Curriculum Vitae

Date of Birth
May 12, 1959

Citizenship
USA

Marital Status
Married Cristie Jo Huf in 1979, DMin, Acadia University-Acadia Divinity College (2012)

Children
Danielle Newsome, 1979, BS in Religion, Liberty University (2002)
Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, 1981, Ph.D. in New Testament Studies, Middlesex University/Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (2013)
Jenilee Mullikin, 1985, BS in Religion: Biblical and Theological Studies, Liberty University (2016)

Jerry is passionate about training Christian leaders and helping them enhance their communication of the Gospel. He is also known as an effective communicator himself and demonstrates skill and knowledge on a variety of topics. Jerry has the spiritual gifts of faith, leadership, evangelism, teaching, and discernment. An extension of his multidecade career is evidenced in his ability to assist leaders in national ministries to scale and develop a strategic plan to go to the next level. Jerry has widespread media experience, having appeared on scores of TV shows, and produced documentaries for multiple media entities.

DMin, Acadia University-Acadia Divinity College:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada (2012)
Thesis: “An Exploration of Rates and Causes of Attrition Among Protestant Evangelical Clergy in the United States” http://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:234

Click here for further reading regarding my DMin education

MDiv, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary:
Kansas City, MO (2009), Christian Education Awarded with Highest Honors

BA, Midwestern Baptist College:
Kansas City, MO (2007), Biblical Studies Awarded with Highest Honors

HonDD, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary:
Lynchburg, VA (1997)

Motivational, secular and Christian speaker to educational, corporate, governmental, not-for-profit, and religious organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Jerry delivered the Life School Assembly presentation to over 3,000,000 students in over 2,500 public schools throughout the United States and Canada.

Internationally acclaimed author of 14 books with more than 500,000 copies in circulation worldwide, one million sermons in circulation around the globe, and 12 dynamic video productions.

Nominated and selected by world Christian leaders to serve on the Board of Church Growth International in 2005 at the Yoido Full Gospel Church (480,000 members) in Seoul, South Korea. CGI assisted in the development of Christian leadership in ministry and churches on a global scale.

Personal strengths include high energy, results-oriented, persistence in pursuit of goals, and a resourceful, proactive approach to conquering complex challenges.

An effective fundraiser, culture trend expert, and communicator, Jerry is a versatile, dynamic, and frequently requested speaker, author, and media personality with a strong stage presence and an unforgettable and convincing style that motivates and inspires audiences of all ages.

Highly credible with over 40 years of experience, Jerry confronts sensitive and vital issues that face today’s audiences in a manner that makes a profound impact.

Vice President, Department of Innovation & Strategic Marketing
Professor, Department of Theology
Houston Christian University: October 2014 – 2024

Co-Executive Producer of “The Power and Influence of Christian Strong” ™
June 2013 – Present

Managing Partner
I.G. Transmedia, LLC
2015 - Present 

Director
Intentional God, Inc. (501-C-3)
2015 - Present 

TV Host & Documentarian, Crossroads Christian Communications
Toronto, Canada: May 2012 – February 2014

Church Planter & Pastor
Overland Park, Kansas: September 1996 – September 2011

Founder of Jerry Johnston Ministries Association
Evangelist 1979 – 1996

Vice President, HCU Department of Innovation & Strategic Marketing

• Led the communications team at HCU (edu) to raise the University’s visibility and recruitment to a national level. Restructured the communication division with a 21^st-century digital strategy.
• As Editor of The Pillars magazine, created the theme and concept for 21 magazines.
• Collaborated in the design and creation of new digital income revenue stream for HCU. Recruited consultant Dr. Ron Godwin (former Liberty University Provost) and participated in the HCU Online Task Force. Collaborated in the design of an Online Business Plan for HCU, targeting to enroll 10,000 online HCU students. Integrally involved with the HCU Online Task Force, Chaired Fundraising Team and raised $5 million in designated monies to launch HCU Online’s expansion.

