Rev. Dr. Johnny L. Hughes, Jr., is a husband, father, pastor, and educator who lives by the conviction to “love God, serve God, love people, and serve others.” Over the past five decades he has served in various leadership roles in the church.  Since 2021, he has served as the Pastor of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Flowood, MS where he also leads a food distribution ministry feeding hundreds of families per week.

In 2018 he received a doctoral of theology from Flag Chapel Bible College. Prior to ministry he spent 31 years in secondary education.  After spending more than 17 years as a classroom instructor, he pursued a certification in educational administration and was blessed to become an assistant principal at Lanier High School and a principal for three years at Hinds Agricultural High School in Utica, MS.  One of his proudest moments was returning to his former high school (Lanier) to serve as principal until retirement in 2004. 

Rev. Hughes is married to his lovely wife Janet.  They credit their love for God and each other as the reason for being married for more than 48 years.  Their two children, Jarvis Hughes and Janna Forbes reside in Fresno, CA and Collierville, TN.