Billy R. Johnson is a native of Birmingham, AL. After attending Jacksonville State University, where he pursued a degree in music, he transferred to Beulah Heights Bible College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Education. In 2003, he fulfilled the course requirements for a Master of Christian Education and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, GA, one year later. He is currently completing a doctoral program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he will earn a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degree in Pastoral Theology in Practice.

In October 1991, Pastor Johnson founded New Covenant Christian Ministries, with his primary goal being to transform all people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Committed to developing and maintaining a standard of excellence in Christian service, he desires that people experience a genuine manifestation of God’s presence in worship and teaching services, as well as in every aspect of their daily lives. His service to the local church is further expressed in his dedication to the Network of Local Churches in Columbus, Ohio, under the leadership of Bishop LaFayette Scales, where he serves on the advisory board, and with the Covenant Leaders Network, which he established in 2023.

As affectionately known, Pastor Bill is a gifted and skilled musician and singer whose ability to bridge contemporary and traditional worship styles allowed him to serve as Dean of Chapel at Luther Rice University and Beulah Heights University for many years. He now concentrates on blending his extensive experience as a music minister with his call to the pastorate, and has formed The Church Musician, a company designed to help churches and ministries identify, train, and develop musicians, worship leaders, and music departments.

Pastor Bill has felt a responsibility to use the art of media to reach beyond the walls of the local church. In 1998, he began broadcasting New Covenant’s television program, The Voice of Covenant, in his local viewing area. The Voice of Covenant is now available to an international audience using live streaming and other social media outlets.

This loving and Christ-like man shares his life and ministry with his wife, Dr. D’Ann V. Johnson. They have one adult son and a beloved daughter-in-law. Whether teaching, preaching, ministering in music, moving among his congregation, or spending time with his family, it is easy to sense the presence of the Lord in his ministry and in his life.