Bill Simmonds is an associate pastor in West Seattle. Married September 3, 1971, Bill is a father of 3, grandpa of 9. He has been in attendance at MHC since October of 2003.

Role at Mars Hill
Offering the hope of Jesus to individuals, marriages, and families.

Wife’s name
Julia.

When did you become a Christian
My own spiritual rebirth came in an unusual manner, and speaks to God’s providence and calling. We kids were all out playing, when mom called me in the house. It was shortly before dark, on one of those magic summer evenings. I knew that if I didn’t get in and out quickly, the games would be over and I would miss the fun. I ran into the living room to find 2 men in suits sitting on the couch holding bibles. Mom was visibly emotional, and told me she wanted me to hear what the men had to say. They proceeded to explain the Gospel, and asked if I was ready to accept Christ. Knowing that refusal would lead to more time consuming discussion, I quickly prayed the prayer and excused myself to rejoin my friends.

In spite of the brevity of that moment, I remember it as the moment of my conversion. I understood exactly what I was doing and saying. I don’t know where the men were from, and I never saw them again, but I thank God for their visit.

First set foot in MH
I came kicking and screaming , in October of 2003, to please Julia. I was through with church and going it alone following the deaths of my mom, dad and sister between 1999 and 2003. I was pretty messed up. Mars Hill did not impress me at first, but after a few months it was evident that God was at work. One Sunday I heard the statistic, 4 out of 10 kids go to bed in Seattle every night without a dad. I looked around the room and did the math. I was in a room with 400 young men, so the odds were that 160 of them didn’t have dads. I’d had a great dad, and great relationships with my kids. Who would these guys go to with their questions about getting married, buying a house, and being husbands and dads? For the first time in years I felt like God might be able to use me, so I privately told Him that if He wanted me I was ready to go back in the game.

Became an elder
May of 2008. I had served as an elder for years, and had joked with one of the pastors that if he ever got wind that I wanted to serve again he was to hire a hit man to take me out. I had to make sure the contract was canceled before submitting my name at Mars Hill.

How did you end up in West Seattle
The short answer, it was a God thing.
I had lived in the community for more than 30 years, but was going to MH in Ballard. During my years of working I had asked God to provide a meaningful ministry opportunity when I retired. I had envisioned something on the beach, maybe Baja.. It honestly never occurred to me that I would end up in a local church. We were contacted (Tim Beltz and I) by Cliff Low, whose love for Jesus and vision to reach West Seattle with the gospel was scary. We met and that started it. I am now privileged to serve with both men, along with Pastor Adam Sinnett.

Scripture
Too many to choose. Romans 5 means a lot to me.

Quotation
From CS Lewis, in his preface to the book The Problem of Pain, describing that element of religion that is peculiar to christianity; “…the appearance of an extraordinary man walking about Palestine claiming to be at one with the Numinous and the moral”. Sounds weird, check it out in context.

Last book read…and what are you working on now
Last: Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hand, Paul Tripp
Now: Prodigals and Those Who Love Them Ruth Bell

Last movie watched
Indiana Jones

Music
U2, Bruce Hornsby

Favorite Seattle-area eatery
Palisade. Go with the early bird special, the full meal deal is the best value. Located on the marina, city and water views, great food and service