Bishop Ervin Sims, Jr. (Founder)

In Memoriam 1947 - 2020

Bishop Ervin Sims, Jr. saved at age 16, called to preach at age 18, and became Pastor of the Mount Carmel Church of God in Christ from 1980 - 2020. He envisioned Mount Carmel as a Church with God's heart, manifested through Excellence in Ministry to the Membership, the Community and the World. Under his leadership Mount Carmel grew to be one of the most significant churches in the Kansas City metropolitan area.  

Bishop Sims founded the Mt. Carmel Redevelopment Corporation (MCRC) in 1994 as a catalyst for change in the inner city of Kansas City, Kansas. MCRC's master plan calls for the construction of 48 single-family homes for low to moderate-income families (16 have been completed). The plan includes Mt. Carmel Place, a $6.1 million affordable senior housing facility (61 units) that was completed in 2001 for low to moderate-income seniors.  In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, MCRC built an $8.4 million Community Center, completed in the fall of 2006. Also, MCRC manages the Willa Gill Center open 365 days a year to support community needs. MCRC owns and operates 6 transitional housing units and provides a broad range of social service programming.  

Bishop Sims’ ministry had a significant mission focus which continues today. He lead mission teams to the Dominican Republic; Bristol, England; Cardiff, Wales and to Ghana and Togo, West Africa. Sims also traveled to the Philippines and Haiti for the Church of God in Christ. He held revivals in Accra, Ghana, which birthed the international Mount Carmel Church of God in Christ in 2002.  In February 2007, Bishop Sims, was appointed Director of Missions to Ghana and Togo, West Africa by Bishop Carlis L. Moody, Sr., President of the International Missions Department and the General Board of the COGIC. In November 2011, Sims was consecrated to the Bishopric of the Ghana Jurisdiction by Presiding Bishop C. E. Blake, Sr. and the General Board.  

Bishop Sims held a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas University. He retired as Assistant General Manager of the Board of Public Utilities in Kansas City.  He was married 49 years to First Lady Mary K. Sims, who served faithfully with him in ministry. He was a devoted father of three children - Lisa Smith (Keith), Ervin Jason Sims (LaSandra), and Angela Sims.  Bishop and Mo. Sims are the proud grandparents of Kasey, Keith Donovan, Kristian Smith, Taylor, Ervin Jaylen, Ethan, and Jayla Sims.

Bishop Sims served on local and national boards, including the United Way, the KCK Chamber of Commerce, the American Water Work Assoc., and as Board Treasurer of Bread for the World, based in Washington, DC. In November 2013, he was appointed to the Community Development Board of COGIC by Presiding Bishop Blake. Sims was also recognized as one of COGIC’s 100 Influential Pastors. He achieved many secular accomplishments and awards for engineering, management, community development, and personal achievement.

Bishop Sims left an indelible legacy upon Mount Carmel Church God-Christ members, Mount Carmel Redevelopment Corporation, the Kansas City, Kansas community, and all who had the pleasure of meeting this godly visionary.