Hank Johnson, Senior Pastor

Hank joined the staff of the Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church as Pastor of Youth Ministries in September 2008. In 2013, Hank accepted an invitation to become Pastor of Discipleship and Youth Ministries. The expansion of his responsibilities over the years has included work with HBIC’s Church Board and Mosaics Committee as well as our Adult Discipleship and Worship Ministry Teams. Hank began serving as Senior Pastor in October 2018.

Hank was born in Monrovia (Liberia). Due to Civil War, Hank’s family lived as immigrants and refugees in Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast), before settling in Palisades Park (New Jersey) and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Hank graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia, and then from Messiah College in 2004. He completed a Master of Divinity from Evangelical Theological Seminary in May 2014, graduating with high distinction.

Hank’s ministry experience has been gleaned through serving at camps, community and youth centers, and in the social work field. Hank and his wife, Shell, live in Harrisburg with their daughters, Harper and Kennedy.

When asked about his passions, Hank shared that he enjoys encouraging people, challenging them to take ownership of their faith, and living out the gospel of Jesus Christ. He believes our call is to live and love like Christ lived and loved. Hank also enjoys sports, fellowship with family and friends, traveling, good food, and board games.