Proclaim, teach, develop, and serve.
To proclaim Jesus Christ, teach Scripture faithfully, develop mature believers, and build a caring community that lives out the gospel.
ABOUT LIGHT WAY CHURCH
A church without walls
Light Way Church grew from decades of Bible teaching, ministry service, and a conviction that the church is a people—not merely a building. Our virtual ministry makes worship, teaching, prayer, fellowship, and discipleship accessible across locations.
WHO WE ARE
Biblically grounded. Grace centered. Connected wherever God’s people gather.
Light Way Church is a Christ-centered virtual church committed to explaining Scripture in context, developing mature believers, caring for people, and using technology as a ministry tool. We seek substance over performance and faithfulness over religious appearance.
A healthy church beyond geographic walls.
To be a spiritually healthy, biblically grounded church where people encounter truth, grow in grace, and use their gifts in service.
OUR STORY
From sustained Bible teaching to an everywhere assembly.
Light Way Church developed from years of in-depth, verse-by-verse Bible teaching. Through Lightweight Ministries, workplace Bible studies were conducted for approximately 15 years at Shell, and teaching was also carried into churches, including studies through Revelation with Daniel providing foundational context.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face Bible study moved online. What began as a necessary transition demonstrated that meaningful worship, teaching, prayer, and fellowship could continue across physical distance. That work developed into the Lightweight e-Church and ultimately Light Way Church.
Today, Light Way Church embraces an “everywhere assembly” model: a real church community connected by shared faith, biblical teaching, prayer, accountable leadership, and active care rather than defined only by a permanent building.
FOUNDING PASTOR & BIBLE TEACHER
Pastor Dr. Michael L. Johnson
Ordained minister, Bible teacher, pastoral counselor, ministry leader, and engineering professional bringing disciplined study and more than 30 years of church ministry experience to the work of Light Way Church.
Ministry journey
Pastor Johnson served at True Worship Church/True Worship Cathedral from approximately 1997–2000 and Morning Star Full Gospel Baptist Church from approximately 2001–2003. He was ordained in 2004 at Willing Workers Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where he served until approximately 2017.
His ministry work has included Christian education, evangelism, teaching, new-member development, hospital and sick visitation, educational outreach, pastoral care, and other areas of church service. He and his wife, Anissa “Kitty” Johnson, developed Lightweight Ministries, which provided sustained workplace and church-based Bible teaching before the formation of Light Way Church.
His teaching emphasis is careful biblical interpretation, verse-by-verse exposition, doctrinal clarity, spiritual discernment, and practical application without manipulation, personality-centered ministry, or the elevation of tradition above Scripture.
In 2026, Pastor Johnson accepted appointments to serve on the Board of Directors of Dr. Ann’s Biblical Educational Institute (DABEI) as Vice President and as Watchman and Overseer of DABEI’s Accreditation for Biblical Education (ABE). In the ABE role, his responsibilities include doctrinal oversight, biblical integrity, theological soundness, and spiritual accountability.
DABEI FOREWORD LETTER
A word of encouragement to Light Way Church
On September 28, 2026, Dr. Roberta Ann Whitfield, Founder, President & Ecclesiastical Director of Dr. Ann’s Biblical Educational Institute (DABEI²), wrote to Pastor Johnson and the Light Way Church family recognizing the ministry’s commitment to the Word of God and encouraging the church to keep Scripture, studied carefully and in context, as its foundation.
“Context Governs Meaning. Truth Requires Discipline.”
The letter calls believers to open their Bibles, examine the Scriptures, ask questions, seek understanding, and continue growing spiritually.
Read the full DABEI letter
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Serving together with accountability and care
Light Way Church leadership is shared across spiritual oversight, administration, practical service, prayer, and member care. Our elders, administrators, and deacons work together to care for the congregation and support the ministry.
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Elder
Dr. Doris Franklin
Serves Light Way Church as an elder, contributing to spiritual oversight, prayer, biblical encouragement, and congregational care.
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Elder
Dr. Geleart Burton
Dr. Geleart Burton is a husband and father who loves the Word of God. has had a profound influence on his personal relationship with the Lord, his spiritual growth, and his understanding of Scripture. He earned four theological degrees from Dr. Ann’s Biblical Explorations Inc. in 2024, including a Doctorate in Theology, and completed all coursework for a PhD at Capella University (ABD) in 2014. He also holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Southern University, and an Associate of Arts from Houston Community College. His spiritual gifts include giving, discernment, and knowledge, which shape his commitment to seeking God’s truth and helping others understand what that truth means in their lives.
Church Administrator
Sister Anissa “Kitty” Johnson
Sister Anissa “Kitty” Johnson serves as Church Administrator at Light Way Church. She supports church communications, administrative coordination, and ministry activities, helping the congregation remain connected and organized. She is being discipled as she continues to grow in her faith and understanding of God’s Word.
Sister Kitty’s church roots began in Chester, Pennsylvania, where her family established a church more than 50 years ago. Her grandfather served as bishop, and her uncle continues to serve that congregation. Her earlier service there included teaching Sunday school and singing in the church choir.
Singing holds a special place in her ministry. She sang with the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir and also sang with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Choir under the direction of Walter Hawkins. She has served on various praise teams, contributing to worship and encouraging others through music.
Her church experience also includes serving in a regional office capacity for a Christian fellowship in the Southern United States. She served alongside her husband, Pastor Michael L. Johnson, who held a financial officer role within the same fellowship.
Sister Kitty holds a bachelor’s degree in education and currently works with the special education department of a local school district. Her professional background also includes procurement and vocational training, bringing practical experience in organization and resource coordination to her administrative service.
Pastor Johnson and Sister Kitty have been married for 30 years and have shared a relationship for 33 years. At Light Way Church, she supports the congregation through administration and service while continuing her own journey of spiritual growth.
Church Administrator
Sister Candice Mitchell
Supports church administration and ministry coordination, helping maintain clear communication and dependable service to the congregation.
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Deacon
Timothy Johnson
Serves as a deacon, assisting with practical ministry, member care, service coordination, and the needs of the church community.
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Deacon
Joshua Mitchell
Serves as a deacon, supporting practical ministry, congregational care, and faithful service within the Light Way Church community.
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Deacon
Alex Charles
Serves as a deacon, helping meet practical ministry needs and supporting the church through dependable service and member care.
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Church Greeter
Sister Brenda Burton
Serves as a church greeter, helping welcome members and guests, support fellowship, and create a warm and caring first point of connection with Light Way Church.
OUR MINISTRY COMMITMENTS
How we intend to serve
- Christ above personalities, titles, and traditions
- Scripture studied carefully and in context
- Grace-driven generosity rather than pressure
- Shared ministry and accountable leadership
- Prayer, discipleship, and practical care
- Technology used as a ministry tool, never an idol