The Christian Thinkers Society

• Designed the launch and execution of The Christian Thinkers Society, Inc. (christianthinkers.com), which features the apologetics ministry of Dr. Jeremiah Johnston and its international publishing, conference, partnerships, certificate program(s), and global strategy. The mission of the Christian Thinkers Society is to teach Christians to become thinkers and thinkers to become Christians.
• Assisted in the publishing partnership of author Dr. Jeremiah Johnston with LifeWay Christian Publishing and in the creation of a Bible study kit entitled, “Unanswered.” Also facilitated the marketing plan for “Unimaginable” with Bethany House Publishers.
• Set up both national and international Christian Thinkers Society conferences, which feature Dr. Jeremiah Johnston translating profound apologetic truth into laypeople’s language to strengthen the local church.

TV Host & Documentarian, Crossroads Christian Communications

• Served as an independent contractor and host of “100 Huntley Street” TV show based in Toronto, which aired daily on the Global Television network with one million weekly viewers. Interviewed guests such as Rick Warren, Dr. David Jeremiah, Dr. John Hagee, Philip Yancey, quarterback Jim Kelly, and many other international Christian leaders.
• Directed multiple television crews in filming five documentary television specials that aired on various television networks globally and were distributed to thousands of churches and schools. Interviewed leading experts and numerous people impacted by multiple critical issues across North America.
• As a TV host, Dr. Jerry Johnston set fundraising records for Crossroads Christian Communications (crossroads.ca) and led their TV telethons and recruitment of monthly donor support. Johnston designed and wrote two important books, “Why They Die: Curing the Death Wish in Our Kids,” and “Christian & Demons” (Crossroads Publishing). He produced six TV documentaries, including, “Inside Teenage Suicide,” “Battling the Darkness,” and “The Power of Media: The Sexualization of our Youth.” These programs supported the success of the telethons in new monthly engagement and large-scale donor cultivation and support.

Church Planter & Pastor of First Family Church

• Planted an innovative, biblical church in his hometown of Overland Park, Kansas. It began with 500 people on the first Sunday and grew to 4,200 members in 11 years. Johnston raised $59 million in 11 years and built a 140,000-square-feet campus on 51 acres.
• Johnston championed the Kansas Marriage Amendment at the request of Pastor Joe Wright of Central Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas, and incurred the retaliation of repeated attacks by the Kansas City Star, which dispatched a full-time investigative journalist on him, his family, and printed numerous libelous stories which launched an investigation by the Kansas Department of Consumer Protection, and two years of immense stress and trial. Dr. Jay Sekulow, president of the American Center of Law & Justice, led a team of lawyers at the request of the Board of Elders of First Family Church. The team was led by board chairman, the Honorable Judge Robert Ulrich (former United States District Attorney/Western Missouri District); Dr. Johnston and the church were fully exonerated. Dr. Jay Sekulow stated in October of 2009 in a live telecast service at First Family Church that he had never witnessed a more politically motivated witch hunt in his 30 years of practicing law and defending Christian freedom in the United States. For a complete description and associated appendices, please read chapter one of Dr. Johnston’s doctoral dissertation: http://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:234
• Johnston founded and operated a publishing and events management organization engaged in marketing and producing events, services, and products that support ministries, educational and corporate presentations, programs, and involvement. Provided leadership and direction to the development and production of Jerry Johnston Events & Publishing International to businesses seeking motivational, leadership, and successful development presentations nationwide for seventeen years.
• In conjunction with Cristie Jo Johnston, developed and presented entertaining and problem-solving seminars and retreats that addressed issues of marriage and parenting. These included two-day marriage enrichment retreats that attracted approximately 2,000 attendees annually. Other topics were parenting survival seminars, leadership development and dream development.
• Oversaw the development, marketing, and production of a wide range of full-service one to four-day Jerry Johnston Family Events with timely and relevant message topics and full event management services. Services included scheduling, traffic control, counselor training, total media packets, printing, promotion, print, and advertising material creation, recorded radio advertisements and video clips, volunteer coordination, meals, cleaning, ushers, financing, reservations and parking.
• Developed, marketed, and presented the Life School Assembly Program given to schools, PTA groups, 4-H Clubs, FFA, FHA, high school leadership conferences, colleges, universities and civic organizations. Developed sponsoring partnerships with corporations such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza that supported Life School Assembly programs presented in over 2.000 public schools to over 3,000,000 students.
• Created and presented presentations that addressed various motivational issues and concerns for corporations, conventions, military, government, and personal improvement seminars.

