Our Pastor
Pastor Iris J. Johnson
Senior Pastor
Reverend Iris Janine Johnson, the daughter of Bishop Ivy Anne and Deacon Curtis Reginald Hopkins, Sr.. She received the gift of salvation at the age of 15. At the age of 16, she received her call to the ministry through a divine experience with God (St. John 21:15-17). She was ordained in the Diocesan Annual Assembly at the age of 21. She stepped in as Interim Pastor in March of 2022. She was appointed as Pastor in June at the Annual PA United Diocese Assembly.
Reverend Johnson has held many positions on a local, Diocesan, and National level. such as Missionary, Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Diocesan Junior President of the Youth Department, Worship Leader, State/Local Evangelist, Vice President of the National Evangelistic Department, Trustee Board, and Executive Pastor.
Reverend Johnson is the co-founder of Grace Community Development Inc. and served as the Director. Through her leadership, she established a Child Care Center, a Before- and After-School Program, a Summer Camp in partnership with Penn State University, a program for at-risk youth that feeds over 50 children weekly, and a Mentoring Program. She established a computer center and training program funded by M&T Bank and organized an Annual Community Day. She also partnered with Steelton-Highspire Schools, former Steelton Mayor Frank Brown, Bishop Joseph Bass, Steelton Fire Department, Steelton Police Department, and many other community leaders.
Reverend Johnson graduated from Central Dauphin East High School. She attended and served as an administrator of the Evangelical Teachers Training Association under the Leadership of Bishop Ivy A. Hopkins. She graduated at the top of her class from Harrisburg Area Community College, receiving her Associate's Degree in 2009. She went on to Ashford University and graduated Magna Cum Laude earning her Bachelor’s Degree. She is currently serving as Dean of Students and Instructor in the Berean School of Ministry.
Reverend Johnson has gone on to establish a successful career in property and casualty insurance. She received her Property & Casualty insurance license in 2017. She is the founder of the Harrisburg Branch of Advance Insurance Group. She has worked in insurance for 11 years with prominent companies such as Nationwide Insurance, Hospitality Insurance Company, and Frederick Mutual. She is currently employed as a Commercial Underwriter with Penn National Insurance.
Reverend Johnson is the mother of three beautiful children: Curtis Andrews, III, Julian Andrews, and Kayla Pinckney. She has a wonderful son-in-law, Jeret Lamont Todd Pinckney, and a lovely daughter-in-law, Chrystal Annmarie Andrews.