AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Of the Late

Pastor Johnny W. Johnson, Sr.
(1941-2007)

Wife

Five Sons


Daughter

Minister Johnny W. Johnson, Jr.,
President of ICOG Ministry

Founder and Pastor

Of

The Inspirational Church of God
South Bay, Florida
Est. 1977

Johnny W. Johnson, Sr. was born in Smithville, GA. to the Late, John Wesley and Willie Lue Johnson.  He was the oldest son of six children, two brothers who are deceased and three sisters of whom the eldest is deceased.  He moved to Florida when he was very young.  He attended school in the Glades.  He graduated president of his class from Lake Shore High School in 1960.  He graduated from Roosevelt Junior College in 1962 where he received an AA Degree.  Also in 1962 he married the love of his life, Janie Bowens Johnson.  To this union were born seven children, six sons and one daughter of whom one son is deceased.  They also have eight grandchildren. Johnny worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Belle Glade, FL for 36 years.  He began his career as the first black Letter Carrier, then as the first black Supervisor, and lastly, the first black Postmaster in the City of Belle Glade, FL.  He was always involved in community service and work in order to help others.   

Life as a Pastor

Pastor Johnson accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age.  His fellowship began with The Triumph Church of the Kingdom of God, Alpha and Omega, and the Christ Church of Universal Love.  In 1977, with anointing and appointing of God, The Inspirational Church of God was birthed through Pastor Johnson, He served as founder, pastor, and overseer until the book of life was closed for him on January 13, 2007.  Serving God was always first in his life.  It was his passion and his priority.  Pastor Johnson’s mission was always reaching out to others compassionately.  His vision and work for The Inspirational Church of God always clear to him.  Every decision he made was orchestrated and approved by God.  The way that he showed love was so Christ-like.  He always wanted the best for his congregation.  He always spoke spiritual truths that inspired us to go forth and seek to attain higher spiritual goals in life.  Pastor Johnson had a profound spiritual affect on everyone that he came in contact with.  He was selfless serving in a job that was well done.  He was resourceful, responsible and relentless in making learning about Jesus fun.  He always took the time to teach God’s love for us.

Pastor Johnson taught us how to move from comfortable church membership to committed Christian discipleship.  He taught us not only to be near God’s will, but to also be in God’s will...not just aim, but also to achieve...and not just dream, but also do.  Another thing that was so unique about Pastor Johnson is that his messages were not for those who just wanted to dance, shout, holler, get a spiritual hit or a spiritual high and then go back home the same way you came.  His messages were not meant to be quick fixes, but to serve as a template for a life-long relationship with God.

Many of you may remember his well-known sayings:

■“I’m H.A.P.P.Y!”
■“I love you from the top of my heart; to the bottom of my heart; from the front of my heart; to the back of my heart”
■“Keep your hand in the hand of the Man, because He has a grip that won’t slip”
■“Show me whatcha’ workin’ wit”
■“Preparation before Presentation”
■“Love You”
■“You Be Blessed” 

Favorite Scripture:  Isaiah 40:31

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,

And not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Past Organizations and Committees:

■Member and chairperson of the Palm Bch. County Migrant Health Centers, Inc. in Belle Glade  

■Member and chairperson of the East Coast Migrant Projects Policy Board in Washington, D.C.  

■Member and chairperson of the Palm Bch. County Health Dept. Migrant Policy Board  

■Member of the Palm Bch. County Area Wide Health Planning Council

■Member of the Nat’l Migrant Health Advisory Committee Dept. of Health Education & Welfare in Washington, D.C. 

■Member and chairperson of the Glades Central Community High School Parent Teacher Advisory Board

■Chairperson of the Glades Positive Alternative Partnership Corporation 

■Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Bch. County, Glades Branch 

■Member of West Technical Education Center Advisory Board

■Chairperson of Glades Health Survey Board 

■Chairperson of the Glades Positive Alternative Program

■Chairperson of West Technical Education Center Advisory Council

■Chairperson of the Glades Health Initiative Board

Awards and Achievements:

■Palm Bch. County School Board in 1986 in recognition of time, talent, and support given to Palm Bch.

  County Students

■Outstanding Achievement Award from Glades Central Community High School in 1982

■Community Leader Award from Glades Central Community High School in 1990

■Distinguished Community Service Award in 1991by the Black Businessman Association. 

Pastor Johnny W. Johnson went on to be with the Lord on January 13, 2007. 

He will truly be missed...But his Legacy will continue on!

Click Here to View Video Tribute to Pastor Johnson