Recent Posts

By Brendon Coleman, Jamaica Union Conference

DUNCANS, Trelawny — When Pastor Jermaine Johnson stepped into ministry in 2013, he did so with a sense of calling and a willingness to serve. More than a decade later, that journey has led him to the highest leadership role within the North Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Elected president during the conference’s fourth quadrennial session on April 21, 2026, Johnson’s appointment reflects years of pastoral experience, administrative service, and a growing influence in ministry and mission.

Yet, in his response to the election, Johnson was quick to shift the focus away from position to responsibility.

“I have not won a grand prize, but I have been given a heavy burden to bear,” he said, appealing for “support, prayers, and fasting” as he assumes the role.

[caption id="attachment_13672" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pastor Jermaine Johnson (left) speaks following his election as president during the fourth quadrennial session of the North Jamaica Conference on April 21, 2026, in Duncans, Trelawny, as Pastor Glen Samuels, president of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, looks on. [Photo: Renardo Campbell][/caption]

A Foundation in Ministry

Johnson’s journey began shortly after graduating from the School of Religion and Theology at Northern Caribbean University. His early years in ministry were spent serving as an intern in districts such as Brown’s Town, Salem, and Alexandria. These experiences helped to ground him in the realities of pastoral work and community life.

In 2015, he received his first district assignment in Spring Garden, south Trelawny, where his ministry became known for strong community engagement and an emphasis on evangelism. Those formative years helped shape a leadership style rooted in both connection and mission.

Growing in Leadership

By 2018, Johnson transitioned into conference leadership, serving as director for Communication, Education, and Music Ministries. In that role, he contributed to strengthening the conference’s digital presence while overseeing educational institutions and continuing pastoral responsibilities.

His ability to navigate both ministry and administration positioned him for broader responsibilities. Following the 2022 quadrennial session, he returned to district leadership in Moneague, where he continued to emphasize discipleship and community transformation.

Earlier in 2026, he was called to serve at the Jamaica Union Conference as Personal Ministries and Social Media Mission Engagement director, further expanding his involvement in mission strategy and digital evangelism.

A Vision for Mission

Now as president, Johnson brings a vision centered on participation, growth, and intentional outreach.

“My vision for the North Jamaica Conference is a Spirit-led movement where every member is actively engaged in mission, every church is vibrant, and every community is intentionally reached,” he said.

He emphasized a collaborative approach to leadership, one that values every member and seeks to empower individuals across all levels of the church.

Beyond the Pulpit

Ordained to the gospel ministry in 2021, Johnson’s work extends beyond traditional pastoral roles. He is also an author, motivational speaker, and consultant in personal and professional development, contributing to both church and wider society. His service as a Justice of the Peace reflects a broader commitment to national development.

At the center of his journey is partnership. He is married to Georgia Wright-Johnson, who supports and shares in the ministry they have embraced together.

A New Chapter

To complete the administrative core, delegates elected Carlington Hylton to serve as executive secretary and Pastor Onyeka Nevins as treasurer.

[caption id="attachment_13684" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Newly elected administrators of the North Jamaica Conference—Pastor Onyeka Nevins (left), treasurer; Pastor Jermaine Johnson (centre), president; and Pastor Carlington Hylton, executive secretary—pose for a photo during the fourth quadrennial session on April 21, 2026, in Duncans, Trelawny. [Photo: Jonathan Myrie][/caption]

Delegates also elected directors to oversee key ministry areas across the conference.

Pastor Daniel Miller will serve as Ministerial Secretary and Stewardship director. Elder Christine Shand was elected to lead Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Ministries, while Pastor Dermar Watson will oversee Communication and Health Ministries.

Pastor Ricardo McCalla was elected Publishing Ministries director, Pastor Wayne Woolery will serve as Sabbath School and Personal Ministries director, and Pastor Amiel Summerbell will lead Family and Youth Ministries.

Johnson spoke positively about the newly formed leadership team, emphasizing that the strength of the North Jamaica Conference lies in its collective capability.

“I am deeply grateful for the exceptional leadership team that will serve alongside me,” Johnson said. “We are blessed with a wide cadre of talents, reflected in the diverse professional backgrounds, expertise, and experience represented among our team members.”

He further described the appointees as individuals who balance professional skill with a strong moral and spiritual foundation.

“These are individuals of integrity, vision, and spiritual depth,” he noted, “leaders committed not only to excellence, but to mission.”

[caption id="attachment_13683" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Newly elected North Jamaica Conference president Pastor Jermaine Johnson (front centre) poses with other elected administrators and directors during the fourth quadrennial session on April 21, 2026, in Duncans, Trelawny. [Photo: Jonathan Myrie][/caption]

Looking toward the future, Johnson outlined a philosophy of "servant leadership" that will define his tenure. “Together, we will lead collaboratively, serve humbly, and pursue God’s purpose with unity and determination.”

For Johnson, the journey has never been about position, but purpose.

And as he steps into this new role, that purpose remains clear—to serve, to lead, and to advance the work with clarity, courage, and conviction.