Apostle Johnny L. Kemp Ghost Walk birthday legacy portrait

OCT
23
2026

A living archive of faith, service & leadership

A legacy
in motion.

Apostle Johnny L. Kemp has spent a lifetime building people, strengthening communities, and answering the call. His birthday is October 23. Our official birthday celebration will be held Sunday, October 25, immediately following the 10:00 AM–12:00 noon church service.

Enter the trivia →Explore his story ↓

Birthday countdown · October 23— days

LIVE COUNTDOWN

The birthday surprise

The moment is getting closer.

Birthday · Friday, October 23, 2026

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Celebration Update

Birthday October 23 · Celebration October 25

The birthday is Friday.
The celebration is Sunday.

Apostle Johnny L. Kemp’s birthday is Friday, October 23, 2026.

We will come together for the official birthday celebration on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Church Service: 10:00 AM–12:00 noon
Birthday Celebration: Begins immediately following the close of service.

Everyone is invited to worship with us and remain afterward as we honor and celebrate this great man of God.

01 / The story

Meet the man behind the ministry

Called early.
Built to lead.

Johnny Kemp life story collage from childhood to ministry

postle Johnny Lee Kemp was born October 23, 1948, to Willie Kemp and Lillie M. Kemp. Raised in Miami, Florida, he developed leadership qualities early—becoming a respected voice among his peers and an emerging example of discipline and purpose.

From the track to the pulpit, his story is marked by commitment. He was a premier athlete, a decorated Vietnam combat medic, a husband and father, and a teacher whose ministry mandate remains simple: teach, train, and equip.

“A spiritual father who loves his spiritual children and wants them to do well in the kingdom of God.”— Danielle, ministry tribute

02 / A life in motion

Milestones of
purpose.

Every chapter left a mark. Every season prepared the next.

Johnny Kemp military service and life journey collage

Service · sacrifice · leadership

A journey shaped by courage.

From military service to ministry leadership, each season helped shape a life devoted to faith, family, and service.

1948

Born October 23

Born in Miami to Willie Kemp and Lillie M. Kemp; fourth of five siblings according to the ministry-history document.

1966–68

Athlete & scholar

Miami Northwestern Class of 1966. Track-and-field excellence earned state titles and a #5 U.S. ranking in 1968.

1969–70

Service & sacrifice

Served as a combat medic in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star for valor, according to the supplied biography.

1972–77

Family & calling

Married Pastor Patty L. Smith in 1972. In September 1977, he assumed pastoral leadership of M.E.C. Ministries.

1991

Teach. Train. Equip.

Founded the M.E.C. Ministers School to prepare ministers and believers for biblical and practical service.

1994→

Apostolic oversight

Formally ordained August 7, 1994. Today he serves as Overseer and Presiding Bishop across a family of ministries.

03 / The archive

A legacy in print

Before the
headlines fade.

The supplied newspaper archive preserves athletics, ministry, family, and community history in print. Browse a few highlights below.

Johnny Kemp pole-vaulting at the Bob Hayes Meet

Golden Bulls · Bob Hayes Meet

Johnny Kemp clears the bar

The archive identifies senior Johnny Kemp pole-vaulting across a 13-foot-6-inch bar at the Bob Hayes Meet.

Read the full archive transcription ↗

Johnny Kemp family, ministry, and legacy collage

04 / The impact

Twenty churches.
Countless lives.

From the pulpit, through counseling and guidance, the ministry-history document reports that twenty churches have been started by ministers trained under Apostle Kemp’s leadership.

48years of service
celebrated in the archive

20churches started
by trained ministers

1991M.E.C. Ministers
School founded

05 / The challenge

Study the story. Test your knowledge.

How well do you know Apostle Kemp?

This round goes deeper. Study the story, timeline, newspaper archive, and ministry milestones before answering ten questions. The participant with the winning score will receive special recognition and a special gift.

Completed scores are logged for winner selection. New questions will be introduced as the celebration approaches, and each round will become more detailed. In the event of a tie, the celebration team may use a final tie-break question.

Enter your name and email before beginning so your score can be considered for recognition.

Your nameEmail address

Question 1 of 100 correct

THE
WINNER
IS SEEN

The recognition moment

One story.
One winner.
One unforgettable surprise.

Finish the challenge, share the celebration, and make sure the people who should be there know where to find the official event details.

Event details →

06 / Be part of the celebration

Your presence matters

How would you like to join us?

Let the celebration team know how you plan to join us on Sunday, October 25. Church service is from 10:00 AM–12:00 noon, and the birthday celebration begins immediately after service.