Archbishop Dr.John P. Johnston Ph.D.Th,Ph.D.Div, OSP,LPC
United Clergy Christian Fellowship
Archdiocese of
Biography of Archbishop Dr. John P. Johnston
PhD. Pastoral Family Counseling, PhD Th, OSP, LPC
Our Esteemed Patriarch
Early Life and Foundational Values
John Patrick Johnston was born John Patrick Felts on March 17, 1958, at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. Orphaned at birth, he spent his first five years navigating through several foster homes before finding his permanent family with Edward (Ned) Shropshire and Matilda (Anne) Toms Johnston. The Johnstons, who already had two natural sons, Carroll Frank age 11 and Robert (Bobby) Edward age 9, lovingly welcomed him into their Hampton, Virginia home, where he grew up with strong Christian values and faith. The family, of proud Irish descent, instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and spiritual devotion.
John was first baptized at the tender age of five at East Hampton Baptist Church by Reverend Virgil Casey, a pivotal moment that cemented his lifelong faith journey. At seven, the Johnstons, solidifying his place in the family officially adopted him. Tragically, his older brother Carroll passed away at 15 due to a heart condition.
At age nine, the family expanded further with the adoption of a baby girl named Trudy Lee, another orphan at birth. They then relocated to his grandfather’s sprawling 1,500-acre farm in North Garden, Virginia. Here, John immersed himself in farm life, tending to 80 Black Angus cattle, 5 White Charolais Bulls, 30 hogs, 22 horses, along with chickens and other animals. This experience cultivated in him an enduring appreciation for hard work, self-sufficiency, and the rhythms of country living. There were two farm hands hired to help with the live stock. Family meals were cherished, often concluding with his father's evening Bible devotionals.
By age 12, the family moved again, settling on a 80-acre property in Covesville, Virginia, purchased from his grandfather. Where they grew hay to sell and cut trees down for heating and cooking on a wood stove. They also raise live stock of 3 cows and 3 hogs, 6 hens for eggs, 2 dogs and a goat named Cheekgo. Their family continued to grow with the adoption of two more orphaned boys: Roy Lee, age five, and baby boy named David Scott, born with Down Syndrome, who later passed away at 39 due to kidney failure. This period further reinforced his upbringing in a loving, Christian home, always with a strong emphasis on faith and community.
Spiritual Awakening and Academic Pursuits
John continued his faith journey within the Southern Baptist tradition, attending Covesville Baptist Church. His family was deeply involved in the church: his father served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for the Men's Group, his mother taught young adults, his grandmother led the women's group, and his older brother taught the Royal Ambassadors boys' group. His great-uncle, Reverend Cecil Anderson of Hagerstown, Maryland, was a respected Evangelist.
A life-changing event occurred in 1974 when John, at 16, with his family attended a Billy Graham Crusade at the Hampton Coliseum. As the choir sang "Just as I Am," John felt a profound call from the Holy Spirit. On stage, Billy Graham placed a hand on his shoulder, prophesying that God had plans for him and would reveal his path in due time. This encounter deeply impacted John, setting the trajectory for his future ministry.
Committed to lifelong learning and spiritual growth, Archbishop Johnston pursued extensive academic studies. His educational journey includes:
The Institute of Biblical Studies, Liberty University (1991): Graduate of Biblical Studies.
Holy Cross Theological Seminary (1991-1998): Bachelor of Arts in Theological Biblical Studies, Doctorate in Advanced Theology Biblical Studies, Master’s in Psychology and Philosophy, and Doctorate in Pastoral Family Counseling.
Everest University, Tampa, Florida: Business Degree was on the Dean's List twice and the President's List in 2013).
Metropolitan Christian University, Louisville, Kentucky (2017): Doctor of Divinity degree.
He lives by the scriptures: (2 Timothy 2:15) "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," and (Philippians 4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Professional Career and Transition to Ministry
After graduating from Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Virginia, and serving on the Student Council in 1976 and member of Concert Choir, John entered the private sector. For two decades, from 1976 to 1996, he was a Virginia Licensed Private Investigator and Armed Security Officer, and a successful business owner managing 38 to 60 employees. His company was even listed on The Dunn & Bradstreet Stock Exchange, and he was a member of the Virginia Security Association and was Sergeant at Arms.
