Born Edward Lee Johnson, Jr., Bishop Ed is a native Houstonian. He is the son of Deacon Edward and Erma Johnson, Sr. He attended M. B. Smiley High School and Texas Southern University. He is the husband of Overseer Marilyn Johnson and the proud father of Chas Braxton, Christal Joi, Edward Lee, III, and Kyle Maxwell.

 

Bishop Ed is known for his wise counsel. Frequently, he is found in private consultations with members of the five-fold, instructing them on church protocol, vision development, and spiritually discerning their house and ministries. He is extremely hard on leadership. He says, “We can’t afford to be cavalier in this matter, seeing that God has entrusted His people's spiritual growth and development to this select group.” Pastor Ed preaches a disciplined word coupled with accountability. The message is not just for the sheep but also for the leadership of the Body of Christ.

 

Along with delivering the preached Word, Bishop Ed is an accomplished musician. He has recorded eleven albums and produced numerous others. He has appeared on stage with Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans, Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Barbara Tucker, John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin, and the list goes on. In the early 90s, he formed a group [Ed Johnson & Praise] that attained prominence with the original recording of “Where Are The Christian?” That year, at the Texas Gospel Music Awards, they were nominated in three categories, winning two: Group of the Year and Song of the Year (losing Album of The Year to Dallas Mass Choir). 

 

The love Bishop Ed has for God is evident in the manner in which he handles God’s people. He is constantly seeking ways to establish the people of God in service to God. His work does not end there. He is an entrepreneur and author. He is a husband, a father, a pastor, a businessman, a musician, a visionary, and a man who loves and fears God.