RENOWNED motivational speaker and new president of the North Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (NJC) Pastor Jermaine Johnson is challenging the church to do more in society to drive transformational change.

“If we are to achieve maximum impact for the Kingdom of God we must become intentional about engaging people everywhere they are — not for prestige, not for political advantage, but for transformational influence,” Johnson said in his inauguration address at the installation of newly elected officers, directors, and executive committee members, held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Falmouth, Trelawny, on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

“Today is not merely the inauguration of a president and his fellow officers and team members; it is a recommitment to the mission. The NJC has not been called merely to preserve tradition, we have been called to transform communities, disciple nations, uplift families, engage institutions, and proclaim the everlasting gospel with urgency, fervency, and emergency,” Johnson said.

“The time has come,” he added, “for us to think bigger, pray deeper, work smarter, and move boldly. The mission field before us is no longer confined to the four walls of the church. Our mission field is Parliament, the hospital, boardrooms, police stations, universities, the media landscape, the digital space, and every sphere where people seek hope, integrity, purpose, and truth,” he added.

Pastor JJ, as he is affectionately called, is a justice of the peace for the parish of St Ann, and a highly accomplished pastor, motivational speaker, and personal and professional development strategist.

Originally from Port Antonio, Johnson is an award-winning toastmaster, recognised nationally and regionally for his eloquence and leadership.

A proud graduate of Titchfield High School and Northern Caribbean University, he has served his country in many roles, including president of the National Youth Council of Jamaica, ambassador for the National Youth Service, and Jamaica’s representative to the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Australia.

He is also the composer of the governor general’s
I Believe initiative theme song. In 2023, he received the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal of Honour for his contributions to social transformation.

Johnson has authored two books:
The Seven Ps to Effective Church and
Don’t Chicken Out.

Referencing Seventh-day Adventist World Church President Pastor Erton Kohler’s quote: ‘A hopeless world is in desperate need of a hopeful church,’ Johnson pointed to the real purpose and mission of the church — touching people’s lives.

“The church must not isolate itself from society while expecting to influence society, for we cannot impact that with which we are out of touch,” he said. “Jesus did not merely preach in synagogues; He walked among the people; He entered cities; He engaged leaders; He transformed culture through compassion, truth, and service. (No rank, or class, or type of mankind). We must let the world know that except God is placed in His rightful place, which is first place, things will always be displaced in this place.”

Pastor Johnson was elected president of the NJC during the conference’s Fourth Quadrennial Session held April 20-21, 2026. He is supported in the administrative leadership of the conference by Pastor Carlington Hylton, executive secretary; and Pastor Onyeka Nevins, treasurer.

The NJC comprises the parishes of St Ann and Trelawny, with more than 22,936 members worshipping in 85 congregations.