Founder & Evangelist of Jerry Johnston Ministries Association

• Averaged 22 mass crusades per year in which thousands of people from all walks of life were reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. More than 18,000 people made professions of faith in Christ during two years. Articles appeared in newspapers throughout North America.
• In 1980 and 1981, the weekly television program, “Jerry Johnston,” began airing in the Midwest. Johnston Initiated an outreach of the ministry through the “Life School Assembly.” This riveting, informative lecture on drug and alcohol abuse captured students’ attention and was praised by even the most skeptical school administrators. He toured more than 30 Texas cities and conducted citywide impact crusades in 13 locations throughout the nation. He led a month-long crusade emphasis in northern California.
• From 1982 to 1983, conducted rallies in 100 cities. Spoke to the nation on the “Old Time Gospel Hour” television program. There were 60 crusades conducted in this time period. Scores of invitations from pastors across America were received at the ministry headquarters. The ministry launched its first conference on evangelism in Kansas City, with national Christian leaders joining as speakers.
• In 1984, the crusade at the Akron Baptist Temple closed with 8,400 in attendance and with 1,200 salvation decisions for the week. The “Life” Kansas City crusade closed with 12,000 in attendance at Municipal Auditorium, and 951 decisions were recorded for Christ in one night.
• The ministry produced a dynamic video, “Decisions and Consequences,” taped at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, which closed with Jerry filming a message for youth strapped in an electric chair.
• At the invitation of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, spoke to evangelists on “How to Prepare and Deliver an Evangelistic Sermon” at the historic North American Conference for Itinerant Evangelists in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Appeared on 101 radio interviews coast-to-coast. Spoke to 14,000 pastors at the Southern Baptist Convention’s Pastor’s Conference and the SBC Evangelists in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1984 and 1985, the ministry and outreach gained media attention and acclaim. Television, radio, and newspaper reporters covered the remarkable impact on the cities visited in virtually every town.
• In 1986 and 1987, spoke to hundreds of thousands of students in the public schools. Churches were filled to capacity and experienced overflow attendance as the crusades related to the pressing needs of the unchurched community. At the invitation of Billy Graham Associate Evangelist, Dr. John Wesley White, spoke to international evangelists gathered in Amsterdam, Holland, in 1986.
• In 1987, the ministry purchased a new headquarters building of 6,000 square feet in the Kansas City suburb of Lenexa. The Jerry Johnston Association Conference on Evangelism drew 4,000 people to the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. During the same year, his first book, “Why Suicide?” (Thomas Nelson Publishers), launched with more than 30,000 hardcover copies being sold.
• Spoke at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in conjunction with Rev. Graham’s Crusade at Mile High Stadium. Spoke at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois in 1987.
• The ministry continued to grow during 1988 through 1989. Conducted the “Diamond Year” crusade for the Peoples Church of Toronto, Canada, and spoke to 19 Toronto high schools in five days with rallies at Massey Hall and the Toronto Convention Centre. All of the Toronto media outlets interviewed Johnston, including “100 Huntley Street.” The second book, “Going All the Way: The Real World of Teens and Sex” (Word Publishing), launched appearances on the “700 Club” and scores of other television and radio shows.
• In 1989, the blockbuster book, “The Edge of Evil,” sold out of its first printing in one week. Later, more than 100,000 copies were sold. Visited 89 cities in one-night “Edge of Evil” rallies. Appeared on CNN’s “Crossfire,” “Sonya Live in LA,” “AM in Los Angeles,” “The Tom Snyder Show,” “LA in the Morning,” “AM Philadelphia,” Boston’s “People Are Talking,” and scores of other shows.
• Conducted a five-day television crusade on the “100 Huntley Street” show in Toronto, aired in every Canadian coast to coast, and viewed by 1.3 million people. From 1992 through 1993, the ministry began producing and distributing timely videos for churches and organizations distributed internationally by Word publishers. “AIDS Among Teens,” “Kids and Gangs,” “The Cutting Edge,” “Life Exposé,” and “Commitment: It’s Time to Make Up Your Mind,” are a few of the many videos produced. Books authored by Dr. Johnston and released by Zondervan Publishing include, “Who’s Listening: What Our Kids Are Trying to Tell Us,” and “Inspire Your Kids to Greatness.”
• The ministry was expanded by the launch of Jerry Johnston Family Crusades: Evangelistic Crusades Designed for Every Member of the Family. The response from premier churches of all denominations across North America was postive.
• Spoke at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Washington, DC, the National Convention for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Indianapolis, and the Future Farmers of America National Convention in Kansas City. Johnston held a base-wide crusade at the US Military Installation in Manheim, Germany. Visited with evangelical leaders in London, England regarding future evangelistic ministry in the United Kingdom.