His professional acumen was recognized with two awards for Business Executive of the Year in 1996 from Paragons Who's Who National Registry and Universal Who's Who Registry. In the same year, he was listed as one of the Top 10 Private Investigators in Virginia. In 1980.
Demonstrating his bravery and skill, he was shot and wounded in his left hand during a botched armed robbery attempt but managed to disarm and apprehend the suspect, who was later found to be wanted for seven prior robberies and received a 30-year prison sentence and additional 5 years for the assault on John.
Beyond his investigative work, John is an accomplished martial artist, holding an 8th-degree Black Belt in Jujitsu, Taekwondo, Judo and Aikido He taught all four styles for 15 years, operating two schools, and was awarded Martial Arts Instructor of the Year in 1987, 1989, 1991, and 1994.
He also served his community as a Certified EMT and Paramedic, and volunteered for his Local Fire Department for five years. In 1991, he completed the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Training Course and served as a certified Special Police Officer and sworn Special Police Investigator for five years.
The call to ministry, first discerned years earlier, became undeniable. John transitioned from his Baptist tradition to Anglicanism, trading his gun and badge for a clergy collar, embracing his new path to preach, witness, and "Put on the Armor of God" to defend the Holy Scriptures. This marked the fulfillment of the journey foretold by Billy Graham.
Ecclesiastical Leadership and Contributions
His formal journey into the Anglican ministry began with his ordination as an Episcopal Deacon in 1997 by Episcopal Archbishop William Conner of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas. Archbishop Conner further ordained him as an Episcopal Priest in 1998. In 2001, he was consecrated as an Anglican Bishop by Anglican Archbishop Bruce Campbell in New Rochelle, New York, with his Lines of Apostolic Succession validated by the See of Rome of the Catholic Church and of the Church of England.
On August 1, 2002, in recognition of his profound spiritual leadership and dedication, he was elevated to Archbishop, Patriarch, and Metropolitan of the Evangelistic Apostolic Church Diocese by the Independent College of Bishops and its twelve-member advisory council. He continues to serve in this esteemed role today.
Archbishop Johnston is also the founder of Petrus Fidei Seminary in the United States and serves as the founder and Pastor of Good Hope Church, an Anglican Denomination in Lanexa, Virginia, since 2002. His creativity extends to music, having recorded and produced a 21-song Gospel Music CD titled "Country Style Southern Gospel," which sold over 2,000 copies in one year, with all $10,000 in proceeds donated to a local church.
He is an accomplished guitar and harmonica player
As an accomplished author, he has penned three valuable books for pastoral study:
1. Pastoral Premarital Counseling
2. Pastoral Marriage Counseling
3. Pastoral Family Counseling; Co-Parenting Therapy
These books are widely available on Amazon, offering insights beneficial to ministers and laypersons alike.
Since 2015, he has been a Member of the International College of Bishops, serving as its First Vice President. Demonstrating his commitment to education, he has also served as the Chancellor and a Professor at Metropolitan Christian University in Louisville, Kentucky, since 2016. For his extensive work in the ministry, he was honored with a plaque from The Marquis Who's Who Publications Board for 2021-2022, a testament to his high regard and impact.
Personal Life and Guiding Philosophy
Archbishop Johnston's parents were pillars of his life: his father, Edward, a life insurance agent for 20 years, passed away in 1991 from battling cancer had a heart attack; his mother, Matilda, a special education teacher for 25 years, died of cancer in 1996.
In his personal life, he was first married on November 5, 1981 at Mount View Baptist Church Charlottesville Virginia by Pastor Reverend James Steele, to Janet Carter for five years, with no children. This marriage concluded and divorced with no fault on November 5, 1985. His second marriage was on March 9, 1996 at Walnut Hills Baptist Church Williamsburg Virginia by Pastor Reverend Jerry Haywood, to Nadine Fleming, a union that lasted 26 years and brought him one son, Michael, and one stepson, Joseph. This marriage concluded and divorced with no fault on August 15, 2022. He is a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and a great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren.
Archbishop Dr. John P. Johnston's life motto encapsulates his unwavering faith: “One step at a time In the Lord. Faith can move the unseen and believing brings the truth of the living word to light. Always believe and have Faith for every step you take with the Lord make it an easier road to take unto the righteousness of the Heavenly Father and of the Son Jesus Christ.” His life stands as a testament to diligent service, spiritual devotion, and an unyielding commitment to God's purpose.
