The church is based on the scripture from Mark 11:22, “And Jesus saith unto them, Have faith in God”. So in all that we go through, allow that to be your personal slogan today. Jesus came to heal, deliver, set free and all that is derived from our faith. Our goal is to encourage you to grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Your Servant

Pastor Vaughn A. Simmons

About Us

Church
History

Pastor and Co Pastor in robes with my back to him 09.05.2021.jpg

Church History

The church began with a vision that God gave Pastor Vaughn almost 20 years ago. In a vision, God gave Pastor Vaughn the name of the church, “Have Faith in God Christian Ministries”. God showed him a vision of the sketch of the church. God provided the worship service schedule for services throughout the week.

First things first, Pastor was ordained as a minister in Long Island, NY at Joybel Fellowship Church on April 16, 2005.

Pastor moved to NC and visited various churches, but joined Believers Temple Worship Center, where he was ordained again in January 2015 as a minister. He served faithfully as a Sunday school instructor, Bible Study instructor, and was Pastor’s chief Armor Bearer. He was always helping around the church.

The Lord called Pastor in 2018 to begin to prepare to launch ministry. He discussed what the Lord gave him with First Lady Christine. They prayed, began to research, and study to be ready. Both became even more active at their former church to serve the Lord even more.

On October 14, 2019, Pastor began Bible Study on Monday nights in his home. From there we had our first service on December 31, 2019 to bring in the New Year.

On January 5 and 12th the first services were held at the Pastor’s home. On that second service, the Lord told First Lady Christine to go “LIVE” on Facebook and that was the beginning of us going “LIVE” every Sunday thereafter. (Pastor had no idea the first time we went “LIVE”)

We began searching for a place to worship and decided upon The Clarion Hotel (3695 Foothills Way. Fort Mill, SC). The Lord blessed us with favor to have Sunday service and Bible study at that location weekly at an Amazing rate.

Mother Denise Starr (January 2020) was the first official member after Pastor and First Lady. Then Sis. Shakira Hunter Leach (February 2020) and shortly thereafter Bro. David Harden (March 2020) joined.

Then the Pandemic happened. Church was held by Pastor and First Lady at their home and everyone watched and worshipped via Facebook until we could safely come back together at The Clarion Hotel.

Once we were back in April of 2020, we worshipped even harder.

On July 19, 2020 we had 2 new souls added to the Ministry, Sis. Donna N. George and Sis. EstherMaria Weeks.

We have joined to the ministerial staff 2 MITs (Ministers in Training) Shakira Hunter Leach and Ryan Harden.

On July 24 2021, Pastor Vaughn Simmons and First Lady Christine Priester Simmons were officially ordained as Pastor and Co-Pastor.

God is doing Great and Mighty Things and they are Marvelous in our sight.

Pastor Vaughn Simmons

Pastor Vaughn in blue pinstriped suit.jpg

Pastor Vaughn A. Simmons

Pastor Vaughn A. Simmons is a native of Brooklyn, NY. He was born to Ms. Thelma Simmons and was reared to Love the Lord with all his heart. He was educated and graduated in the Brooklyn, NY school system. He then attended the O.M Kelly Religious Institute located in Long Island, NY at Prayer Tabernacle.

Pastor Simmons was saved at a young age and rededicated his life to Christ at age 19. He has been running for the Lord a long time. While serving at the Prayer Tabernacle, he was the Chief Armor Bearer, a Deacon, and a Vacation Bible school teacher.

While attending other ministries, he also led different departments. He was ordained as an Evangelist on April 16, 2005, at Joy Bell Fellowship in Long Island, NY.

After working in various roles in NY, he was led to move to North Carolina. While here, he worshipped at various churches, until joining and becoming ordained as a minister at Believer’s Temple in January 2015. While there, he was the Chief Armor Bearer, Sunday school teacher and worked with the youth.

The Lord showed him a vision and the name of the church over 20 years ago and his vision is unfolding now. As of December 2019, he became the Pastor of Have Faith in God Christian Ministries, Inc.

On December 12, 2015, he married the Love of his Life, Co-Pastor Elect Christine Priester Simmons. God has blessed them to grow together and in ministry.

One of the scriptures that Pastor Simmons stands on is in Psalms 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I shall rejoice and be glad in it.”

Co-Pastor Christine Priester Simmons

1st Lady Christine holding a Bible looking up with robe almost full picture.JPG

Co-Pastor Christine Priester Simmons

Co-Pastor Christine Priester Simmons is a native of Allendale, SC, born to the late William H. Priester and Alma B. Priester. She is the 6th child of seven children. Her parents left a rich legacy of the knowledge of God.

Lady Simmons was educated and graduated in the Allendale County school system, and attended the University of South Carolina, later she graduated from Ashford University with honors with a degree in Psychology minoring in African American History (magna cum laude).

She worked in the Corporate world in Leadership for over 30 years. After much prayer she started Priester Pies and God continued to bless and she began Simmons Life Insurance Brokerage.

Co-Pastor Simmons came to the Lord while in college at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. As she grew in the knowledge of the Lord, she served in many ministries in many capacities from Praise and Worship Leader, Choir member, Chief Armor Bearer, Church Administrator, Department head and etc.

Lady Simmons was ordained as a Minister on August 13, 2016, at Believers Temple Worship Center in Charlotte, NC. In December of 2019, she became a member of Have Faith in God Christian Ministries, Inc, where her husband is Pastor.

On December 12, 2015, she married a Man of God to grow in life and in ministry. It has not always been easy, but God has blessed them to be a blessing in each other’s lives and love each other. They are the biggest supporter and encourager of each other, and they push each other to be the “Best” they can be.

When those difficult times come, Co-Pastor Simmons always remembers one of her favorite scriptures (Isaiah 59:19b, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

She knows that God has many great things for her to do and wants to become the Woman of God He is requiring her to be in Him in all seasons of her life.

Ministerial Team

2012 - 2015

Pastor and Co-Pastor Simmons along with
Minister Shakira Hunter Leach & Minister in Training Ryan Harden

God has blessed our Ministry with Minister Shakira Hunter.

Minister Shakira Renee Hunter

Minister Shakira Renee Hunter is a native of Charlotte, NC, born to the late Donna Hunter and late Russell Johnson.

Minister Shakira was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system. She graduated from Harry P. Harding High School. She furthered her education by attending Shaw University and studied Behavioral Science.

Minister Shakira enjoyed being a care giver for many years in Human Services working and volunteering in her field.

Minister Shakira has two children, Brandon and Kayla and 2 grandchildren (Anthony and Autymn). She loves her family and wants the best for them.

Shakira has worshipped and served in many different ministries. She serves the Lord to the fullest.

Minister Shakira loves the Lord and stands firmly on His Word.

Her favorite scripture is Psalms 121:1, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”

Minister in Training Ryan Harden

Minister in Training Ryan C, Harden is a native of Charlotte, NC. He was born to David T Harden and Sherry L Harden. Ryan was reared in the church and loves the Lord. He was educated and graduated from the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system. He then attended Livingstone college in Salisbury NC. He studied Criminal Justice and Psychology.

Minister in Training Harden was saved at a young age October 26, 1997. He gave his life to Christ at University Park Baptist church. From there on he attended numerous Vacation Bible school Bible camps and children's church.

March of 2021 Minister in Training Ryan Harden joined Have faith in God Christian ministries. He also accepted his calling as a youth and singles minister.

On April 23rd, 2022, Minister in Training Ryan Harden will be marrying his First Lady Ms. Erica R. Hardy. God has been ahead of their union since June of 2021 as they continue to grow together and in the ministry.

His favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ wo strengthens me.”