Mark Louis Johnson (MJ)

Mark Louis Johnson is a third generation minister (since 1993) and began writing lyrics and arranging music in 1988 for the youth choir at his father’s church in Ohio. After graduating from the Elyria High school (Elyria, OH) in 1990, he entered the Washington and Jefferson College (Washington PA) where he played piano and directed a traveling college gospel choir known as: V.I.P (Voices of inspirational Praise). Graduation (in 1994) led to employment at the Ohio State Treasury Department where Mark’s directing gifts were used to help orchestrate one of the largest choirs in Ohio known as the “State of Praise” gospel choir. A professional basketball career in Europe caused him to part ways from the choir, but he performed as a guest in a church at Augsburg, Germany. In 2001 Mark entered Princeton Theological Seminary and continued to write lyrics and music for Princeton Seminary Gospel Choir. In the summer of 2003 Mark purchased his first guitar (even though he didn’t know how to play the instrument). Believing it was the perfect instrument for his meditation, it turned out to be that and more. “Purpose: The Seed Project” is an act of obedience. This project shares Mark’s thoughts, concerns, highs, lows, praise, and adoration for God. It addresses many life issues and situations of the everyday person. Marks prayer is that this project will minister to the hearts and minds of believers, and turn nonbelievers to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Mark currently serves as the Youth Pastor and Praise and Worship Leader at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, NJ.