PhD. Pastoral Family Counseling, PhD Th, OSP, LPC
Our Esteemed Patriarch
Early Life and Foundational Values
John Patrick Johnston was born John Patrick Felts on March 17, 1958, at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. Orphaned at birth, he spent his first five years navigating through several foster homes before finding his permanent family with Edward (Ned) Shropshire and Matilda (Anne) Toms Johnston. The Johnstons, who already had two natural sons, Carroll Frank age 11 and Robert (Bobby) Edward age 9, lovingly welcomed him into their Hampton, Virginia home, where he grew up with strong Christian values and faith. The family, of proud Irish descent, instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and spiritual devotion.
John was first baptized at the tender age of five at East Hampton Baptist Church by Reverend Virgil Casey, a pivotal moment that cemented his lifelong faith journey. At seven, the Johnstons, solidifying his place in the family officially adopted him. Tragically, his older brother Carroll passed away at 15 due to a heart condition.
At age nine, the family expanded further with the adoption of a baby girl named Trudy Lee, another orphan at birth. They then relocated to his grandfather’s sprawling 1,500-acre farm in North Garden, Virginia. Here, John immersed himself in farm life, tending to 80 Black Angus cattle, 5 White Charolais Bulls, 30 hogs, 22 horses, along with chickens and other animals. This experience cultivated in him an enduring appreciation for hard work, self-sufficiency, and the rhythms of country living. There were two farm hands hired to help with the live stock. Family meals were cherished, often concluding with his father's evening Bible devotionals.
By age 12, the family moved again, settling on a 80-acre property in Covesville, Virginia, purchased from his grandfather. Where they grew hay to sell and cut trees down for heating and cooking on a wood stove. They also raise live stock of 3 cows and 3 hogs, 6 hens for eggs, 2 dogs and a goat named Cheekgo. Their family continued to grow with the adoption of two more orphaned boys: Roy Lee, age five, and baby boy named David Scott, born with Down Syndrome, who later passed away at 39 due to kidney failure. This period further reinforced his upbringing in a loving, Christian home, always with a strong emphasis on faith and community.
Spiritual Awakening and Academic Pursuits
John continued his faith journey within the Southern Baptist tradition, attending Covesville Baptist Church. His family was deeply involved in the church: his father served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for the Men's Group, his mother taught young adults, his grandmother led the women's group, and his older brother taught the Royal Ambassadors boys' group. His great-uncle, Reverend Cecil Anderson of Hagerstown, Maryland, was a respected Evangelist.
A life-changing event occurred in 1974 when John, at 16, with his family attended a Billy Graham Crusade at the Hampton Coliseum. As the choir sang "Just as I Am," John felt a profound call from the Holy Spirit. On stage, Billy Graham placed a hand on his shoulder, prophesying that God had plans for him and would reveal his path in due time. This encounter deeply impacted John, setting the trajectory for his future ministry.
Committed to lifelong learning and spiritual growth, Archbishop Johnston pursued extensive academic studies. His educational journey includes:
The Institute of Biblical Studies, Liberty University (1991): Graduate of Biblical Studies.
Holy Cross Theological Seminary (1991-1998): Bachelor of Arts in Theological Biblical Studies, Doctorate in Advanced Theology Biblical Studies, Master’s in Psychology and Philosophy, and Doctorate in Pastoral Family Counseling.
Everest University, Tampa, Florida: Business Degree was on the Dean's List twice and the President's List in 2013).
Metropolitan Christian University, Louisville, Kentucky (2017): Doctor of Divinity degree.
He lives by the scriptures: (2 Timothy 2:15) "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," and (Philippians 4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Professional Career and Transition to Ministry
After graduating from Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Virginia, and serving on the Student Council in 1976 and member of Concert Choir, John entered the private sector. For two decades, from 1976 to 1996, he was a Virginia Licensed Private Investigator and Armed Security Officer, and a successful business owner managing 38 to 60 employees. His company was even listed on The Dunn & Bradstreet Stock Exchange, and he was a member of the Virginia Security Association and was Sergeant at Arms.
His professional acumen was recognized with two awards for Business Executive of the Year in 1996 from Paragons Who's Who National Registry and Universal Who's Who Registry. In the same year, he was listed as one of the Top 10 Private Investigators in Virginia. In 1980.
