Pastor Johnnie Simpson was born in Freeport, IL, raised in Indianapolis, IN, and moved to Texas to attend Prairie View A&M. While at PVAMU, Pastor Simpson earned a bachelor’s in business management; he then earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a master’s in divinity from Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology. Pastor Simpson is the Senior Pastor of St. Mary's UMC and Riverside UMC, both in Houston, TX.

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Before becoming a pastor, Pastor Simpson worked as an AV/IT field service engineer, assisting with designing, installing, and supporting technology systems. Pastor Johnnie is still involved in technology even though he is a pastor at a church.

 

Pastor Simpson is also a Prince Hall Mason, a member of the National Black MBA Association, a life member of the NAACP, serves on the Board of Directors for Mainland Community Partnership, is Treasurer of the Galveston County Long Term Recovery Group, President of the Dickinson Management District, Dickinson City Council, Board Member of the Houston Galveston Area Council, and a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

 

Pastor Simpson is married to Lataya Ballard Simpson, also a pastor in the UMC, Pastor Johnnie and Lataya have three children.