what we believe
1. We believe that God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal and unchanging in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.
2. We believe there is one God, Jehovah, the only true and living God.
3. We believe in the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and, God the Holy Spirit.
4. We believe that the Bible is the unadulterated Word of God, unblemished, untainted, and authorized by God.
5. We believe in the salvation of mankind and that the only way we are saved, according to the Word of God, is by grace through faith alone. It is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:15)
6. We believe in repentance, justification, sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. (Romans5:1, John 17:17; 18:19, Matthew 3:11)
7. We believe in the blessed Hope, which is the rapture of the Church of God, through Christ Jesus, which shall be fulfilled at His return.
8. We believe in the gifts of the Spirit and that these gifts are in operation in the militant church. (1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
9. We believe in water baptism by immersion and that baptism is a sign to the world that we have entered into a covenant relationship with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Matthew 28:19)
10. We believe in the affirmation of Apostles, consecration of Bishops and the ordination of Elders. We believe in the Ecclesiastical Offices of the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11)
11. We believe that worship, fellowship, friendship, leadership, and discipleship should be done to the glory of the Almighty God.
12. We believe in marriage, family, and the sanctity of the family, as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. (Genesis 2:18-25, 1 Corinthians 3:21)
14.We believe in divine healing as in the atonement. (Isaiah 53:4-5, 1 Peter 2:24, James 5:14-15)
15. We believe that the tenth is the Lord's and each member is required to pay their tithes (tenth) and offerings. (Malachi 3:8, 1 Corinthians 9:5-15)
16. We believe we should live according to the teachings of the Word of God as recorded in the Bible. We believe that we should conduct ourselves as becoming Holy people of God and refrain from participating in anything that would dishonor God or bring a reproach upon the Church of God, and that we should dress ourselves in modest apparel according to the Word of God. (1 Timothy 2:9)
17. We, moreover, under the unction and anointing of the Holy Ghost, do henceforth engage in the Sacraments and Ordinances enacted by Christ and practice, which are; 1) Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20) 2) Communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-24).
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Our LEADERS
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JASMINE L. SPENCER
Pastor, TH.D.
Dr. Jasmine L. Spencer is the Senior Pastor of Resurrection Life Ministries Sounds of Praise Inc, Bridgeport, CT. A ministry founded in Norwalk, CT as St. Andrews FBH, by her parents, Bishop Andrew and Lady Margaret Simmons in 1993.
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Dr. Spencer served faithfully in ministry under the tutelage of her parents. With over 30 years ministerial experience, this PK (Preacher’s Kid), has worked in every capacity of ministry from thedoor to the pulpit.
Dr. Spencer currently serves the Sounds of Praise P.F.M. Ministry as a National Finance Committee Member, Conference Committee Member and Education Committee Member. She has also served the body as Youth Leader, Special Assistant, Scholarship Committee Member and Assistant Chair Lady of the Singles Ministry. Dr. Spencer graduated Kolbe Cathedral High School with honors, she continued her education at Northeastern University and Sacred Heart University. Pastor Spencer received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Theology from His Excellence Theological Seminary.
She is passionate concerning the ministry of restoring those who have a desire to find their way back to Christ, reaching out to them with our lives. Dr. Spencer is also an anointed psalmist, touching lives as she ministers the gospel through song.
Dr. Spencer has worked in the Corporate and Non-Profit arena. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Building Broken Warriors. Dr.Spencer is resident of Bridgeport, CT and is happily married to Apostle Robert L. Spencer. Together they have two beautiful and talented daughters, Ananda and Kiara Michele.
ROBERT L. spencer
Apostle
Apostle Robert L. Spencer is a native of Norwalk, CT, but raised In Bridgeport, CT, born to Missionary Classie Mae Spencer and the Late Deacon Robert Spencer Sr. After graduating High School he continued his education at Yale University and The University Bridgeport.
Apostle Spencer accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 23 and surrendered to the call of ministry on his life under the inspirational leadership of Bishop Paul Morton. With over 20 year’s ministerial experience, Apostle Spencer has served in various ministries and has worked in every capacity of ministry from the door to the pulpit. Apostle Spencer has also served as the senior Pastor of Light & Truth International Ministries. His preaching and teaching of biblical truths is sound and clear. His bold teaching of God’s word has helped change the lives of people both at Light & Truth International and around the community.
Apostle Spencer has been privileged to share the Gospel throughout the United States and in African and Japan. He is passionate concerning the ministry of restoration and deliverance to those who have a desire to find their way back to Christ. Apostle Spencer has served the body of Christ as the visionary and host of the Outpouring Prayer Revival and the Robert L Spencer Radio Broadcast. Apostle is using all media outlets; reaching others at risk and they are being saved, set free, healed and delivered over the telephone lines, radio and internet. Apostle serves on the Bishop Board of the Sounds of Praise Ministries and as the Men of Valor Chairman of the Lion of Judah District.
Apostle Spencer serves in ministry at Resurrection Life Ministries, Sounds of Praise along with his wife Dr. Jasmine L. Spencer who serves as Sr. Pastor. Together the Spencer’s have two beautiful daughters, Ananda and Kiara.
MOTHER margaret SIMMONS
Executive Pastor
Mother Margaret Simmons was born on August 7, 1943 in Ridgeland, South Carolina to Mrs. Dora and Mr. Edgar Mervin, Sr. She was educated in the Jasper County school system.
