Site Menu

Pastor

Pastor Marc Johnson

Pastor Marc Johnson is more than a name—he is a living testament to faith, service, legacy, and community. A proud native of Albany, New York, Marc stands firmly rooted in a rich, four-generation lineage of ministry, carrying forward a spiritual inheritance that continues to uplift and transform lives.

For over 47 years, he has been an ordained minister. He has pastored three different congregations and brings more than 25 years of pastoral experience to his leadership. His calling is not merely to preach—it is to shepherd, to serve, and to empower others to live out their God-given purpose.

Ministry Journey

He was born and raised in Albany, NY, where he became a life-long member of Greater St. Johns COGIC. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was filled with the Holy Ghost at the age of 13. He was then called to preached and was licensed as a minister at the age of 16. And subsequently, he was ordained as an Elder at the age of 21, by Bishop LeRoy Anderson, Jurisdictional Prelate of Western NY #1. He served at his local church in as many capacities as possible until he was appointed to his pastorialship in Binghamton, NY, at the age of 27.

While living in Binghamton, NY, Pastor Marc served as the Pastor of Mt. Sinai COGIC (formerly known as Mt. Nebo COGIC). During that period he was also appointed as the District Superintendent of the Southern Tier District in the WNY #1 COGIC Jurisdiction. At that time, he was the youngest appointed Pastor and the youngest District Superintendent of the WNY #1 COGIC Jurisdiction.

His leadership extended further as he served as the very first National Episcopal Adjutant of the former Jurisdictional Prelate (General Board Member—Bishop LeRoy Anderson). Additionally, he was appointed State President of the Evangelist Department, serving alongside his beloved grandfather, Supt. John "Jack" Johnson, for more than five years.

In 2000, Pastor Marc moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he founded and pastored St. Johns Love Covenant Ministries (COGIC). In 2013, he expanded this work back to Albany, NY. Simultaneously, he poured himself into his home church (Greater St. Johns COGIC) as Administrator, Executive Pastor, and later as Assistant Pastor alongside his father and mentor.

On July 30th, 2026, upon the transition of his beloved Father, Mentor, and Best Friend, Pastor Marc was appointed Senior Pastor of Greater St. Johns COGIC by the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., Bishop J. Drew Sheard.

Community Leadership

But Marc's ministry doesn't stop at the pulpit—it lives and breathes in the community. A bridge-builder and servant leader, he has dedicated himself to empowering others through both faith and action. His community affiliations span a broad spectrum of organizations including:

City Police Review Board (Albany Mayor Appointment member), Capital District Urban League (Board Member), Albany African American Clergy United for Empowerment (member), the One Hundred Black Men of Albany (member), and the NAACP (member). He is also a member and associate of a plethora of city and regionally-wide groups and organizations.

Currently employed as a Community Relations Director for a NYS Senator, Pastor Marc extends his impact across government, community development, and civic engagement. He is committed to being a voice for the voiceless and an advocate for systemic change.

Education & Professional Excellence

Marc embodies what it means to lead with purpose and compassion. His commitment to growth and excellence is evident in his educational journey. He earned degrees and certifications from United Christian College in Greensboro, North Carolina, a Pastoral Counseling certification from Union Theological Seminary in Manhattan, and a Paralegal degree from the Westchester School in Albany. Marc has continuously equipped himself to better serve others—spiritually, emotionally, and professionally.

As a Business Consultant Partner at Bentley Miller Consulting, Inc., Marc extends his impact even further. He specializes in strengthening nonprofits, churches, and small businesses—helping them thrive through leadership development, team building, strategic marketing, grant writing, and diversity training. His work is not just about building organizations—it's about building people.

His diverse professional background spans city and state government, educational institutions, corrections, youth services, community boards, and the hospitality industry. This wide-ranging experience has shaped his uniquely balanced perspective—one grounded in understanding, wisdom, and real-world insight.

Heart & Vision

Yet beyond the titles and accomplishments, Pastor Marc Johnson is, at his core, a family man and a friend. A father, a son, a brother, and a trusted confidant to many, he leads with authenticity, humility, and heart. He is known for being well-rounded, deeply grounded, and unwavering in his belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and love.

In every space he enters, Marc doesn't just participate—he uplifts, empowers, and transforms. His life's work is a vibrant reflection of faith in action, leadership with integrity, and a lifelong commitment to God, Family, Ministry, and his community.

Sign up for the latest news and updates