OUR LEADERSHIP

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Overseer James Christopher Turner is the Founder and Pastor of Truth & Faith Missionary Baptist Church located in Chicago, Illinois. Originally from Dyersburg, Tennessee, Overseer Turner has felt his calling to preach since a young age and has faithfully embraced God’s calling for decades.  

In 1997, he was ordained as a deacon and received his license to preach the Gospel on August 26, 2001. Throughout his ministry, he has contributed in various capacities, including Sunday School, missions, youth and young adult ministry, and street evangelism. In 2003, he was ordained and commissioned for pastoral leadership, later taking on the role of assistant pastor at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Illinois.  

On May 1, 2018, God inspired Overseer James Christopher Turner to establish Truth & Faith Missionary Baptist Church, which has rapidly grown and continues its mission to advance the Kingdom of God. In 2023, he was appointed as Overseer over the Tennessee region, where he oversees multiple churches. Under the banner of Truth & Faith, the ministry has also expanded internationally, establishing churches in Africa and beyond. Overseer Turner is actively involved in several independent boards.  

Recognized as a passionate leader, dynamic teacher, and powerful preacher, Overseer Turner is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ with truth, faith, and love. He is married to Pastor Gloria Jean Johnson-Turner, and together they are proud parents of four children and grandparents to six. One of his sons is also pursuing a path in ministry.  

Overseer Turner often concludes his sermons with the heartfelt words:  

“May the Good Lord continue to bless you, real good!”

Pastor Gloria Jean Johnson-Turner is a native of Chicago, Illinois, who accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Pastor T. L. Barrett Jr. at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She later continued her spiritual growth at New Philadelphia Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in ministry.

Pastor Gloria Turner was educated in the Chicago Public School System and pursued higher education in business and economics, earning advanced certifications and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business. She is a licensed Notary Public for the State of Illinois, holds a Public Accounting Certification, and has been a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur for over 40 years, founding and operating multiple restaurants and catering services.

Her ministry journey began as First Lady after marrying Overseer James Christopher Turner in 2004. Throughout the years, Pastor Gloria Jean Johnson-Turner has faithfully served in numerous leadership roles including President of the Missionary Department, Pastoral Aid President, Women’s Ministry leader, Sunday School Superintendent, and Children’s Ministry supporter. In 1999, she founded the nonprofit Children of Glory, dedicated to enriching the lives of children through faith-based activities and outreach.

After returning to Chicago, Pastor Turner served at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church under the late Pastor John Hall. In obedience to God’s call, she announced her calling as an Evangelist and later, on January 18, 2022, was officially called to the office of Pastor. Today, she proudly serves as Pastor and First Lady of Truth & Faith Missionary Baptist Church, alongside her husband, Overseer James Christopher Turner.

Pastor Gloria Turner is known for her servant’s heart, strong leadership, love for children, and unwavering commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God through faith, service, and love.