Staff
John Mark Simmons
Pastor
Pastor John Mark came to Highland Hills in 1990 joining a core group of about 15. He is a native of Oklahoma and has degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University (Bachelors), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Masters) and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (Doctorate of Ministry). Pastor John Mark is a former state champion tennis player, an avid golfer, and enjoys swimming and biking. John Mark and Debbie have been married 21 years. Debbie is an MK (misssionary’s kid) from South Korea and claims North Carolina as her home state. Debbie spent two years as a missionary to Japan and met John Mark at seminary. They have three teenagers – Brooke, Davis, and Reese. The Simmons enjoy eating all things Mexican and homemade burgers, as well as watching sports.
Mark McCutchen
Worship Pastor
Following God’s direction, Mark and his wife Michelle moved to Las Vegas in 2005. He began leading worship here at Highland Hills Baptist Church on November 1, 2009. Prior to coming to Highland Hills, he served at Hope Baptist Church in Vegas, having also previously led in California at Valley Metro Church and West Side Christian Fellowship from 2000 to 2005. He has a Bachelors Degree in Commercial Music, and has served in many churches throughout his life.
Mark was a featured soloist with the Continental Singers’ tour through the U.S., Holland, Canada, and South Africa, where he sang at the Harmony Festival For Peace. He also worked for several years in the music industry in Los Angeles, California. His favorite hobbies include songwriting, sports, video games, and spending time with his wife.
Brian Jenkins
Youth Pastor
Pastor Brian has been in ministry for over 15 years. Moving from Washington state to join Highland Hills in 2011 believing God has called him and his family to serve in Henderson. He is currently enrolled in Liberty University Online and working towards a Bachelor of Science in Religion. Brian and Beth have been married since 1996 and are blessed with two beautiful girls – Kiersten and Kaitlyn. High school sweethearts and best friends, Beth serves alongside Brian in many of the things he does around the church. They enjoy BBQ, parks, swimming,and just doing things together as a family. They all are excited to see what God is going to do in all of us as we obey Him together.
Melissa Winders
Children Ministry Director
Melissa and her family moved here in 2001 and have been attending Highland Hills for the past 8 years. She is a native of Missouri but now loves the beautiful weather here in Southern Nevada. She started serving in the Awana Ministry as a Cubby Leader. After 3 years in that ministry went on to serve as a Preschool Sunday School teacher before taking the role of Children's Ministry Director. Melissa loves the outdoors, taking photos, hiking and playing co-ed softball on the church team! Melissa and Steve have been married 17 years and have 3 beautiful children, Rylie, Jakob and Elise.
Diana Lucas
Connect Groups Director
Diana has been a member of Highland Hills since 1997. She was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, but moved to the Las Vegas valley in 1964 and considers herself a native. Diana has a degree in Workforce Education from UNLV and owns Train & Retain, Inc. She and her husband John have two grown daughters. John and Diana are avid foodies and love to travel.
Cheryl Causey
Ministry Assistant
Cheryl and her family began attending HHBC in 1995. In 2000, she initially served as a volunteer in the office before joining the staff in 2001 as a Ministry Assistant. In 2003 she transitioned for a season back to the home and rejoined the staff in 2006. Cheryl ejoys seeing the restoration Christ's love can bring in people's lives.
Cheryl and her husband, Eddie,(he is fireman in Henderson) have been married 23 years and have 2 adult sons, Jared & Micah, and a teenage daughter, Leah, who is a softball playing fanatic. They enjoy weekends traveling to Leah's softball tournaments and trying out new restaurants.