Rev. Herbert L.
Johnson Jr., 33

By Brian Leaf

The Rev. Herbert L. Johnson wants Liberty Baptist Church to be a wellspring for hope and a center for developing people to their fullest potential. That message has helped turn the church at 3500 Preston St., Rockford, into a spiritual oasis, too. In the two years since Johnson was called to lead the church, it has added 1,000 members.

“It’s our mission to grow a community and to help God’s people — and the community at large — to excel in their personal and corporate endeavors,” said Johnson, a Chicago native who at age 14 knew he was destined to follow his father and namesake as a man of the cloth. “My personal ministry is geared toward meeting the needs of the people.”

Johnson said Liberty’s growth has resulted from a combination of evangelism, outreach and partnerships. Church members have gone door to door in neighborhoods to spread the word. They’ve passed out fliers and collected food for the less fortunate. Once a month there are free health screenings at the church, a project to test cardiovascular health. And more than 200 people have been tested for HIV through partnerships with the Winnebago County Health Department and The Rockford Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV/AIDS Coalition.

Johnson also is the CEO and president of Freedom West Development Corp.,
a non-profit that sponsors a back-to-school supply give away, Christmas toy drive and more.

He’s quick to invite people to visit Liberty on Sunday, but Johnson insists he’s not a salesman.

“I’m not a salesman because I give it away – I’m giving away Jesus.”