First Baptist Church of Elkridge

Bishop Robert E. Johnson, Jr. is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where he grew up faithfully serving at Saint Abraham Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Overseer Clarence R. Yerby. During his early years, he served as a percussionist, media ministry technician, and armor bearer. He preached his initial sermon on March 26, 2000, and was ordained on April 21, 2001. He later continued his biblical studies at the Maryland Theological Seminary.

In 2008, Bishop Johnson began his pastoral journey at Christian Center Union Baptist Church in Baltimore, where he served faithfully for 15 years. In 2023, following prayerful discernment, he led the historic merger of Christian Center Union Baptist Church with the First Baptist Church of Elkridge—Howard County’s oldest African American church, founded in 1843—uniting two congregations with one purpose.

Bishop Johnson has also served in denominational leadership, including Vice Moderator (2011–2014) and later Head Moderator of the Progressive Free Will Baptist Conference, Inc. On April 12, 2025, he was consecrated to the sacred office of Bishop in the Lord’s Church.

He has been married to his wife, Lady Donna Lynn, for 33 years. Together, they are passionate about mentoring, teaching, and inspiring transformation in God’s people. They are blessed with two sons, eight grandchildren, and one great‑granddaughter.

Above all, Bishop Johnson is committed to seeking the face and voice of God, preaching the truth with conviction, and offering hope to the brokenhearted. His ministry is rooted in restoration, compassion, and the belief that God uses people from all walks of life to fulfill His divine will.

To God be the glory for the great things He has done.

Lady Donna Lynn Johnson was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Dr. Clarence Richard and Dr. Delores Ethel Yerby. As the middle child of six, she was raised to rise early, dream big, work hard, and always keep God first.

At age 18, she began her professional journey, working as a factory seamstress, U.S. Postal Worker, and Call Center Supervisor before launching her own business, Xavier Cleaning Services. Through God’s grace, she successfully operated her company from 2005 until her retirement in 2023.

Coming from a legacy of pastors, preachers, and teachers, Lady Donna walks boldly in her God‑given calling. Her life experiences have equipped her to minister to women of all ages with compassion, wisdom, and authenticity. At First Baptist Church of Elkridge, she serves faithfully in several ministries, including Director of the Pearls of a Great Price Women’s Ministry, member of the Choir and Praise Team, and as a gifted teacher, intercessor, mentor, and servant leader.

Lady Donna also serves as President of the Missionary Convention of the Progressive Ecumenical Fellowship, Inc., where she devotes her time and resources to uplifting the less fortunate through community and global outreach.

She is a devoted woman of faith who loves the Lord with all her heart. For over 33 years, she has served alongside her husband, Bishop Robert E. Johnson, Jr., as a co‑laborer in ministry. Together, they are blessed with two sons, four grandsons, four granddaughters, and one beautiful great‑granddaughter.

Lady Donna lives by her favorite scripture: 

Psalm 34:1 — “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”