Rev. Marian Sykes Johnson

Reverend Marian Sykes Johnson, affectionately known to her church family and community as "Rev. MJ," is a devoted servant of God called to preach the Gospel, uplift the body of Christ, and minister to the spiritual and physical needs of God's people. Ordained a Local Elder in 2009, she currently serves on the Ministerial Staff at Saint Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church in Orange, New Jersey, where she walks closely with the pastoral leadership and the congregation in faith, prayer, and pastoral care.

A Ministry of Praise and Song

With a deep passion for the music ministry, Rev. MJ believes that praise is a powerful gateway to worship and deliverance. Alongside her duties on the ministerial staff, she serves with joy as the Director of the Saint Matthew AMEC Mass & Harmony Choirs, leading the music ministry in ushering the congregation into the presence of the Lord through transformative song and spiritual preparation.

Sisterhood, Service, and Servant Leadership

Rev. MJ's faith is put into action through her extensive leadership in the community. A woman of profound sisterhood, she is a charter member of the Morristown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (established in 1987). Having previously served as Chapter President, she continues to provide spiritual grounding to her sisters as the current Chapter Chaplain. Through her sorority and local coalitions, she did spearhead critical civic engagement initiatives, including voter registration drives, viewing social action as an extension of her Christian duty to empower the community.

Hands and Feet of Christ in the Community

Answering the biblical call to care for others, Rev. MJ has dedicated her time and talents to vital health and restoration ministries. Through public health compassion, she has provided foundational support services for the Ryan White Program, assisting the Paterson-Passaic County and Bergen County HIV Health Services Planning Council. She was the lead-facilitator in the SISTA (Sistas Informing Sistas about the Topic of AIDS) Program for the New Jersey Human Development Corporation, which provided guidance and HIV/AIDS education to churches statewide.

Family and Foundation

Rev. MJ is the cherished daughter of the late Harry J. and Maxine A. Dixon, whose legacy of faith she carries forward daily. She shares life and ministry with her devoted husband, James Johnson. Anchored in the Word of God, Rev. MJ remains committed to fighting the good fight of faith and dedicated to the spiritual enrichment of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Download bio (PDF) ← Back to Our Team