Reverend Dr. Joy Johnson is a public theologian who leads and mobilizes community and social justice grounded in faith. Currently, she serves as Board Chair for PICO California (“Pacific Institute for Community Organizing”), a statewide faith and power-building organization. Additionally, she is Religious Co-chair for the Sacramento Branch NAACP.

Dr. Johnson is the founding pastor of Higher Hope Christian Church and president of Life Matters, Inc. (LMI), a non-profit, social services organization serving residents of low-income housing communities. She is a key leader and architect of Community Healing Circles designed to heal the social & emotional trauma of Black and underserved communities.

Pastor Joy leads preacher renewal programs for pastors and leaders through Dr. Joy Johnson Ministries, LLC (DJJM) and the Brehm Center for Preaching at Fuller Seminary.

Dr. Johnson is a graduate of St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA and has a doctorate degree from Sacramento Theological Seminary in Sacramento, CA.