Founder’s Legacy

Dr. Arthur D. Sims, Sr. is the founding pastor and spiritual architect of Fellowship Baptist Church of Pine Hills—a master preacher, faithful pastor, and visionary leader whose ministry has shaped churches, strengthened communities, and prepared generations for faithful service.

Born in rural Oglethorpe County, Georgia, in 1944, Dr. Sims was formed early by faith, discipline, and reverence for the call of God. The son of a legendary pastor and a gifted gospel singer, he was nurtured in the rhythms of worship, Scripture, and service. From the rigors of farm life to the refinement of academic and theological training, his early years cultivated both spiritual maturity and intellectual excellence.

Called to preach while still a student, Dr. Sims answered that call with clarity and courage. Licensed by his father, he began pastoring churches before the age of twenty—an early sign of the prophetic authority and pastoral wisdom that would define his ministry. Wherever he served, congregations were not merely sustained but transformed. Churches were rebuilt, membership expanded, young people mobilized, and communities strengthened through preaching that was biblically sound, culturally aware, and uncompromisingly relevant.

In Georgia, Dr. Sims emerged as a respected civil rights leader, embracing the Black church as both a spiritual refuge and a moral force in society. Through preaching, radio, television, education, and civic engagement, he proclaimed a gospel that addressed both personal salvation and social responsibility. His ministry extended into community development and public service, reflecting a deep conviction that faith must be lived beyond the sanctuary.

That conviction became especially visible in Orlando. In 1990, led by divine vision, Dr. Sims founded Fellowship Baptist Church of Pine Hills—and with remarkable foresight, spearheaded the acquisition of 15 acres of land, securing not only a place of worship but a permanent foundation for long-term community development, ministry expansion, and generational impact. What stands today is more than a church campus; it is the physical manifestation of a pastor’s belief that the church must be rooted in the community it serves, positioned to meet both spiritual and practical needs.

Beyond the local church, Dr. Sims has provided distinguished leadership within the Florida General Baptist Convention, serving in key statewide roles including Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Dean of the Florida General Baptist Congress of Christian Education. Through these offices, he helped shape theological education, pastoral leadership, and denominational direction across Florida, influencing countless churches and leaders with wisdom, integrity, and vision.

Today, Dr. Sims’ legacy continues through the intentional passing of leadership to his son, Rev. Alandus D. Sims—a visible expression of humility, trust, and generational stewardship. In handing the baton, Dr. Sims has modeled true legacy: not merely what is built, but who is empowered to lead it forward.

Dr. Arthur D. Sims, Sr. stands as a pillar in the Black Baptist tradition—a visionary founder, master preacher, faithful pastor, civil rights witness, and community builder whose life affirms that when the Word is preached with conviction and vision is pursued with faith, churches do not simply exist—they transform lives and shape history.