Pastor Terry Kiyoshi Johnson, M.M.C., Th.D. (also known as Pastor Poppie or Elder Poppie), was born in San Francisco, California, and currently resides in the city of Manteca, California.

 

He and Lady Jo Johnson founded Courts of Praise Community Church in Manteca on November 4, 2007, where the church continues to thrive by actively building ministries that share the love of God.

 

Pastor Johnson holds an Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies, a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s in Ministerial Christian Counseling, and completed his Doctorate in Theology in May 2006. He also received his teaching credentials in August 1990 and retired in 2020 from Las Positas College, as an instructor and Program Coordinator.

 

Though his spiritual foundation was nurtured through the prayers of his grandmother, Myrtle Ellis (Perry), and his aunt, Falvie Jean Edmondson—both members of First Metropolitan Church of God in Christ in Oakland, California—it wasn’t until January 1999 that he accepted his call to ministry.

 

He began serving at Greater Maranatha Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent Terence Lee Saffold Sr., who later directed him to the Board of Elders in August 2001. Pastor Johnson graduated in the class of 2001 under the leadership of Bishop J.W. Macklin and became the first ordained Elder at Greater Maranatha Church.

 

Over the years, he has faithfully served in various capacities, including Coordinator of the of Education, YPWW Leader, Marriage Ministry Counselor, President of the Couples Ministry, Singles Ministry Leader, Sunday School Teacher, New Members Orientation Instructor, Finance Board Member, and Executive Board Member. In January 2007, he was released from those previous roles and was installed as the First Administrative Assistant to Pastor Terry Saffold and later became President of the Elders Board at GMC.

 

He previously serves as Dean of Education in the Adjutant Corps under the leadership of Bishop J.W. Macklin, First Assistant Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., and was honorably bestowed the title of Adjutant Chief by Bishop Macklin. Pastor Johnson is also the President and Founder of TJ Ministries, a nonprofit religious organization devoted to the institution and sovereignty of marriage and family.

 

His impactful work has been recognized through several prestigious honors, the NorCal Excellence in Ministry Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. Organization of the Year Award (presented to Courts of Praise Community Church for outstanding community service and leadership), including the Legacy Award from the Black Education Association Los Positas College 

 

He and Lady Jo Johnson are happily married, and are blessed with 8 children and a host of grandchildren.

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