About E. Joshua Sims, Pastor-Teacher

Pastor E. Joshua Sims, a native of California, was raised in Compton.  He attended Compton High School, where he graduated with honors as Salutatorian in 1979.  He was educated at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, then transferred to Pacific Christian College in Orange County, where he majored in Accounting with a double minor in Communications and Biblical Studies in 1983. Immediately following, he completed an intensive one-year Greek course at Logos Bible Institute in 1984-85, then completed a program in Bible Doctrinal Studies at Los Angeles Bible College in 1985-1986.  As if that weren't enough, Pastor Sims doubled majored in Accounting and Computer Science at the National Education Center graduating with honors in 1988.

Raised in the Double Rock Baptist Church, Reverend Sims has served in various capacities during his membership. He's been on the Usher's Board, he sang in the Young Adult Choir and once served as the choir's president. During the "old" church days, he served as the Baptist Training Union (BTU) President.  He's been the Male Chorus Director, the Church School's Training Instructor, the Youth and Young Adult Bible Study teacher, the Youth and Young Adult Department Director, and was cast as the Scarecrow in the original production of "The Wiz, Gospel Style" here at "The Rock."

In 1982 Pastor Sims answered his call to the ministry.  He was licensed and preached his first sermon entitled "It's Almost Midnight" from the Gospel of John 9:4.  Ordained as a minister in 1983, Pastor Sims has preached at several churches in Los Angeles County and throughout the United Sates.  Not only does he preach at revivals, he moderates seminars and workshops for teens and adults; he conducts Bible study courses and head up the Double Rock Baptist Church, Teachers Guild.   In 1986, Pastor Sims saw a need as the Youth and Young Adult Director to expand the church's outreach ministry, thus organized annual retreats for teens and young adults.  As a young minister, Pastor Sims was a major support to Pastor Emeritus, Joseph L. Holmes.  During two of the church's Holy Land tours, Pastor Sims preached at the Acropolis in Greece in 1985;  Sailed on the Sea of Galilee in 1989 and performed baptisms in the Jordan River.

His interests and hobbies include leading, theater, traveling, bicycling, playing checkers and chess, "word games", and bowling. He loves music and enjoys singing every, chance he gets as well as staying physically fit.

Reverend E. Joshua Sims was recommend as Pastor-Elect on October 5, 1997 by Doctor Joseph L. Holmes.  He was installed on  January 18, 1998 at the Double Rock Baptist Church.