Dr. Johnny L. Miller had a life changing experience as he witnessed the riots and destruction of Chicago’s west side community after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His own home burned in the midst of the chaos then, in the aftermath as he walked through a desolate community, his surroundings caused him to wonder, “What does it take to rebuild the community?” The scripture says that “Where there is no vision, the people will perish”. Accepting his call into the Ministry of Jesus Christ in November 1970, and drafted into the U.S. Army in December of the same year, Dr. Miller has used his commitment to serve the people of God, not just through preaching and teaching but also with his vision of a hub of services and resources in the community.

 

It was several decades ago while stationed in Germany where he was on active duty serving the Military that the vision began to take on vitality. The vision was born from his desire to serve people far beyond the confines of the church wall and permeate the hearts and minds of people by meeting their needs and coming together collaboratively to rebuild and reclaim the community. From this vision, the JLM Abundant Life Center (JLM Center) was born. Erected in 2008, the now standing facility was birthed from the vision of this anointed visionary.

 

He has served as Pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church for over forty years. Over this period, outreach has been one of his primary focuses. With the opening of the JLM Center - a Center that bears his name, and where the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church engages in its weekly worship services, numerous Community Outreach services are provided.