Johnny Gibson III is no stranger to faith and church, but his decision to become a preacher arose from a deep desire to help people.

A graduate of Warren Central High School, Gibson’s education culminated with an associate’s degree in applied science. He was registered in certified surgical technology, but found a career in the finance industry and currently serves as manager of the Vicksburg Verizon office. But the call to ministry pulled at him and he is now one of four ministers at Unity Temple Full Gospel Church.

“I love to help people,” Gibson said. “My daddy was the pastor (at Unity), and I had always been in the church scene. I was raised in the church and baptized at a young age. I gained a relationship with Jesus and, through that, I always had a compelling love for people.”

Gibson said, growing up, he found himself frequently in the role of advisor.

“If my friends had issues, they would come to me, and I would try to counsel them.”

Gibson recalled a time in college when one of his professors asked him if he thought he had a calling to be a minister. It was the first time he had seriously considered the possibility, he said. Having grown up with a pastor for a father, he knew he wanted to help in the church, but hadn’t thought it would be from the pulpit.

At the age of 21, he made the decision to go into ministry, but not until he’d tried things  “(my) own way.” Gibson said, “my parents, they let me bump my head, and I had to learn the hard way that the way I was trying to go wasn’t the way Christ wanted me to go.”

Gibson met his wife, Quintessa, in a college communications course. He recalled that it took a little convincing before she would agree to a date with him.

“I had to be persistent, but I guess I had enough charm to convince her,” he said. The couple has been married for 13 years and has three children, four-year-old Journie, two-year-old Johnny IV and eight-month old Jori.

Gibson credits his parents, Cynthia and Johnny Gibson Jr., for raising him in church. Both of his parents serve at Unity Temple Full Gospel Church, his father as bishop and his mother as an elder.

“Being raised in a family that were believers in the faith and understanding how it works and what a vital relationship with God can do in your life, that helped me in so many ways,” he said. “I always had someone I could go to for prayer. That was key for me. My dad, in particular, he’s my mentor.

“My dad’s still my hero. If something comes up, he’s one phone call away. I can call him and ask for advice and he gives me sound advice. He’s been there with me every step of the way. He’s always shown me love.”

Gibson said he enjoys working with youth and participated with other churches in a Vicksburg-wide youth revival in June. He recognizes that not all young people have the support he experienced growing up. The church works with the youth in many ways, including tutoring programs and counseling.

“Sometimes, they won’t open up too much to their parents, so we try to be that vessel they can come to in confidence. They’re the church of tomorrow,” Gibson said.

When asked to describe his preaching style, Gibson said he feels like a teacher. He said he strives to use words even the youngest can understand, adding that sincerity is important to him.

“I feel that some preachers miss the mark with certain people because you’re not reachable.”

Gibson said his desire is to always be available to people in need.

“Sometimes, somebody just needs a channel to vent to, to talk to. I’ll make time. If I can be that person that actually helps them, I like to be that person.”

The most important thing, Gibson said, is to remember to always rely on God.

“He is the way, He is the truth and He is the light. Whenever you need a light, he is that. He is there to take care of burdens and help you be the best you that you want to be.”

Gibson said he embraces the opportunity to help lead people in that direction.

“I love to see people smile. I love to help people along the way,” he said. “If I can help them get to a brighter future, that’s what I want to do.”