About the Pastor
Reverend Jeremy Simmons
​Senior Pastor
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Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
Wilmington, NC
Reverend Jeremy Simmons, born on in Charlotte, NC, grew up in a family that valued education, family, and love for all. Growing up he was a dedicated churchgoer and an avid basketball player. After graduating from E.E. Waddell High School in 2003, he attended UNC-Wilmington on an academic scholarship.
In 2003 Jeremy received his call to ministry while attending Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. That same year he was licensed as a minister of the Gospel by the Mecklenburg General Baptist Association.
He continued his spiritual growth at Union Missionary Baptist Church, in Wilmington, NC, where he served as a Youth Pastor, and at Full-Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, where, in 2010, he was ordained as an Elder.
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Since then, Jeremy has served in many roles in ministry, including as Youth Pastor at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Assistant/Youth Pastor at Sanctuary Charlotte Church, Chaplain at C.A. Dillon Youth Development Center in Butner, NC and Chaplain for Atrium Healthcare System.​
Jeremy received his theological education at Duke Divinity School, earning a Master of Divinity in 2013.
Currently Jeremy serves as a National Board Certified Chaplain, Manager of Spiritual Care, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, and Ethics Committee co-chair. Additionally he co-founded Port City Powerhouse, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development through sports and faith, and serves on the board of Community CPR.
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Jeremy is married to Jamila Simmons, an educator and fellow UNC-Wilmington alumna. Jamila holds a Master’s Degree from Queens University in Educational Leadership, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Jack and Jill of America. Together, they have three children: Jeremiah, Josiah, and Jaila.
Jeremy enjoys basketball, golf, fishing, reading, and family time. Most importantly, Jeremy loves God wholeheartedly and he loves helping others. He looks forward to this next phase of his journey.