Reverend Johnnie B . Porter, M.Div., M.A.C.M, Ph.D. Candidate

Reverend Johnnie B. Porter is a devoted husband to Mrs. Robyn J. Porter and a loving father to their three children: Evan, Ava, and Lillian. A native of Tyler, Texas, Pastor Porter grew up in ministry, serving at his father’s church, Porter’s Chapel C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of Bishop Cornelius F. Porter, Presiding Prelate of the Texas Lone Star Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

Pastor Porter earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Liberal Arts from Texas College in 1999 and became a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Spring 1996). He later pursued theological studies at the Charles H. Mason Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated in 2003 with dual Master’s Degrees in Religious Psychology in Pastoral Care & Counseling and Christian Music (specializing in Liturgical Worship and Church Hymnody).

Ministry and Leadership

In 2007, Pastor Porter planted and founded New Bethesda Christian Ministries C.O.G.I.C. in Decatur, Georgia. This ministry marked his pastoral leadership journey and was a beacon of hope for the community. In 2017, the church evolved into Living Grace Life Church, maintaining its commitment to ministerial excellence and community outreach. While Living Grace Life Church remains active, it is temporarily not meeting in person as Pastor Porter serves faithfully at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. The vision statement for both ministries is to be a "Ministry Building God's  Kingdom, By Building God's  People, With the Word, By The Book" and the mission statement supports that Kingdom vision, which is to be a church, "Changing Lives Through Love, By Nurturing Faith With the Word, and Preparing Kingdom Servants." 

Pastor Porter is an ordained Elder of the Church of God In Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) and continues to serve in various capacities. Serving the Lord's Church outside of the C.O.G.I.C. and Baptist denomination, these capacities include:

General Overseer for the State of Georgia and General Overseer of Christian Education for The United Churches Worldwide Fellowship under Bishop Ivory Stafford, Dallas Texas (In affiliation with The Global United Fellowship founded in 2013 under the leadership of Founder Bishop Neil Ellis, current Presiding Bishop Joel Peebles, Sr.).Faithful service in the South-Central Georgia Jurisdiction, under the leadership of Bishop Norman O. Harper, and the Progressive District with District Superintendent Oathar H. Todd.

In October of 2021, Pastor Porter began his pastoral leadership at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Douglasville, GA, where he continues to inspire and empower the congregation with his dynamic preaching and compassionate leadership.  Pastor Porter is also an active member and strong supporter of the Friendship Baptist Fellowship, under the leadership of Pastor A.L. Zollicofer, where he collaborates with other pastors and leaders to strengthen congregations and expand God’s Kingdom.

Pastoral Care and Counseling

With over 25 years of experience, Pastor Porter has dedicated his life to pastoral care and counseling. His work has included roles at the Atlanta V.A. Hospital, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, the North Texas V.A. Hospital System, and multiple hospice care providers across metro Atlanta. Currently, he serves as the Spiritual Care & Bereavement Coordinator for Amedisys Hospice in Newnan, Georgia.

Pastor Porter is also the owner of Caring Heart Consulting & Counseling Services LLC, providing holistic support to individuals, couples, and families. He is also the CEO and owner of other businesses, such as Empower365 Consulting Enterprises LLC, and The Nationwide Reversionary Procurments & Pecuniary Advisors (NRPPA), and is a licensed Insurance Broker and entrepreneur.  Pastor Porter refers to himself as a Pastorpreneur, which allows him as an entrepreneur to focus on Kingdom Business, Faith and Finances, and multiple resources and benefits that would provide uplift to the people he serves. For he believes his business is an extension of his ministry. 

Leading the Renovation and Renewal of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church:

Reverend Johnnie B. Porter is not only a spiritual leader but also a visionary guiding Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church through a season of transformation and renewal. Since stepping into his pastoral role, Pastor Porter has embarked on a mission to renovate the physical church building while revitalizing the spiritual life of the congregation.

His approach to the renovation process reflects his deep commitment to stewardship, unity, and progress. Pastor Porter believes that a church’s physical space should reflect its spiritual vibrancy, serving as a welcoming and inspiring environment for worship, fellowship, and community engagement. With this in mind, he has led the church in undertaking key initiatives to restore and enhance the building, ensuring it can meet the needs of current and future generations.

Guided by faith and a collaborative spirit, Pastor Porter emphasizes the importance of collective effort in achieving this mission. He encourages members of this faithful congregation to see this as not just a physical renovation, but a spiritual renewal—an opportunity to grow together in faith, strengthen relationships, and reaffirm their commitment to God’s work.

Pastor Porter’s leadership during this time has been marked by transparency, strategic planning, and an unwavering focus on the church’s long-term vision. He has worked diligently to rally support from the congregation, local community, and other stakeholders, ensuring that the renovation project aligns with the broader mission of building God’s Kingdom.

Through this process, Reverend Porter is teaching an invaluable lesson: transformation begins with faith, is sustained by unity, and is accomplished through perseverance. As Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church moves forward, the congregation is reminded that they are not just renovating a building—they are building a legacy.

A Commitment to Education, Bible Study, and Economic Empowerment

Reverend Johnnie B. Porter is deeply committed to education, discipleship, and empowering individuals to thrive in all aspects of life. He believes that spiritual growth is intricately tied to practical knowledge and the application of biblical principles to everyday living. Through dynamic Bible study sessions and engaging teaching, Pastor Porter inspires the congregation to delve deeper into God’s Word and apply its truths to their personal and communal lives.

A hallmark of Pastor Porter’s ministry is his passion for economic empowerment, particularly the intersection of faith and finances. He teaches that financial stewardship is a critical component of discipleship, emphasizing the biblical principles of generosity, resource management, and financial independence. His two books, The Peace Is In The Strategy and I’m Just Talking to Myself, serve as valuable resources for individuals and families seeking to align their faith with their financial goals. These works offer practical strategies and spiritual insights designed to help readers achieve lasting peace and stability in their lives.

Pastor Porter views his role as not only a spiritual leader but also an advocate for holistic empowerment. By integrating education, financial literacy, and faith into his ministry, he equips his congregation to build stronger families, churches, and communities. His teachings remind everyone that faith is not just about belief—it’s about action, strategy, and stewardship in every area of life.

Vision for Ministry

At Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Porter leads with a vision inspired by the mission: “To be a Ministry Building God’s Kingdom, By Building God’s People, With the Word, By the Book.” Under his leadership, the church has embraced his vision of becoming E.M.P.O.W.E.R.E.D. B.U.I.L.D.E.R.S., emphasizing love, faith, and preparation for Kingdom service.

Since joining Pleasant Grove, Pastor Porter has reinvigorated the church through dynamic preaching, engaging Bible studies, and community outreach. He is passionate about fostering unity and spiritual growth among members while building strong relationships within the Douglasville community. C

Pastor Porter also embodies the belief that “When you give people light, they will find their way.” His dedication to ministry, education, and empowerment continues to transform lives and inspire others to walk in faith and purpose.