The Greenville Advocate recognizes Jackson Simmons as the Hero of the Week for his remarkable contributions to children’s ministry. Simmons, 21, has been making a significant impact at Greenville First Assembly of God, where he serves as the Children’s Pastor.

“From the time Jackson took on the role as Children’s Pastor at our church, he has been steadily making positive changes in the church and in the lives of the children he serves,” said Ashley Simmons, Jackson’s mother.

Jackson Simmons expressed his deep love for children’s ministry, which he says was ignited during his junior year of high school when he worked at a kids’ camp.

“Spending the summer working camp, I realized I had a deep love for children’s ministry. One of my favorite things as a children’s pastor is hearing the kids sing some of the songs, we sing… getting to hear them sing lyrics such as, ‘I am who God says I am,’ always reminds me why I do what I do,” Jackson said. “I pray that these lyrics will stick in their hearts and remind them that they’re not what the world tells them they are, the only thing that matters is what God says they are.”

Simmons’ dedication to children’s ministry is evident in his creative and engaging approach. He encourages the kids to raise money for missions and has gone above and beyond to support their efforts. Simmons has dressed in all pink for kid’s camp, been slimed and egged in the head, and organized a kids crusade that ended each night with popcorn or cotton candy.

In addition to these fun activities, Simmons has also made a lasting impact through his commitment to service. He has put together devotional books for the church for a time of prayer and fasting and recently completed several days of church projects where he invited an Auburn University Missions group to come and help.

“We are so proud of Jackson and all that he has accomplished in his time here,” said First Assembly Pastor Lane Simmons. “He has been a positive role model for our children and has exhibited outstanding leadership qualities. We know that God has great things in store for his future.”

Starting on Palm Sunday of 2024, Simmons will begin his full-time ministry as the Children’s Pastor at Clanton First Assembly of God.

“While we are so very happy for him and know this is his calling,” Ashley said. “ We are going to miss him at First Assembly so much.”