandate for Elder Simms to start a church. Believing, it was a confirmation from God, the church was so named.

God continued to bless us and in 1995, the church purchased property at 1703 South Kanawha Street in East Beckley, where the current sanctuary now stands. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in April of 1996, and construction of the Heart of God Ministries Church began. The new sanctuary was dedicated on Sunday September 01, 1996.

In September 2001, a special mortgage burning celebration was held to recognize the achievement of paying off the mortgage in less than five years. This was indeed a joyous time for the congregation, as the church was now debt free.

Since the beginning of the church in 1993, membership has grown significantly, and continues to thrive. All the praise goes to God for bringing the increase. In May of 2004, Heart of God Ministries again broke ground to begin expansion of the sanctuary. This expansion was dedicated on November 21, 2004.

Pastor Simms believes that the community cannot survive without the church, and the church cannot survive without the community. God has granted us the opportunity to better our community, to transform lives and to make a difference.

To God be the Glory for all the marvelous and wonderful things that He has done! We’ve come this far by faith, and God is not finished with us yet!

OUR DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

We Believe that there are three dimensions of one God. (I John 5:7, Matthew 28:19, I Timothy 3:16)

We Believe in one God who is eternal in His existence, Triune in His manifestation, being the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and that He is sovereign and absolute in His authority. ( Matthew 28: 18, John 10:30, Colossians 2:9)

We Believe that Jesus is the way, truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 3:31-32, John 3: 36, John 14:6)

We Believe that the blood of Jesus Christ atones for our sins and iniquities. It is through His shed blood that we are saved, healed, and set free from bondage and the forces of darkness. (Romans 5: 9-11, Ephesians 1:7, Revelation 12:11)

We Believe in worshipping the Lord in spirit, song and dance, and with the raising of our hands. (Psalms 150: 1-6, John 4:24)

We Believe that as Believers, we should be water baptized (by immersion) for the circumcision of our hearts. It is through baptism that we publicly identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6: 3-6, Colossians 2: 11-14, Acts 2:38)

We Believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the sign of speaking in other tongues. Further, we believe that Christians must be filled daily by using their prayer language, but the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence is a transformed life. (Acts 2:4, Ephesians 5: 18-21)