Mother Simmons accepted the Lord as her personal Savior in 1967 and became a member of St. John Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas under the leadership Bishop William E. Fuller. In this church she served as the Choir President, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Treasure, Church Clerk, Sunday School Teacher and one of the only Assistant Pastors recognized by the FBH. She served the FBH as an Ambassador for Christ for many years. In October of 1991 Mother Simmons was sent to Pastor Gethsemane FBH in Yonkers, NY. In 1993 Mother Simmons, along side her husband Bishop Andrew Simmons founded St. Andrew FBH in Norwalk, CT, while he was also pastoring Mt. Hope FBH church in Middletown, CT. Mother Simmons currently serves as the Executive Pastor of Resurrection Life Ministries in Bridgeport, CT, under the Pastorate of her spiritual and biological daughter, Dr. Jasmine L. Spencer.
In 1995, after a year of laboring before the Lord in prayer, Bishop Simmons and St. Andrew’s joined the Sounds of Praise Pentecostal Fellowship Ministries Inc. under the great leadership of the late Bishop Nathaniel Simmons. Mother Simmons immediately became active with the Women In Praise under the leadership of Mother Betty Brown. She has served the Sounds of Praise as the Women In Praise Secretary, Finance Committee Secretary and most recently the Mothers Board Chairperson under the leadership of International Mother Eula Medlock.
Mother Simmons attended Manhattan Bible Institute in Manhattan, NY where she earned certificates in Bible I and II and Pastoral Counseling In May 2005 she received an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Theology) from His Excellence Theological Seminary in Hyde Park, NY.
Mother Simmons has been happily married to Bishop Andrew Simmons, II for 53 years. Together this union has produced three adult children, one daughter, Pastor Jasmine Spencer (Robert) and two sons, Deacon Andrew Simmons III (Latashia) and Bro. Andrae Simmons. They are also the very proud grandparents of six, Kiara, Anya, Andrew IV, Da’Ojah, Drae’yonna and Deandra.
Mother Simmons has exemplified true Godly character and values; offering Godly wisdom through motherly. For this reason she is loved and respected by many.
OUR STORY
bishop Andrew Simmons
Founding Pastor
October 2009 he was consecrated into the Bishopric and now serves as the Executive Board of Bishops for the sounds of Praise Pentecostal Fellowship Ministries
On July 7, 1993, Elder Andrew Simmons was called to meet with Mother Bessie Lee of St. Peter FBH in Norwalk, The Lord had pressed upon Elder Simmons heart to start a ministry in Norwalk after the closing of St. Peter FBH. Mother Lee consented to helping Elder Simmons start a new ministry in Norwalk, CT. On July 9, 1993 another meeting was held with prospective members. In attendance was Elder Andrew Simmons, Elder Margaret Simmons, Mother Bessie Lee, Sis. Susie Williams and Sis. Adele Fuller. After prayer the group decided to name the church, St. Andrew FBH, officers were elected and the first service was planned. Because St. Andrew did not have a building, the first service was held at Sis. A. Browns home in Bpt, CT.
On July 16, 1993 the church met with Elder G.T. Rouse pastor of St. John FBH in Bpt, who was also Chairman of the Evangelistic Board for the New England District. After prayer Elder Rouse read from the FBH Discipline and organized the church. All members in attendance agreed to abide by the rules and regulations of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas under the leadership of Bishop W.E. Fuller Jr. St. Andrew found a home on 58 1/2 South Main St in Norwalk, CT, renting from Pastor Petersen on Sunday afternoons. The church began to grow and members were added to the ministry. As a ministry founded on prayer, it was the mandate of this ministry to lead people to Christ and see them be healed, set free and delivered.
In 1995, after a year of laboring before the Lord in prayer, Bishop Simmons and St. Andrew’s joined the Sounds of Praise Pentecostal Fellowship Ministries Inc. under the great leadership of the late Bishop Nathaniel Simmons. In October 1997 the Lord elevated Elder Simmons to a higher level of leadership. He has served the Sounds of Praise as the Assistant Presiding Elder and Presiding Elder of Region One of the 1 st Ecclesiastical Province of the Sounds of Praise. Then in October 2009 he was consecrated into the Bishopric
and served as the Connecticut State Bishop. He also serves on the Executive Board of Bishops and has served as CFO of the Sounds of Praise P.F.M.
The ministry has experienced many transitions, over the years. Members have come and gone, some dear friends and loved ones have passed on. Many friends of the ministry remain. We have had 4 homes, 58 1/2 South Main Street , Norwalk, CT, 955 Connecticut Ave, Bridgeport CT, 360 Colorado Ave, Bridgeport, CT and most recently 804 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport CT. In these homes many great preachers have come to edify the body and encourage the ministry on its way.
After 20 Years of Pastoring St. Andrew S.O.P, In October 2013 Bishop Andrew Simmons retired from this position and passed the baton to his biological and spiritual daughter Dr. Jasmine L. Spencer. Dr. Spencer took the baton and along with the support of her husband Apostle Robert Spencer, Bishop and Mother Simmons and the membership, we are moving forward. After much prayer and fasting, the Lord has moved upon Dr. Spencer’s heart to focus on teaching, training and the healing and restoration of the family. Also due to the leading of the spirit the name of the ministry changed in 2018 to Resurrection Life Ministries. This has not change the original mandate, but stretched the ministry and added to the assignment.
