Reverend James Johnson, Jr. is a preacher, educator, and accomplished Gospel music artist. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he is the son of Pastor James Johnson, Sr. and Lady Barbara Johnson. Reverend Johnson was reared in the church and accepted the Lord at an early age. For the past three years, he has served as Pastor of Worship and Arts at First Sterling Church in Loudoun County, Virginia, where he focus on a range of responsibilities in ministry to include music, worship, media, teaching, and preaching. Simultaneously, Reverend Johnson serves as the Director of Choral Studies at both Armstrong High School and John Marshall High School in Richmond Public Schools.
Reverend Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia State University, a Master of Arts in Music Business from Berklee College of Music, a Master of Business Administration from Boston University, and a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, with an expected graduation of May 2028.
As a Gospel songwriter and artist, Reverend Johnson has earned nominations for both Stellar and Grammy Awards. He has shared the stage with renowned artists including Tyler Perry, Tye Tribbett, the late Troy Sneed, Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Pastor John P. Kee, and many others.
In 2024, James published his first book, “A Soulful Shepherd: Music Ministry, What Made Me, Broke Me, Then Blessed Me,” chronicling his more than 20 years of ministry journey.
James greatest joy is being married to the Cathleen Johnson. Together they have been blessed with five children: James III, Ayanna, Jada, Malaya, and Joseph.
Reverend Johnson’s favorite scripture is Deuteronomy 28:2 “And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee…”