“Apostasy Now: Similarities and Differences of Belief Systems,” FF Publishing

“Christians & Demons,” Crossroads

“Daniel: Principle of Leadership, Success and Achievement,” FF Publishing

“Going All the Way: The Real World of Teens and Sex,” Word Publishing

“How to Save Your Kids from Ruin,” Victor Books

“Inspire Your Kids to Greatness,” Zondervan Publishing

“It’s Killing Our Kids” Teenage Alcohol Abuse and Addition,” Word Publishing

“The Edge of Evil,” Word Publishing

“The Last Days of Planet Earth,” Harvest House

“The Thrilling Prophecies of Mr. Z and Jesus: Jerusalem, the Jew, and You,” FF Publishing

“Who’s Listening: What Our Kids Are Trying to Tell Us,” Zondervan Publishing

“Why Suicide? What Parents and Teachers Must Know to Save Our Kids,” Oliver Nelson Books

 “Why They Die: Curing the Death Wish in Our Kids,” Crossroads

“Equipping for EVANGELISM: How to Prepare and Deliver an Evangelistic Sermon,” NACIE: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

 

“AIDS Among Teens,” Word Publishing

“Battling the Darkness,” Crossroads

“Commitment: It’s Time to Make Up Your Mind,” Word Publishing

“Decisions and Consequences,” Word Publishing

“Incest,” Word Publishing

“Inside Teen Suicide,” Crossroads

“It’s Killing Our Kids: Alcohol Abuse and Addiction,” Word Publishing

“Kids and Gangs,” Word Publishing

“Life Exposé,” Jerry Johnston Association

“Prescription Drug Abuse,” Crossroads

“Profiling Teen Violence,” Crossroads

“Rachel’s Story: The Crosses of Columbine,” Jerry Johnston Association

“The Cutting Edge,” Jerry Johnston Association

“The Edge of Evil,” Word Publishing

“The Power of Media: Sexualization of Teens,” Crossroads

“Why Suicide? Youth’s Fatal Wish,” Word Publishing

Listed are some of Jerry’s most requested messages

“A Vision for the Future: Investing in Eternity,” 4 Lessons

“Adult Camp: The Message That Transformed Your Kids!” 3 Lessons

“Advantages of Adversity,” 3 Lessons

“Armageddon: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Prophecy but Didn't Know Who to Ask,” 9 Lessons

