Leadership

Dr. James Johnson-Hill is the founder and lead pastor of Agape Church. Pastor James has roots in Jones County, Mississippi. Prior to moving to Laurel, Pastor James served as the Associate Pastor for 13 years at Agape Church in San Luis Obispo, CA. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, James completed his Doctorate of Ministry in July of 2000. Pastor James has a genuine love for people and is passionate to see the church look like heaven… people of every race, every culture, every age and every background worshiping God, loving God, loving one another and living life together! As pastor and teacher, Pastor James’ ministry focuses on building the local church, reaching people with the gospel, and developing passionate followers of Christ. His practical, and often humorous presentation inspires believers and reaches the unchurched.

Jeff and Kim serve as the Campus Pastors for our Laurel Campus. Before coming to Agape in 2018, they led as Student Pastors at Christ's Church for six years and have proven to exhibit spiritual maturity and leadership skills such as both an intercessor and a leader. Jeff is the owner of Guined Construction and Kim runs Missing Peace Ministry. They have been married for 14 years and have three children: Joseph, Grayson, and Londyn. They both have a passion to see people come to Jesus as well as the Capital 'C' Church grow in unity with each other. 

Hagen moved to Laurel and began his time at Agape in 2019 and is a graduate of Highlands College. He handles the Administrative duties of the church and works as part of the finance team to ensure accounting records and church database records present an accurate and timely financial picture of the church. He is also an integral part of our Creative Team - helping assist with our social media as well as keeping the church up-to-date through photos and weekly video announcements.

Russell and Julie have been attending Agape since 2012 and serve as our agapeKIDS Directors. Russell has worked for C Spire for 20 years and is currently the Vice President of Select Sales in Mississippi, and Julie spent 10 years teaching 3rd Grade and Special Education at South Jones Elementary School. They have been married for 8 years and have three children: Grayson, Conrad and Jovie. They also both have a heart to see the kids of this next generation grow closer in their walk with Christ and to form life-giving community along the way. 

Josh has been attending Agape since 2015 and is a recent graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. He is passionate about students having a deep relationship with Jesus and has first-hand experience with Agape Students having been an intern with ASM for about four years. Josh also serves in a leadership role as one of our Worship Arts Directors and is currently teaching 11th grade history at Northeast Jones.

Gabe has been attending Agape since 2015 and serves as one of our Worship Arts Directors. He, along with Josh, help lead our people in passionate worship services. Gabe is also currently employed at Forrest General Hospital as an Epic Analyst.