Rev. Dr. Steven D. Johnson II
The naked reality and unvarnished truth is that Steven Johnson is a living testament to God’s unconditional love, unmerited grace, tender mercies and miracle-working power. Although born and raised in the church and a preacher’s kid, he never thought, planned nor wanted to be engaged in any aspect of ministry. A below-average student in high school, mired in mediocrity and surrounded by negative social influences, it seemed that his options were limited to becoming an aspirating rap artist or a washed-up football player.
In a desperate move of faith, he applied to Morehouse College in 1999, uncertain as to what the response would be. Morehouse accepted him on academic probation, with the condition that he maintain a 2.0 GPA during his freshman year, or risk being dropped from the school altogether. A close call it was, as he had exactly a 2.0 GPA his first semester.
In a mighty move of God, at Morehouse College, Dr. Johnson “came to himself.” He graduated with honors and distinction from Morehouse in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Economics. Following completion of his undergraduate studies, he attended seminary at Duke University receiving the Master's of Divinity degree in 2007 with a concentration in Homiletics (preaching) and Pastoral Care. Desiring to expand and deepen his educational and professional life, in 2016, he earned his Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Redlands with a focus in Finance. In May 2021, he completed doctoral studies at Duke University, earning the Doctor of Ministry degree. His project was entitled: “A Strange Land: Christian Discourse and Behavior in Times of Political and Cultural Polarization.”
While a student at Morehouse College, Dr. Johnson received his call to ministry at the age of nineteen. Since then, Dr. Johnson, or "Dr. J," as he's affectionately called, has been on a quest to meaningfully impact and expand the Kingdom of God, with biblically and theologically sound proclamation, outreach initiatives, civic engagement and community and economic development. Having accumulated over 15 years of pastoral ministry, Dr. Johnson has sought to engage and empower God's people, teaching and preaching the life-giving, hope-filled, and redemptive power and work of Jesus Christ. Dr. Johnson is also highly experienced in secular arenas, having accumulated years of financial expertise in finance and real estate development with a focus on multifamily development projects.
Dr. Johnson has received a plethora of awards and recognition for his academic achievements, leadership, and community service, including being named a Benjamin Elijah Mays Scholar, an Otis Moss Jr.’s Oratorical Contest Winner, and an E.B. Williams Honor Recipient. He also received the prestigious Martin Luther King’s Jr. Scholarship and the legendary Jameson Jones Preaching Award from Duke University. He has served at churches as far and wide as Southern California, Johannesburg, South Africa, North Carolina, and conducted missionary work in Peru, South America. He is an ordained minister with all rights, privileges and responsibilities and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Rev. Johnson is highly favored and blessed with a lovely wife, Jennifer Johnson. Together, they are the proud parents of two gorgeous daughters, Saraiya Elise and Jordynn Rae, and a handsome son, Steven Dewayne Johnson III. They live in Houston, Texas.