“Amos,” 4 Lessons

“Basic Training,” 9 Lessons

“BeAtitudes Happy,” 5 Lessons

“Breaking Bondages: Taking Off Your Mask,” 6 Lessons

“Characters: Jerry Johnston's Illustrated Sermons,” 3 Lessons

“Christ Comes As…,” 5 Lessons

“Christian Ethics,” 8 Lessons

“Come Home First Family,” 5 Lessons

“Complete Wellness,” 5 Lessons

“Conquest: Our 5 Year Plan,” 3 Lessons

“Critical Concerns,” 8 Lessons

“Daniel: 12 Principles of Leadership, Success & Achievement,” 18 Lessons

“Demons and Christians,” 7 Lessons

“Determine Your Legacy,” 6 Lessons

“Discovering the Secrets to Answered Prayer,” 8 Lessons

“Discovering Your Purpose and Finding Fulfillment,” 4 Lessons

“Doctor Jekyll & Mister Hyde: Overcoming the Character Tug-of-War,” 16 Lessons

“Ephesians,” 14 Lessons

“Essentials for a Dynamite Marriage,” 5 Lessons

“Extreme Makeover: The Spiritual Edition,” 8 Lessons

“Faithfulness Revealed,” 7 Lessons

“Fear Factor: Conquering the Insurmountable Obstacle to Share Your Faith,” 6 Lessons

“Fight for Grace,” 4 Lessons

“First Family Gives Back,” 3 Lessons

“Full House,” 5 Lessons

“Getting in Shape Spiritually,” 8 Lessons

“God’s Help for Your Suffering: 1 Peter,” 8 Lessons

“God's Response to Sexual Behaviors,” 7 Lessons

“God's Way to Financial Success,” 4 Lessons

“Habakkuk: How to Overcome Doubt and Learn to Trust,” 2 Lessons

“Hallmarks of The Real Deity of The Universe,” 8 Lessons

“Hello: My Name is God,” 8 Lessons

“Help for Hurting Hearts,” 6 Lessons

“Hosea,” 4 Lessons

“How to Build a Strong Family I,” 8 Lessons

“How to Build a Strong Family II,” 6 Lessons

“How to Find Love, Enjoy Love and Rekindle Love,” 6 Lessons

“How to Live Successfully,” 2 Lessons

"How To Overcome Biblical Illiteracy"

“How to Prepare for The Greatest Year of Your Life,” 5 Lessons

"How To Reach Next Generation"

“How We Got the Bible,” 12 Lessons

“I Do…Do I,” 4 Lessons

“iHurt,” 6 Lessons

“Issues Influencing America's Destiny,” 7 Lessons

“It's the Heart of The Matter,” 6 Lessons

“Jesus and Children,” 5 Lessons

“Joel,” 4 Lessons

“Jonah,” 4 Lessons

“Judges,” 5 Lessons

“Juicy Fruit: Discover the Fruits of The Holy Spirit,” 7 Lessons

“Learning How to Live Successfully,” 7 Lessons

“Learning How to Win,” 4 Lessons

“Living the Blessed Life,” 5 Lessons

“Make Friends Who Make It to Forever,” 15 Lessons

“Marriage, Divorce, & Remarriage,” 6 Lessons

“Men of Valor; Women of Wisdom,” 4 Lessons

“Navigating the Bumps, Difficulties and Detours of Life,” 12 Lessons

“On Location with Jesus,” 5 Lessons

“On Mission,” 6 Lessons

“On the Road with Paul and John,” 8 Lessons

“Overcoming Biblical Illiteracy,” 24 Lessons

“Portraits of Christ in The Old Testament Tabernacle,” 7 Lessons

“Pray It Away,” 4 Lessons

“Preparing for the End”

“Principles of Prosperity,” 4 Lessons

“Reaching Your Potential: How to Overcome Adversities in Your Life,” 12 Lessons

“Regaining Joy,” 4 Lessons

“Reliving Pilgrim’s Progress,” 6 Lessons

“Response to Peter Jennings Reporting: In Search of Jesus,” 4 Lessons

“Retracing the Path to Bethlehem,” 4 Lessons

“Similarities and Differences of Belief Systems,” 31 Lessons

“Spiritual Armor,” 6 Lessons

“Steps to a Fulfilled Family,” 6 Lessons

“Tell Me More About Heaven,” 5 Lessons

“The 10 Grand Demands of God: A Literal Explanation of the 10 Commandments,” 4 Lessons

