Terrence accepted the call to ministry in December 2001.  He began his studies under the Presiding Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in October 2003 and was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in October 2005.  By the grace of God, Terrence has served to further God’s kingdom in many different leadership, educational, and administrative roles and capacities throughout the years…all within the AME Church.  Anointed with gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and faith, Terrence counsels, teaches, and shares the love of God and the saving power of Jesus’s blood in his daily living.  

In October 2014, Rev. Sims transferred from the 9th Episcopal District to the 5th Episcopal District.  He was ordained an Itinerant Elder during the 90th session of the Southern California Annual Conference and continued his ministry at Grace AME Church of Temecula Valley.  At the close of the 94th session of the Southern California Annual Conference, Terrence was appointed pastor of Johnson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church – El Centro.

On August 1, 2021, the Rt. Reverend Bishop Clement W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, appointed Rev. Terrence D. Sims, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Fontana.  Pastor Sims continues the legacy of those who preceded him and builds upon the shoulders of Rev. Francine Nelson Brookins, who pastored Bethel Fontana for 12 years.  God materially elevated Pastor Francine Brookins to the episcopacy as the 141st Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  The Rt. Rev. Bishop Francine Brookins became only the 5th female to ascend to the episcopacy in the history of the AME Church.

In addition to his 20+ years in ministry, Terrence has 30+ years of executive leadership, operations, and IT experience in the healthcare and financial industries.  He is a graduate of Excelsior University and Herzing University, where he earned a BS in Computer Information Science and an AS in Computer Information Systems, respectively. Pastor Sims earned a Master of Divinity from Central Seminary and was awarded the Philip Wendell Crannell Award for Excellence in Preaching. He was selected as an Honored Member of the International Who’s Who of Information Technology in 2001 and holds several technology certifications. He is currently employed as the Chief Strategy Officer of a healthcare-based software company. He initially served as Chief Operating Officer for 12 years and oversaw the greatest expansion in the company’s 39-year history.  

Pastor Terrence has been married to his life partner, First Lady “J” (Jennifer), for over 30 years, and they have a wonderful teenage son, Jacob (JT).

Empowerment Scripture: Luke 10:19
Encouragement Scripture: Romans 8:28