Pastor James C. Simmons, Jr. (Pastor J) is a treasured spiritual leader and Executive Pastor at Greater Zionfield Family Worship Center in Westwego, LA, under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Samuel Travis, Jr. He received the call to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in 1999 after receiving his license under Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., pastor of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA, and Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. He was elevated to the office of Ordained Elder under Bishop Darryl S. Bishop Brister, Sr. Senior Pastor of Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral and Apostle of Beacon Light International Ministries, where he served as the Pastor of New Members Ministry, Pastor of Pastoral Care, Counseling, and Executive Pastor. With over 20 years of pastoral and Christian counseling experience, Pastor J is known as a compassionate leader who educates, coaches, nurtures, and equips congregants and clients alike with life-changing lessons and teachings to navigate their faith with sound values and biblical principles.
Pastor J, has served in humanitarian missions during the aftermath of major catastrophic emergencies, including Hurricanes Ivan, Tropical Storm Matthew, Hurricane Cindy, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Humberto, Tropical Storm Edouard, Hurricane Gustav, and Hurricane Isaac.
Pastor J received his Master’s degree in Philosophy from Tulane University and attended the Paul S. Morton School of Ministry and Bible College. He is currently attending Liberty University, pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Behavioral Sciences with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Also holds a certification in Premarital and Marital Counseling. He is also on staff at Loyola University in New Orleans, serving as the Volunteer Pastoral Counselor.
Pastor J is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, National Association of Christian Counselors, Association of Biblical Counselors, and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies.
Pastor J is a native of the Greater New Orleans Area and has two daughters, Ja’Mecia and Jordan, and one granddaughter, Joelle.
He is in Board Certified Christian Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, Mental Health Christian Counseling. With certified training in Marriage and Family Therapy. Crisis Counseling and Suicide Prevention and Loss and Grief.
The Christ-centered approach, combined with professional and compassionate therapists, provided me with the tools and support I needed to heal from my past trauma. I am deeply grateful for their guidance and care
I cannot speak highly enough of the care I received at this center. The therapists are incredibly understanding and skilled in trauma-informed therapy. Their ability to integrate faith into the healing process made all the difference for me. I felt seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Finding a place where I could openly discuss my trauma and receive support was a blessing. The Divinity Christian Counseling and Wellness Center provided a safe and welcoming environment where I could heal and grow. The combination of faith and professional therapy was exactly what I needed.
We believe in the transformative power of faith and the healing presence of Christ in the journey toward recovery and wellness.
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