“The Atheist's Delusion,” 3 Lessons

“The Coming War with Russia,” 4 Lessons

“The DaVinci Code Debunked,” 6 Lessons

“The Fight for Grace: Liberty vs. Legalism,” 6 Lessons

“The Forbidden Chapter: Isaiah 53,” 6 Lessons

“The Founding Fathers: In God We Trust?” 4 Lessons

“The Great Omission: How to Develop a Conviction About the Commission,” 6 Lessons

“The Greatest Christmas Gift You Can Give,” 4 Lessons

“The Indisputable Signs of Christ's Return,” 5 Lessons

“The Key to Supernatural Living,” 4 Lessons

“The Last 14 Days,” 4 Lessons

“The Last Days,” 5 Lessons

“The Lost Gospel of Judas,” 3 Lessons

“The Lost: Who Cares?” 2 Lessons

“The Murder of Jesus,” 6 Lessons

“The Power of Wisdom from Proverbs,” 13 Lessons

“The Rewards of an Obedient Life,” 4 Lessons

“The Secrets of a Know-So Faith,” 11 Lessons

“The Sermons No One Will Preach,” 6 Lessons

“The Supernatural Church: ACTS, Acts of Courage, Tests of Strength,” 45 Lessons

“The Thrilling Prophecies of Mr. Z and Jesus: Jesus, the Jew, and You,” 22 Lessons

“The War of World-View: How Did Life Begin?” 8 Lessons

“Things to Come: Eliminating End Times Confusion,” 21 Lessons

“Transforming Promises to Live By,” 11 Lessons

“The Unbelieving Believers,” 4 Lessons

“Weathering the Storms of Life,” 6 Lessons

“Welcome to Fabulous Corinth Greece: The Las Vegas of the First Century,” 10 Lessons

“What If?” 5 Lessons

“When God Became a Man,” 5 Lessons

“Why Care?” 4 Lessons

"Why Does God Allow Tragedy? Facts About Heaven"

“Words,” 3 Lessons

“You Are Loved,” 7 Lessons

“Your Miracle in The Mirror: In the Mirror of Mark,” 10-plus Lessons

Jerry Johnston has appeared on numerous national radio and television programs.
The following list is representative, but not exhaustive:

• TBN: Praise the Lord
• CBN: 700 Club
• Daystar: The Marcus and Joni Show
• Fox News
• MSNBC with Joe Scarborough
• “Connected Coast to Coast” with Ron Reagan
• ABC: World News Tonight
• ABC: Nightline
• “Deborah Norville Tonight”
• “Focus on the Family”
• “The 700 Club”
• ABC: “Good Morning America”
• NBC: “The Today Show”
• CNN: “Crossfire”
• “The Tom Snyder Show”
• “Sonya Live in L.A.”
• “Sally Jesse Raphael Show”
• Fox Radio with Allen Combs
• AM Los Angeles on KABC
• KTLA: “Los Angeles in the Morning”
• “Neil Cavuto” on Fox

(Contact information available upon request)

Dr. Jay Allen Sekulow
Chief Counsel & Founder
American Center of Law and Justice

 

Lee Strobel
Lee Strobel Ministries
www.leestrobel.com

 

Dr. Craig A. Evans
John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins
Houston Baptist University
[email protected] | [email protected]

 

Dr. Tommy Barnett
Founder and Senior Pastor
Dream City Church
[email protected]
602.867.7117 (office)

 

The Hon. Robert Ulrich
Retired Judge and Attorney
Missouri Western District Court of Appeals & Department of Justice
[email protected]

 

Jeff Anderson
Ministry Leader
Leadership Inc.
[email protected]

 

Jeremiah Johnston
President and Founder
Christian Thinkers Society
[email protected]

Letter from Judge Robert Ulrich