About New Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ
In 1940, under the divine inspiration of God and the leadership of Elder William Smith, Jerusalem Church of God In Christ was founded and established.
The following members were instrumental in helping Elder Smith to establish this great work: Miss'y Estell Youngs, Mother Sarah Dingle, Mother Essie Mae Washington, Mother Ella Perry, Sis Daisy Jenkins, Gerturde Qualls, and Dec. Moses Dingle, all of whom are deceased. Jerusalem is the second Church Of God In Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) established in the Charleston area.
The first church services, which encountered much fasting, praying and laying before God, were held in a mission on Baker Street (Accabee Subdivision), which belonged to Prophet Lee. The Lord blessed and began to send additional members, and the mission was moved to Owens Hall on Meeting Street. In 1941, as God continued to pour out his spirit and provided much wisdom, the members of Jerusalem Church of God In Christ purchased land and built their first church at 2226 Dover Street (Accabee Subdivision).
Pastor Michael Johnson
EIder Michael Johnson, Sr. was born on November 20, 1955 in Goose Creek, South Carolina at the home of his parents, the late Superintendent David and Earline Johnson. He attended Goose Creek High School and shortly thereafter served one tour in the United States Army. In 1977, he enrolled at Trident Technical College and obtained a certificate in welding. Michael retired from The International Longshoremen Association after 20 years of service.
Michael's life was shaped and molded in the principles of God at an early age. His father and two of his uncles were pastors. In 1977, at a fifth Saturday night youth meeting under the ministry of Superintendent Derrick Hutchins, Michael accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and has never looked back. His desire is to live his life in a manner that demonstrates the love of God. He believes that we must not only tell the world that Jesus is the answer, but we must show them in the way we live our lives and the way we treat one another.
Michael spent most of his young adult life in his family's church, Calvary Church Of God In Christ. In 1979, Michael moved to Atlanta, GA seeking employment. However, after three short months, Michael returned home to assist his father in the ministry at Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ.
While growing and maturing in the ministry, he met the lovely, Ms. Shanda Scott, and shortly afterward, they were married and blessed with three beautiful children, Shameika, Michael Jr. and Latanya.
While serving at Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C., Michael believed the calling of God was on his life to preach the gospel.
In 1982, Michael preached his first official sermon. He has served faithfully at Jerusalem under the leadership of his father and pastor, the late Superintendent David Johnson, since 1979. Michael's example, as a young man sold out to God, served to draw other young people to the ministry of Jerusalem. There, he has served in many capacities such as Sunday school superintendent and teacher, YPWW President and teacher, trustee, prayer and bible band teacher, youth president, and assistant pastor, and his gift of helps allowed him to assist in every capacity.
Michael was blessed by God with the gift of vision for building. When the church (Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C.) moved to its present location at 2929 Louise Drive, the name was changed to New Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ. The members' desire was to renovate the existing building, and God gave Michael the vision for how the church should be constructed. Michael, along with the pastor and the brethren, did most of the construction of the building.
While serving under his father's leadership, God imparted many visions and ideas to Michael as to how he could help his father with the development and growth of the ministry. When his father's health began to fail, the mantle and responsibility for the church began to shift, and Michael served as assistant pastor for two years while his father was incapacitated. God granted Michael favor with the congregation, and the church continued in harmony and unity during the illness of the late pastor. The church came together in much fasting, praying, and community outreach, thus God began to add to the church.
Elder Michael Johnson (affectionately called Pastor Mike) is a leader with a servant's heart. His desire is to reach the lost at any cost. He has a unique ministry of his own. He is God's man for such a time as this. He is not caught up in titles or positions, but he just wants to do God's will. He has the vision, desire, anointing, and divine favor to take the ministry to the next level (words spoken to him by his father, former pastor Superintendent David Johnson).
His vision is: "We will begin by evangelizing the streets of Dorchester Waylyn Subdivision focusing on capturing our youth, providing education and training programs that will equip them and provide hope for the future.”
His message is: "Jesus is the only answer to a lost and dying world. The world must see Jesus in us, and the only way they will see Jesus is by our love for one another, which is demonstrated by us serving one another."
His motto is: "This is the church where everybody is somebody and Jesus is the head."
Pastor Michael Johnson is a loving husband, supportive father, and the proud grandfather of six beautiful granddaughters (Dajshia, M'Kaylah, Tionna, Caleigh, Ava and Delaney) and three wonderful grandsons (Brycen, Michael III and Braylen). First Lady Shanda Johnson is the help mate that God has given him to stand by his side to help and support him in every capacity.
First Lady Shanda Johnson is the founder and program coordinator of New Jerusalem’s summer camp, Cornerstone Camp. Established in 2009, the summer camp was designed to reach at-risk youth, providing an affordable avenue for traditional summer camps. Over ten years later, Cornerstone Camp (formerly New Jerusalem Summer Camp) has contributed to the growth and development of many scholars and young professionals.
Although retired, Shanda is as active now as when she led STEM community engagement in her previous career, serving as STEM Outreach Director for the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic. She led and coordinated countless outreach efforts for the Charleston, New Orleans, and Tidewater areas, servicing over 30,000 students in the local school districts. Shanda’s dedication to outreach efforts and her love for children has positively influenced many. Her drive to see others succeed and have bright futures is not determined by the position she holds but by the heart she has.
In addition to her outreach efforts, Shanda is very active in her church at the local and state levels. She is the state president of the Young Women's Christian Council (YWCC) for the Church Of God In Christ in South Carolina. Locally, she serves as president of the Executive Board for the Women’s Department. Shanda is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Recognized for her commitment to service and outreach, Shanda has won numerous awards, including the following:
Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Award
Omega Psi Phi Scroll of Honor for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Development
South Carolina Department of Education Career and Technology Education Award
Meritorious Civilian Service Award
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering STEM Advocate of the Quarter
Naval Supply Center Harrison C. Capers Equal Employment Opportunity Award
Office of Naval Research Admiral Gravely STEM and Diversity Award
State of South Carolina Order of the Silver Crescent (Lifetime Achievement Award)