Our Pastor

Dr. Cedric R. Simmons joined Bethesda Church of God in Christ on July 27, 1990, after receiving salvation during Bethesda's summer revival. He humbly and quickly began his ministry in several offices.

 •  ‎November 1990, installed as a Minister

 •  ‎August 1993, ordained as an Elder

 •  ‎March 2003, appointed as the Asst. Pastor

On Christmas 1995, he married his longtime friend and sweetheart, Dr. Lisa Ousley Simmons, his first and only true love. They have produced two beautiful children, Noah and Salome. He studied and received his Master of Divinity degree in December 2009 and his Doctor of Divinity degree in December 2010.

He had loyally and faithfully assisted Pastor James Marks with whatever tasks he was capable of doing. After Pastor James Marks retired as pastor on June 11, 2017, he was installed as Pastor Dr. Cedric R. Simmons of Bethesda COGIC, Elgin, Illinois.