ConcordCares
Doctor of Ministry • Theologian • Visionary
Building a Defiant Community of Friends Witnessing for Christ — Brooklyn, New York.
"The most radical thing we can do is build community."
Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson
Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson has dedicated his life to the intersection of theology, leadership, and radical community building. As a leading voice in modern ministry, he champions the idea that the local church is the ultimate catalyst for social restoration.
His journey is marked by a profound commitment to educational excellence and spiritual depth, fostering an environment where faith is both a personal anchor and a public witness.
Tracing the milestones of a lifetime dedicated to the pulpit.
The initial spark of a divine calling in the heart of the community.
Formal entry into the ministry and lifelong theological commitment.
Rigorous academic preparation at Union Theological and Denison University.
Continuing 35+ years of transformative leadership and mentorship.
Senior Concord Baptist with vision, empathy, and biblical integrity for over three decades.
Shaping future theologians with critical insight and rich historical context in the classroom.
Investing deeply in the next generation of spiritual and civic leaders across Brooklyn and beyond.
Finding harmony between spiritual expression and melodic art as a creative act of worship.
Bachelor of Arts
Foundational studies in the humanities and the art of leadership.
Master of Divinity
Deep mastery of biblical scholarship, pastoral care, and theology.
Doctor of Ministry
The highest level of specialized, practical, applied theology.
"In a lonely, divisive, and destructive world, the most radical thing we can do is build community and stand as a defiant community of friends."verified Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson
Press play to watch the featured Sunday worship message right here on the page. The channel button is still available for more videos.
Archived digital ministries for global inspiration and spiritual growth.
Deep theological exploration for practical, faith-filled living.
Video ministry and messages for daily spiritual growth on YouTube.
A portrait of pastoral presence: blessing children, preaching from the pulpit, greeting the community, and leading with warmth beyond Sunday morning.
Rev. Simpson sharing a warm moment with children in the sanctuary.
Experience faith, fellowship, and transformative ministry at Concord Baptist Church of Christ — Brooklyn, New York.
The Reverend Dr. Gary V. Simpson is the Senior Pastor of The Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, New York. A preacher, teacher, musician, scholar, and pastor, his life and ministry have been shaped by a lifelong response to God's call.
The son of the late Reverend Rufus N. Simpson and Mrs. Mary H. Simpson Price, Pastor Simpson responded to God's call while he was still a teenager. He preached his first sermon at the age of 15 at Southfield Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, and was ordained at the age of 20 by the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association.
He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Denison University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Black Studies, earned his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and received his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary.
Pastor Simpson was called as Senior Pastor of Concord Church in 1990 and has served as the congregation's Chief Disciple, pouring his heart into Concord's community life. He is an accomplished musician and teacher with a deep heart for pastoring God's people.
In 2002, he was sought by the Lilly Endowment to create a formal Pastoral Residency program at Concord Church, helping young seminary graduates transition into full-time pastoral ministry. Under his leadership, Concord became one of a handful of churches across the country serving as a teaching congregation for young pastors.
Pastor Simpson achieved tenure at Drew Theological Seminary and currently serves as Associate Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Formation. He has also served as Visiting Professor of Preaching, Worship, and the Arts at Union Theological Seminary.
He has taught and lectured at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Harvard Divinity School, Yale Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Candler School of Theology. He is one of eight featured preachers on the Future of Great Preaching website, a resource of Andover Newton Theological School, and his video is used in theological schools to teach the art of preaching.
Pastor Simpson served as former Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Fund for Theological Education and served on the Board of Trustees for Denison University for twenty-six years. He currently serves with the National Grid Foundation, The Association of Theological Schools, and The American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
He is married to The Reverend Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson.