ABOUT
THE EZEKIEL GROUP was born out of a desire to help churches and pastors "live again." It is estimated that 65-90% of churches are in need of some kind of revitalization and that 7,000-8,000 churches close their doors every year! That number is staggering! In addition, 1,500-1,700 pastors leave their church every month (most forced out)! Many never return...
Ray Johnson, the founder of The Ezekiel Group, has over 35 years of full time ministry experience and has a heart for the local church and the pastors who lead them. He knows the joys and heartaches of ministry. He, along with those who work with him, wants to helps pastors and leaders find "life" again!
I have known Ray Johnson since he was a college student. Ray was one of my top leaders in helping guide and grow a large and dynamic college ministry within a church setting. He was highly committed, faithful, hard-working, energetic, and creative. He also displayed a godly spirit that was manifested in a dynamic personal relationship and what today we call high EQ. Ray is also committed to God's Word and is theologically minded and understands that it is God, through His Spirit and His Word, that changes people.
Ray has served in many different staff positions--lead pastor, associate pastor, discipleship pastor, and children & student pastor. As a result, Ray has a deep and broad understanding of what it takes to lead a church that is spiritually healthy and effective in growing both qualitatively and quantitatively. Put another way, Ray understands the two essential purposes of the church--to reach the lost and disciple fellow believers. He also possesses practical insight to the many important leadership principles including crafting a compelling vision, developing a ministry strategy, leading change, managing conflict, equipping the saints, leading the staff, managing the budget and many other important fundamentals of leading and guiding a church.
-Brad Waggoner, Executive Vice President of Church Answers
Ray Johnson
Founder
Ray has served 35 plus years in full-time ministry as a senior pastor, associate pastor, discipleship pastor, and a student/ children's pastor (in Texas, California, and Kentucky). That experience gives him a unique opportunity to help you. In addition, he has been certified by the Church Consultation University led by Dr. Thom Rainer (current CEO of Church Answers and former CEO of LifeWay).
Lauri Johnson
Wife & Assistant
Lauri and Ray have been married for over 34 years and she has been his faithful encourager the whole time. Lauri helps provide in-office and on the field support. She is actively involved in ladies ministry, teaching and mentoring ladies.
Michael Johnson
Assistant
Tyler & Grace Culver
Assistants
Michael has a law degree from Liberty University and has served in the public policy arena for the last 6 years. He is actively involved in his church in Louisville, KY where he lives. His knowledge of law, public policy, and ministry as a layman gives him valuable experience that will be helpful to any church.
Tyler & Grace live just southeast of Louisville, KY and bring the perspective and adventure of a young couple to the ministry and evaluation of churches they help. They are both actively involved in a large, multi-site church in Louisville.