MEET OUR STAFF


  • Justin Haigler

    Lead Pastor

    justin@thesimplechurch.tv

    Justin was born and raised in the Shreveport/Bossier community. He graduated from Southwood High School and then LSU-S.  Justin has spent nearly his entire life working and serving in the Shreveport/Bossier community.  From sacking groceries at Kroger in Shreveport in the 80’s to selling skateboards and bikinis in the 90’s at Gadzooks in Bossier City. He was also known for spending many nights singing in local night clubs and chasing his rock n’ roll dreams in Nashville, TN.  


    Justin was married to his beautiful wife, Angie, in 1998, and they have 3 wonderful kids: Hannah, Ian and Emma. Other than his family, perhaps his greatest accomplishment was launching The Simple Church in 2007 and shortly after, opening the Do Good store in 2012.  Justin’s heart has been to help solve problems in this community and around the world.  Some of his favorite places to solve problems and do good have included Rwanda, Honduras, Juarez, and Haiti. His favorite quote is from Bono, the lead singer of the rock band U2, “As a rock star, I have two instincts, I want to have fun, and I want to change the world. I have a chance to do both.”  

  • John Haigler

    Executive Pastor

    john@thesimplechurch.tv

    John grew up in South Shreveport, graduated from Caddo Magnet and dabbled in college at LSUS and BPCC.


    His love of Tasty Bakery cakes meant frequent trips to Brookshire’s and that is where he met his beautiful wife Theresa. They have been married 27 years and are proud parents of two awesome daughters Lauren and Ashley.


    John has a love of anything you can race and has always used his favorite number “17” when he competes. He knew Theresa was his wife-to-be when he went to watch her play softball and discovered the number “17” on her jersey.  


    After working in the corporate world for 13 years John’s ministry career began in 1996. He joined The Simple Church Team in 2009 as the Executive Pastor and loves serving alongside the awesome team of staff and volunteers that make the dream possible. 


  • Chip Mitchell

    Productions Pastor

    chip@thesimplechurch.tv

    Chip grew up in Bossier City, graduating from Airline High School. He and his wife, Julie, began dating in 1995 and married in April 2001. Chip received his Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Mass Communications from LSU-S. Chip and Julie have 2 children, Allie & Isaac.


    He has worked with computers, media equipment, and video editing since he was a teenager. He also worked in student ministry for 10 years, (5 years as a high school pastor). He was a part of the initial leadership team that launched The Simple Church in 2007. He serves as the producer of the worship services, coordinating all of the video, sound, and production elements.


    He loves Mac computers and is a superhero fan, known lovingly around the office as Batman! He also loves music, especially Bryan Adams and U2. His true love is for his family. Spending time with them is his favorite thing to do. He has passed his love of superheroes on to his daughter, who thinks she’s Wonder Woman, so watch out!!! 


  • Bryan Reed

    Care Pastor

    bryan@thesimplechurch.tv

    Bryan grew up in Tyler, TX and moved to Bossier City in 1995 following time in Tennessee, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. Bryan graduated from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX and MABTS in Memphis, TN. He is dad to Clara, Thomas, Molly and Caroline.


    Bryan enjoys seeing people find their passion and purpose in life through knowing God and serving others.


    Bryan enjoys hanging with family and friends, golf, tennis, Dallas Cowboys, and rooting for the University of Tennessee Volunteers! 

  • Robyn Horton

    Local & Global Good Pastor

    robyn@thesimplechurch.tv

    Robyn has called 6 states home while growing up, but has now has lived in the Shreveport/Bossier area for 25 years. She graduated with a marketing degree from Milligan College and pursued sports marketing where she met her husband, Shawn. Her background includes working in children’s ministry and serving churches across the country in global missions with The 410 Bridge.  Her passion is to see people get a glimpse of the the world God created, which may be through global trips or serving those in need in our own backyard.  Regardless, her desire is to defend the dignity, purpose and freedom of those around the globe! 


    Robyn has been married to Shawn, a Bossier City firefighter, for 25 years.  Together they have 3 children, Cassidy, Carly and Jack. They love spending their time traveling, watching baseball, and binge watching Netflix.


    John 10:10 is her favorite verse and when she grows up she wants to be just like Bob Goff.  Her favorite book is written by Bob, “Love Does”. 

  • Christy Aguillard

    Preschool & Children's Pastor

    christy@thesimplechurch.tv

    Christy grew up in the Shreveport/Bossier area and went to North Caddo Magnet High School and then attended LA Tech (Go Dawgs) and graduated in 1998. She then went to South Western Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Arts in Christian Education in 2001.


    She has served in preschool/children’s ministry for 14 years. She loves preschoolers and children  and has a passion to be an encouragement and a resource for families. She believes that thru FUN Bible Stories, crafts and games, kids can learn that God made them, Jesus loves them and wants to be their friend, and that we can trust God no matter what!


    When Christy met David (aka Dave), she told her friend that she would marry him one day and she did, 4 years later. They have two beautiful girls, Taylor and Hilary. Together they love to go to Six Flags and other amusement parks and ride thrill rides.

