Chad M. Johnson - Monday Session

Festival One

The Cross goes up to God, out to man and into me. Listen here for Chad's Monday session.

Whether it be leading NFL players and their families in daily devotionals, overseeing a retreat of over 300 young adults, or spending time with his family across the globe, Pastor Chad M. Johnson is always on the go!

Pastor and Professional Sports Chaplain, Chad M. Johnson has experienced the ups and downs that life as we know it can bring, but he hasn’t allowed that to stop his ministry.

At the young age of 17 while attending a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp, it became clear to Chad that his purpose in life was far different than others his age. It was at this moment that he came to the realization that Christ placed him on this Earth to impact the lives of thousands. Igniting a passion within him, Chad returned from this camp, and immediately took to sharing The Gospel of Christ!

In the beginning stages of his journey, Pastor Chad began sharing the Word by leading team chapel services for local high school area sports programs. From there, his career skyrocketed! In 2002, he pioneered the first citywide urban youth retreat, “Camp Elevate” that is now nationally recognized and continues to meet annually. His ministry continued to reach new heights in 2002 when he was asked to serve in the NFL as the Arizona Cardinals team chaplain. During his time with the Cardinals, his duties included and still include; mentoring and pastoring thousands of professional athletes. After his departure from the Arizona Cardinals, Chad went on to continue his ministry with the Pittsburgh Steelers in which he currently works for Athletes in Action. For the past 6 years he has also served as the spring training chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chad’s heart for the young men in the sports industry is evident as he has worked with over 100 professional athletes. His heart’s desire is to see athletes become the men that God has called them to be. In 2006, Chad started “Elevate International”, a non-profit organization that serves urban youth and families worldwide. To date, there have been fourteen consecutive camps for youth between grades 6 and 12, named Camp Elevate, and seven retreats for young adults age 18-35, named Elevate Remix.

Chad’s educational background consists of a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries from Arizona Christian University in Phoenix. He also spent time at Kings University; immediately following completion of his undergraduate career, Chad began making an immediate impact within the inner city. One of his main areas of expertise is working with “at risk” youth and families. This has been demonstrated as he has served in various capacities such as: Youth and Children’s Pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Executive/Student Ministries Pastor at Church for the Nations, leading discipleship discussion, outreaches, and service projects, organizing and attending missions to the community and to other countries worldwide.