SLS 25RS-583 ORIGINAL
2025 Regular Session
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 11
BY SENATOR JACKSON-ANDREW S AND REPRESENTATIVES FISHER AND
MOORE
COMMENDATIONS. Commends Pastor James Johnson for over thirty-five years of service
at New Light Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana.
1 A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
2 To commend and recognize Pastor James Johnson, a dedicated educator, pastor, community
3 leader, and servant of God, for his lifetime of service to the people of Louisiana and
4 beyond.
5 WHEREAS, Pastor James Johnson was born in Chicago, Illinois, and through faith,
6 education, and purpose, has lived a life of devoted service, impacting countless lives in the
7 state of Louisiana and across the nation; and
8 WHEREAS, Pastor James Johnson was united in holy matrimony to the late Nancy
9 Taylor of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and is the proud father of Jarrell J. Johnson and Natalie
10 N. Johnson Scott, and the loving grandfather of Jaylon "Ja-Bo" Johnson, Jeremiah Scott, and
11 Kendall Scott; and
12 WHEREAS, he is a product of the Monroe City School System and a graduate of
13 Grambling State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, furthering his
14 education with a Master's degree +30 hours from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and
15 religious training from Virginia Union Ministry in Richmond, Virginia, and U.T.S. in
16 Monroe, Louisiana; and
17 WHEREAS, Pastor Johnson's professional journey includes distinguished service in
18 education through the Hendry County School District in Clewiston, Florida; the Chicago
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SLS 25RS-583 ORIGINAL
1 Board of Education; and Monroe City Schools, where he served as a teacher at Carroll Junior
2 High School, vice principal and later principal of Wossman High School, high school
3 supervisor, and Title I and IV supervisor; and
4 WHEREAS, Pastor Johnson's leadership extends beyond education to his active
5 participation in civic and professional organizations, including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,
6 the NLEEC Advisory Board, Ouachita Parish Fire Commission, Green Oaks Detention
7 Board, OIC Advisory Board, Interfaith of Northeast Louisiana, the Twin City Ministerial
8 Alliance, the African American Museum Board of Directors, Tri-District Boys and Girls
9 Club, and NOVA; and
10 WHEREAS, a devoted man of faith, Pastor Johnson is a member of First Missionary
11 Baptist Church of Monroe, where he has served in numerous capacities including teacher,
12 vice president of the Tenth District Association, Sunday School teacher, B.T.U. director, and
13 as part of the trustee and deacon ministries; and
14 WHEREAS, he served faithfully as the pastor of New Light Baptist Church and
15 formerly of True Light Baptist Church in Winnsboro, Louisiana, for over three decades,
16 from 1989 to 2025, leading with a steadfast commitment to spiritual growth, evangelism, and
17 community development; and
18 WHEREAS, under Pastor Johnson's visionary leadership, New Light Baptist Church
19 achieved numerous milestones including the adoption of midweek services, development of
20 the Brotherhood Ministry, Christian Education, Women's Ministry, Conquerors for Christ
21 Young Adult Ministry, and Outreach Ministry; expansion of the New Light Economic
22 Empowerment Corporation (NLEEC); completion of the computer lab; purchase of a
23 24-passenger church bus; property acquisition and community outreach events; and major
24 renovations and improvements to church facilities including the rebuilding of the fire
25 damaged Church Life Center, renovation of restrooms and sanctuary after a flood, and
26 dedication of a Music Room in memory of Dr. Roosevelt Pine; and
27 WHEREAS, Pastor Johnson has nurtured spiritual growth and leadership in others,
28 with numerous individuals acknowledging their callings to ministry under his administration,
29 and has continually encouraged youth to participate in local, state, and national associations
30 and conventions; and
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SLS 25RS-583 ORIGINAL
1 WHEREAS, Pastor Johnson's life motto, "If I Can Help Somebody", perfectly
2 captures his legacy of servant leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to God,
3 family, education, and community.
4 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
5 commend and recognize Pastor James Johnson for his extraordinary life of service and
6 leadership, and enduring gratitude is hereby expressed for his many contributions to the state
7 and the betterment of society.
8 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
9 Pastor James Johnson.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Senate Legislative Services.
The keyword, summary, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof
or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
DIGEST
SCR 11 Original 2025 Regular Session Jackson-Andrews
Commends Pastor James Johnson for his service and leadership at New Light Baptist Church
in Monroe, Louisiana.
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