valley grove baptist church calls new senior pastor

submitted report

Submitted Photo

Paster Sims and family

published: September 26 2008 10:13 AM updated:: September 26 2008 10:50 AM

Valley Grove Baptist Church, South Knoxville has called Dr. William H Sims III as its 28^th Senior Pastor.

Pastor Sims first Sunday will be September 28. He has served as Senior Pastor for more than 26 years at churches in Tennessee, Ohio, Mississippi and Georgia. His last church was Byne Memorial Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

Pastor Sims is a native Tennessean. He grew up in Humboldt, Tennessee and has served as pastor at churches in Ashland City and Union City Tennessee. Pastor Sims educational background includes 3 academic degrees: Bachelor of Arts (Religion) from Union University, Master of Divinity from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Pastor Sims has served as a Trustee of the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, was active in the State Convention, served in numerous responsibilities on the associational level, taught Pastoral Ministry Courses for Southern Seminary, New Orleans Seminary, and Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain MS, was an R. G. Lee Fellow for Union University, and authored articles for Lifeway in regard to Pastoral Ministry

The Sims family has already relocated to Seymour. Pastor Sims wife, Nancy is an elementary school teacher. The Sims have two children, Drew and Hannah.

Regarding his call to Valley Grove, Pastor Sims said, “My family and I are very pleased and excited to be returning to Tennessee. I really look forward to meeting the people and getting to know them. We can’t wait to get to Valley Grove and see what God has in store for the Seymour and South Knoxville communities.

Valley Grove Baptist Church is located at 9000 Old Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee. Valley Grove was established in 1895 at its current location and has a current membership of over 1,900. Sunday morning service times are 9:00AM and 10:30 AM. Valley Grove is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Knox County Baptist Association.

User Comments

#1 Monte Hauk commented, on September 26, 2008 at 7:06 p.m.:

Is that his real family?

#2 Len Welch commented, on September 26, 2008 at 7:44 p.m.:

Yes, Sir. I wholeheartedly assure you that Pastor Sims and his family are the real deal. They were our pastoral family and good friends.
We still miss them!

#3 TAMMY PUCKETT commented, on September 29, 2008 at 10:45 a.m.:

As Dr. Sims' former secretary at UC First Baptist, I can tell you that you will not find a better person or pastor. His family is just precious and you will enjoy them all. He is truly a blessing whereever he goes

#4 VGBC Member commented, on September 29, 2008 at 3:49 p.m.:

It feels as though God has sent a revival to our church.
Christ is the answer!

#5 VGBC Family commented, on September 30, 2008 at 10:22 a.m.:

WE LOVE PASTOR SIMS AND FAMILY

#6 VGBC commented, on October 2, 2008 at 11:24 a.m.:

Great things are in store for our church!!!!!

#7 Marsha Baker commented, on October 4, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.:

Too Valley Grove Baptist Church: How GOD will bless your church with this family. The love that pastor Sims shows is the real deal. Pastor Sims will preach about King Jesus and Pray on his knees like no other pastor I ever seen. May your church grow and many more lives be saved. To you Pasor Sims, I may not ever see you again but I will see you in Gods Kingdom. Your truly, Marsha Baker/Larry,Donna,Tina,Scott, Derron,Christina,Elizabeth, Payton,Noah.

#8 Jeannie Sims Hopper commented, on October 6, 2008 at 12:58 p.m.:

I am so blessed to have my brother and family back in TN..

He is truely a man of God..

Love You

Jeannie

#9 Beth Rice Julian commented, on October 6, 2008 at 1:55 p.m.:

Great to have you back in TN. I know both of your families are excited too. The Rice and Sims family go way back over 40 years. We all grew up in school and church together in Humboldt. Welcome Home!

#10 Lori Brooks commented, on October 12, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.:

You have received a true blessing in Pastor Sims. He is a genuine man of God. I am truly blessed in knowing him at Byne Memorial Baptist Church and will forever consider him a friend and a brother in Christ. He is truly missed by myself, Troy and the girls.

#11 Lori Brooks commented, on October 12, 2008 at 5:39 p.m.:

#12 Lori Brooks commented, on October 12, 2008 at 5:40 p.m.:

#13 Douglas Pair commented, on October 19, 2008 at 12:32 a.m.:

I served as chairman of the Deacons while Dr Sims was in Union City. I cannot express to you how blessed you are to get such a wonderful family. He is truely my brother and christian fiend.

#14 WONDERING... commented, on October 22, 2008 at 9:18 a.m.:

Is it true that the former pastor was involved with an underage teenage girl?

#15 Wyatt and Angela Lastinger commented, on November 29, 2008 at 7:44 p.m.:

Pastor Sims and his wonderful family will be a blessing to VGBC! He has done so much for Byne and our family. He and Nancy fervently prayed for me when I was sick a few years ago. His messages led both of our young children to accept Christ and he baptized them. We thank God for what he has done for us through Pastor Sims.