Jerel Johnson was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was called to ministry at the young age of 12 years old and became a licensed minister in 1993. He received his Bachelors degree in Communications from the university of Detroit-Mercy in 1994 and his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union School of Theology in 1999.  Jerel was ordained as pastor in 2000 and received the certificate of ordination as an elder in 2005.

Jerel's experience includes Abstinence Educator for Project R.O.C., St John-Providence Health System, Southfield, Michigan; Associate Minister, Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan; Youth Minister, Abyssinia Baptist Church, Norfolk Virginia; Ministerial Assistant, Fifth Street Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia; and Chaplain Intern, McGuire Veterans Hospital, Richmond, Virginia. His first Pastoral position was from 2000-2005 at the Wayside Missionary Baptist Church.  He pastored there until the Lord led him to a new beginning as organizer and pastor of the Empowering Disciples Church.

Pastor Johnson comes from a family of anointed men and women of God, including his step-father and pastor, the late Reverend-Dr. Sterling L. Jones of Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and his uncle, Elder Rudolph Ellis, pastor of After Christ Christian Center, who is Pastor Johnson's bishop and spiritual mentor.

Pastor Johnson is partnered in ministry with his wife, Elder DeShawn L. Johnson, who serves as Assistant Pastor.  Elders Jerel and DeShawn are the proud parents of two sons, Jerel II and Joshua.

Pastor Johnson is open to the move of the Holy Spirit, and continues to follow the voice of the Master in developing his ministry.