GIFFORD — In “Saved to Serve,” Pastor Max Simms tells the story of his ministry through life’s realities and his advice to those considering vocations in spiritual leadership.

Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church since 1983, divides the guidance into three parts.

“The first is to put Christ first,” he said. This is followed by “making the family the next priority” and lastly by “being a people person.”

Putting God first is a lesson Simms learned early in life. He became closer to God as he sought solace after losing two close childhood friends. Then there was the recovery from a near-death experience with pneumonia in his college days that not only strengthened his faith, but also that of his parents.

Later, God intervened again in Simms’s collegiate life. As an elementary education major with a Bible minor at Bible Baptist College in Clarks Summit, Simms once thought that perhaps teaching was not for him and struggled with a decision. Through prayer, he ultimately decided to remain in college and earn his degree.

Referring to the priority of the family, “Saved to Serve” opens by introducing the readers to Bill and Phyllis Simms and their four children: BJ, Max, Mark and Jill, all of whom are familiar with many area residents. BJ Simms is pastor of the Free Christian Evangelical Church in Smethport. Mark Simms is a successful business man in Smethport and Jill Simms-Yingling is director of the Smethport Senior Center.

The children grew up in a strong, loving home with appropriate and consistent discipline. Max Simms loved to listen to his mother reading the Bible and praying. Moreover, he loved spending time with his grandfather, Harry Simms. He was impressed by this God-fearing man and his love for reading the Bible and practicing its teachings. In fact, these experiences were influential in Simms’ decision to follow the ministry.

Simms attended the youth group at the Regular Baptist Church in Smethport. It was there that he met Yvonne Nelson, who would later become his wife.

“She has been much more than the helpmate God promised me,” Simms stated. “She’s truly been the love of my life.”

They have been married for 38 years and have raised three children: Megan, Tiffany and Max Jr. Having given much thought as to how a pastor and his wife would raise their children, Simms said, “Yvonne and I wanted our children to be honest, hardworking citizens who would love the Lord.”

Even if Simms had not become a minister, he still would certainly be “a people person.”

A Smethport Area School graduate, he enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow athletes. While he lettered in basketball and football and played in the 1979 Don Raabe Big 30 All-Star Classic football game, it was really in track where he found his niche, holding the school records in the intermediate and high hurdles when the distances in these events were measured in yards.

Continuing his track career in college, Simms went on to set a record in the high hurdles, qualifying for the Division Three nationals.

It was during his seven years as a teacher at a Christian school in Smethport that Simms realized his love for coaching. He praised SAHS coaches Rick Woodring, Carl Defilippi, Warren Semmel, Dick Shirey and Hank Reap for their guidance and brought that background with him as a longtime volunteer track coach for the Hubbers.

Contrary to a popular belief, a minister actually has little free time. Pastors are often called to provide encouragement or help to those suffering from illness, hardship or loneliness. They can be found ministering in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons, not to mention funerals and weddings. Additionally, there are home visits when they care for the spiritual and material needs of people even if they’re not members of the pastor’s congregation.

Active in the community, Simms is a member of Sena Kean Manor’s Infectious Council. He also offers prayers at Smethport Area High School’s Academic Awards Banquets and the seasonal sports receptions, which recognize athletes with letters, pins, plaques and trophies. He is a member of the Big 30 Committee. Simms has also served as chaplain for the Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department and Smethport Fire Department.

Simms and his long-time friend, Bill Robertson, a well-known local author from Duke Center, cooperated in writing “Saved to Serve.”

Writing began almost three years ago. Progress with the manuscript was delayed due to the men’s scheduling conflicts, as well as Simms suffering from a mild heart attack (he’s now recovered) and Robertson convalescing from a work-related accident.

“Max wrote some of the stories, and I edited them,” said Robertson, a member of Simms’ congregation. “For others, Max gave me the facts, and I wrote the copy. I also chose the format of the book.”

Simms shared his philosophy of his ministry when he said, “I’m here to serve God, my family and community. I’ve been a servant of Christ for over 30 years, and He taught me that caring for people can soften any heart.”

Copies of “Saved to Serve” are available from Simms, Main Street Mercantile in Bradford and the publisher, BookBaby at www.bookbaby.com