Special Speaker

Special Speaker

The Gathering Church is glad to welcome James Johnson as a guest speaker this Sunday, a person who is making a difference in youth development in the Durham community.  More importantly, he knows how to help others come together to make a difference.

James is the founder and CEO of Life Strategies Solutions, a consulting company that focuses on bridging the gap between youth, adults, and communities.  He has developed a mentor training program that is used by many organizations.  James is also the Executive Director of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Durham.

James is also a 20 year veteran of the New York City Police Department. During the street gang crisis in the late 90’s, James started a youth program which reduced gang violence by 62%.  Through that experience he realized that God had called him to reach youth, families, and communities.  He was a First Responder on 9/11 and is committed to being a first responder today to the needs of a community.

“Everything a community needs to develop is already in the community. God wants to use the church, his people, to bring hope to all.” says James.