  • Evan Semanco

    Online Pastor

    evan@thesimplechurch.tv

    Evan moved to Bossier City in 1998, and is a product of Shreveport/Bossier schools, graduating from Airline High School and then LSU-S.  He was married in May 2010 to his best friend, Mallory, and has 3 children, Norah, Eliza & Willa.  He has served in student ministry in some shape or form since he was a freshman in high school, and he loves working with teenagers because he gets a chance to help lead the next generation.


    Outside of church work he loves Dallas sports, especially the Rangers, fantasy baseball and football, and  Ultimate Frisbee.  


  • Blake Lawson

    Middle School Pastor

    blake@thesimplechurch.tv

    Blake moved to Bossier City from Kaneohe, Hawaii in 2019. Coming from a constantly moving military family, Blake got to experience a lot of different churches growing up. It wasn’t until he and his family were stationed in Hawaii that he truly discovered his passion for middle school ministry. Since then, Blake has graduated high school and has earned his Associates degree from Bossier Parish Community College. He will complete his college education at LSU-S where he will major in Business Administration.


    In his free time, Blake enjoys traveling, Marvel movies, the UFC, and playing with his dog, Noodle.

  • Jonah Boaz

    High School Pastor

    jonah@thesimplechurch.tv

    Jonah was born and raised in Texas. He attended East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX to study Youth Ministry where he met the love of his life Laura. He is currently working on his Masters in Christian Ministry.

    Jonah has a heart for people and wanting them to experience the love of God. He is passionate to work with High Schoolers and see their lives changed through Jesus. 


    Jonah loves Texas but is excited to be in Shreveport/Bossier City for this next adventure. He values time with family and loves going on walks with his wife, Laura, daughter, Becca, and their Golden Retriever Marshall.


    Jonah’s favorite verse is 1 Timothy 4:12 which encourages students to live above the expectations of those around them and to set examples for others.

  • Caleb Kwok

    Creative Producer

    caleb@thesimplechurch.tv

    Born and raised in Hong Kong until the age of 15, when Caleb left his family to continue his education in Lake Jackson, Texas. He graduated from Brazosport Christian School and then went on to Jacksonville College for his Associate degree. Caleb finished his college career at East Texas Baptist University with a Bachelor Degree in Mass Communication.


    Caleb found his passion during a summer of his high school career as a graphic designer. He then continue to advance himself to become a professional photographer and videographer within the next several years. 


    Caleb's creative principle is also SIMPLE - "Create, Don't Hate."


  • Amber McDonnold

    Life Group Coordinator

    amber@thesimplechurch.tv

    Amber grew up in North Shreveport.  She graduated from THCA and then LSU-S with a degree in Elementary Education.  After teaching several years in Bossier Parish, Amber left Louisiana for Dallas, TX.  There she married and fulfilled every dream she ever had by becoming a mom to two beautiful daughters, Georgia and Millie.   


    Through the pains of divorce, God showed himself more than faithful by bringing Amber and her children back HOME to Louisiana and HOME to the Simple Church.  As a friend of Justin and many on staff here at Simple, it was an easy “yes” when the opportunity to help with Life Groups presented itself.  Being an educator, having a love for people and deeply desiring to come back to her roots in the community of Shreveport/Bossier makes Amber and the role of Life Group Coordinator the perfect fit.  


    Her favorite bible story is found in Exodus 14.  The Lord made a way for his people to flee from trouble by parting the Red Sea as their way of escape.  The Israelites were able to walk through on DRY GROUND the Bible says.  What a miracle!!   


    In her free time, Amber enjoys being with her great big Louisiana family!  She loves to cook and loves to watch LSU football, or any football for that matter.  Boat rides with her parents and children and watching the sun set in her swing are the simple pleasures she loves most!!   

  • Christi Rhodes

    Administrative Assistant/Finance

    christi@thesimplechurch.tv

    Christi grew up in Bossier City. She graduated from Airline High School. Christi met Jodie right after high school and they married in 2001. 

    They have children, Jackson and Bella, and dog, Rocky.

     

    She loves hanging out with her kids, going to the movies, LSU football, and going on vacation.  She dreams of going to England and loves British literature and movies.  Christi has been a part of the worship team since September 2007 and loves to sing at church and out with friends.

  • Mallory Semanco

    Volunteer Coordinator

    mallory@thesimplechurch.tv


    Mallory is Shreveport/Bossier born and raised, graduating from C.E. Byrd High School then Ouachita Baptist University. Mallory is married to Evan and has 3 girls, Norah, Eliza & Willa. Mallory is passionate about helping people find a way to volunteer and become a part of what God is doing through The Simple Church.


    When she's not working or mom-ing so hard, she loves a Target run, good  coffee, and the Texas Rangers.


  • Julie Mitchell

    Administrative Assistant

    julie@thesimplechurch.tv

    Julie grew up in Bossier City. She graduated from Parkway High School and then from Louisiana Tech with a degree in Family Studies.  Chip & Julie married in 2001 and have 2 children, Allie & Isaac.


    Julie loves details and has been helping behind the scenes at The Simple Church from the beginning. She also helps coordinate one of the toddler rooms on Sundays.


    She loves movie nights on the couch with her family and eating chocolate every day!!!