Calvary's Leaders
Josh Simpson
What do you do at Calvary?
I am the Junior High Pastor and the Student Ministries Pastor, so I oversee the High School and College Ministry as well.
How did you come to Calvary and how long have you been here?
I grew up attending Calvary Church. I had a difficult time getting plugged-in, but I made some solid connections in high school. I have been working in the Jr. High Group at Calvary since I graduated high school in 1998. I began working in a full-time position at Calvary in 2002.
What is your educational background and training?
I attended Biola University, where I graduated with a degree in Communications, and a double minor in Bible and Christian Education. I also attended Talbot Seminary and graduated with my Masters degree in Christian Education. I have been working in the Jr. High Group at Calvary since I graduated high school in 1998. I began working in a full-time position at Calvary in 2002.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in at St. Joseph's Hospital in 1979. I was raised in Villa Park and attended local public schools. My family attended Calvary Church since I was four or five. Currently I live in Tustin with my brother Luke.
Tell us about your family...
I come from a family of six. My parents are Jim and Susie Simpson, who retired and moved to Newport Beach. My older sister Heather is married with three kids. My older brother Jimmy is a missionary through Calvary and is currently attending school to further his education. My younger brother Luke is my roommate and also attends Calvary Church. I am currently single.
Favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition happens during the Christmas season. Every Christmas Eve my family and I go out to eat Chinese food after the candle light service at church. It is delicious and easy to clean up!
What is your favorite memory from your time at Calvary Church?
I will never forget when Pastor Jeff Biddle asked my friend Shane and I to join him on a pre-trip for high school Mission Mexico trip. Jeff, Shane, and I were able to spend hours talking in the old burgundy church van as we traveled to and from Mexico.
Who have been the biggest spiritual influencers in your life?
There are a number of people who have impacted my faith development. My parents helped set the foundations of my faith. Jeff Biddle greatly impacted my relationship with Christ as my High School Pastor. Pastor Matt Hsieh became a spiritual mentor when I began serving in Jr. High Ministry at Calvary Church. Currently I am meeting with Jeff Biddle again on a regular basis.
Favorite place you’ve been in the world and where do you want to go next?
I had the chance to visit Italy and I loved it! For my next trip I would like to visit someplace tropical, where I can relax on the beach and enjoy the sea. A vacation needs to be a place where I can rest and be refreshed. I think I want to visit Greece sometime in the near future.
When I can't be found at Calvary, I can be found...
at Starbucks or Ikea. It has been said that I single-handedly keep Starbucks in business. Many baristas know my drink before I even order at the register. I also love walking through Ikea. I often refer to it as the happiest place on earth.
Hidden Talent?
I am very interested in art and design. I love to doodle and allow my creative juices flow. I think I also have an eye for interior design...come by and check out my office sometime.
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years?
Cell phone texting is the greatest invention! I am not sure how I lived without it.
On what reality show would you most want to be a contestant?
I am not too sure that I would want a camera crew following me around filming my life. I guess if I had to pick a show I would pick Top Design or The Bachelor. Haha.