Pastor Olivia Johnson invites community members to her 20th Founder’s Day celebration this weekend, Sunday, March 30.
Generational Blessings Family Worship Center (“GBM”) was borne on a sunny Resurrection Day, March 27, 2005.
GBM is a nondenominational, multicultural church, whose mission is to reach the lost and help Believers discover and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
Following the Lord’s lead, Pastor Johnson began this journey equipped with only an instruction from God and His promise to be faithful, having no start-up base of members.
Trusting God, Pastor Johnson forged ahead, not looking back, and began building a “magnifical” House filled with extraordinary vision, passion and purpose. Pastor, as she is affectionately called, is committed to living a Holy life and empowering Believers to live victorious Kingdom lives.
But this isn’t just 20 years in service to God as the shepherd of Generational Blessings. Pastor Johnson has been a pastor for 31 years—most of her adult life. Planting her first church in the Beverly area, she has always been a strong advocate and example of living Christ-like.
And this Christ-like demeanor is demonstrated in caring for others and offering assistance where needed—be it in care giving for the sick, assisting folks with family matters, literacy tools to help them better manage daily financial obligations or providing spiritual guidance to community members—even those not in her congregation.
Accordingly, Pastor Johnson enjoys helping people discover their purpose and develop their God-given dreams.
Evangelist LaDonna Price has heartfelt sentiments about Pastor Olivia. “My relationship with Pastor Olivia began in 1993 at the first church, Strong Tower Fellowship. The vessel that God chose for me is an awesome woman of God. A Pastor that began teaching us how to live this life according to the Word of God. Holy not compromising, living obedient and according to God’s will,” Evangelist Price said.
She added: “Pastor Olivia is a spiritual mother, friend, counselor, teacher, provider, comedian and perfectionist. She leads and guides you through the cares of this life here on Earth. Pastor lives this life as an example; it’s in her walk, her talk and her character.”
In previous years, Pastor Johnson had also led students from the South Suburbs and the Chicago Public School system in a restorative justice program she helped create as a member of the Chicago Bar Association’s Interfaith Committee. Said practices are now integrated in Cook County’s restorative justice court program.
Other community outreach included an etiquette class for students, where they learned about table setting and manners, through interactive teaching, watching videos, and concluded with a graduation and fine dining experience.
A consummate business professional, Pastor Johnson is Managing Broker/Owner of Olivia Johnson Realty and is committed to educating consumers and helping God’s people create legacies for their children and children’s children, according to scripture.
Pastor Johnson’s real estate business is a great part of her God-ordained ministry.
In addition to spiritually developing and empowering God’s people, Pastor Johnson also facilitates leadership, financial and entrepreneurial workshops, conferences and summits for churches, organizations and schools across the country.
Musical artist Pastor Donnie McClurkin had praises for Pastor Johnson years back when she assisted him with his first Perfecting Music Conference, which was held in conjunction with the Back to School Peace Jam sponsored by radio station 1390FM at the Faith Community of St. Sabina. Later, he returned to minister at one of GBM’s services.
At that time, he said: “We did a conference in Chicago. This woman wasn’t known by me; she really didn’t know me that well, but she has a heart of servitude, she has an humble heart. And without provocation, without even any invitation to do so, she availed herself and she worked so hard in our conference,” Pastor McClurkin said.
“My management has been singing her praises ever since then. And that’s why I’m here because the Bible says in order for one to have friends, you’ve got to show yourself friendly. She showed herself friendly. She’s got a friend in me.”
The Founder’s Day celebration will be held on Sunday, March 30, at 3:30 p.m. at 16250 84th Ave. in Tinley Park.
For more information about Generational Blessings Family Worship Center (“GBM”) or Pastor Olivia Johnson, call 866-313-0800.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood-South Side of Chicago (lulu.com)