Demonstrating his bravery and skill, he was shot and wounded in his left hand during a botched armed robbery attempt but managed to disarm and apprehend the suspect, who was later found to be wanted for seven prior robberies and received a 30-year prison sentence and additional 5 years for the assault on John.
Beyond his investigative work, John is an accomplished martial artist, holding an 8th-degree Black Belt in Jujitsu, Taekwondo, Judo and Aikido He taught all four styles for 15 years, operating two schools, and was awarded Martial Arts Instructor of the Year in 1987, 1989, 1991, and 1994.
He also served his community as a Certified EMT and Paramedic, and volunteered for his Local Fire Department for five years. In 1991, he completed the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Training Course and served as a certified Special Police Officer and sworn Special Police Investigator for five years.
The call to ministry, first discerned years earlier, became undeniable. John transitioned from his Baptist tradition to Anglicanism, trading his gun and badge for a clergy collar, embracing his new path to preach, witness, and "Put on the Armor of God" to defend the Holy Scriptures. This marked the fulfillment of the journey foretold by Billy Graham.
Ecclesiastical Leadership and Contributions
His formal journey into the Anglican ministry began with his ordination as an Episcopal Deacon in 1997 by Episcopal Archbishop William Conner of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas. Archbishop Conner further ordained him as an Episcopal Priest in 1998. In 2001, he was consecrated as an Anglican Bishop by Anglican Archbishop Bruce Campbell in New Rochelle, New York, with his Lines of Apostolic Succession validated by the See of Rome of the Catholic Church and of the Church of England.
On August 1, 2002, in recognition of his profound spiritual leadership and dedication, he was elevated to Archbishop, Patriarch, and Metropolitan of the Evangelistic Apostolic Church Diocese by the Independent College of Bishops and its twelve-member advisory council. He continues to serve in this esteemed role today.
Archbishop Johnston is also the founder of Petrus Fidei Seminary in the United States and serves as the founder and Pastor of Good Hope Church, an Anglican Denomination in Lanexa, Virginia, since 2002. His creativity extends to music, having recorded and produced a 21-song Gospel Music CD titled "Country Style Southern Gospel," which sold over 2,000 copies in one year, with all $10,000 in proceeds donated to a local church.
He is an accomplished guitar and harmonica player
As an accomplished author, he has penned three valuable books for pastoral study:
1. Pastoral Premarital Counseling
2. Pastoral Marriage Counseling
3. Pastoral Family Counseling; Co-Parenting Therapy
These books are widely available on Amazon, offering insights beneficial to ministers and laypersons alike.
Since 2015, he has been a Member of the International College of Bishops, serving as its First Vice President. Demonstrating his commitment to education, he has also served as the Chancellor and a Professor at Metropolitan Christian University in Louisville, Kentucky, since 2016. For his extensive work in the ministry, he was honored with a plaque from The Marquis Who's Who Publications Board for 2021-2022, a testament to his high regard and impact.
Personal Life and Guiding Philosophy
Archbishop Johnston's parents were pillars of his life: his father, Edward, a life insurance agent for 20 years, passed away in 1991 from battling cancer had a heart attack; his mother, Matilda, a special education teacher for 25 years, died of cancer in 1996.
In his personal life, he was first married on November 5, 1981 at Mount View Baptist Church Charlottesville Virginia by Pastor Reverend James Steele, to Janet Carter for five years, with no children. This marriage concluded and divorced with no fault on November 5, 1985. His second marriage was on March 9, 1996 at Walnut Hills Baptist Church Williamsburg Virginia by Pastor Reverend Jerry Haywood, to Nadine Fleming, a union that lasted 26 years and brought him one son, Michael, and one stepson, Joseph. This marriage concluded and divorced with no fault on August 15, 2022. He is a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and a great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren.
Archbishop Dr. John P. Johnston's life motto encapsulates his unwavering faith: “One step at a time In the Lord. Faith can move the unseen and believing brings the truth of the living word to light. Always believe and have Faith for every step you take with the Lord make it an easier road to take unto the righteousness of the Heavenly Father and of the Son Jesus Christ.” His life stands as a testament to diligent service, spiritual devotion, and an unyielding commitment to God's purpose.