Reverend Dr. Torianto S. Johnson Sr has a profound capacity for nurturing relationships and actively engaging with the community. With almost three decades of experience in pastoral ministry, community outreach, and spiritual care, Dr. Johnson has honed his abilities in bridging differences, fostering connections, and establishing enduring relationships with individuals from diverse political and theological backgrounds.
He is deeply committed to confronting social and economic inequality in a unifying rather than divisive manner. This commitment is not just a part of his work but a reflection of his values and beliefs. His vision for the community involves embracing individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs, Left and Right, Liberal and Conservative.
Dr. Johnson draws inspiration from Andy's work in creating Next Chapter Ministries, which resonated with early efforts in his ministry that included teaching Bible study in local jails, men’s and women’s homeless shelters, and halfway houses. Andy’s passion for reducing recidivism rates, supporting families impacted by incarceration, and fostering holistic gospel transformation aligns with Dr. Johnson’s philosophy and theology. He believes we are all better off when these things become a reality. And it will take all of us for the vision to come to fruition.
Dr. Johnson's academic journey began at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he laid the foundation for his future studies. He continued his education at Yale Divinity School, earning a Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in theology, where He was the recipient of the Edward Ashley Walker Scholarship at Yale Divinity School, which is voted upon by faculty and awarded to a current student based on academic excellence. During his time at Yale, Dr. Johnson served as a minister for Marquand Chapel and the Reverend Dr. Samuel N. Slie Pastoral Fellow for the University Church in Yale. He completed his doctorate at Duke Divinity School in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his academic career.
His life is enriched by his marriage to his wife of thirty years, Angela Johnson, and their four children: Torianna, Torisa, Torianto Jr., and Toriah.
“Through my personal experiences, I have truly appreciated the profound impact of community service in fostering connections and engagement within our society. My unwavering commitment to community service is a testament to my firm belief in its transformative power.”
Janie Borkowski is the Director of Operations and oversees the Little Legacies Children’s Ministry. She attended Black Hills State University for her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and The University of Sioux Falls where she received her Master of Education degree in Higher Education and Adult Learning. Janie felt a call to enter into ministry in 2019, and she jumped in headfirst serving as a Children’s Pastor. Janie moved to Rochester in 2021 to assist a local church with restarting and now serves as the Associate Pastor. She also received her Ordination in 2024. She loves knowing that God can revitalize and bring new energy to all things! It is this passion that has her excited to be a part of Next Chapter Ministries. She really loves iced coffee and spending time at the local State Parks with her dog, Sophie. Janie joined the staff in May of 2022.
Jessica LaFavor is a dedicated mother of three grown children, a certified doula through DONA International, a certified peer recovery specialist, and a trauma healing facilitator through the Trauma Healing Institute. This creates community, support, and courage. Her heart is legacy—to equip, encourage, and empower women to be healthy, growing, and full of love! She is the Vice President of a non-profit, Embracing Miracles, and the founder of Grateful Life Ministries LLC. With 25+ years of experience, her philosophy is love at birth, love for life—walking alongside those on the journey of new life physically and spiritually specializing in Christian doula training- Heart of Doula workshops, Grateful Life childbirth education, and Women of Strength healing retreats. She has been a keynote conference speaker, is a published author, was a Pastor for 11 years, and a part of the development team and taught at the Train a Child Center (TACC) in Kasson, served as the Coordinator for the Rochester Outreach Center, and was a Training Coach for Celebrate Recovery. Jessica attended Crossroads Bible College for 2 years, studying Theology, and has been trained in several types of inner healing prayer. At the Lighthouse she serves those impacted by the cycle of incarceration and has been an advocate in areas such as trauma, addiction/recovery, parenting, homelessness, and mental health. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 119:2, “Blessed are they that keep the testimonies of the Lord with their whole heart.” Jessica was born with a hole in her heart and has a miraculous testimony of how God made her heart whole!
Josh Spencer began volunteering with NCM when one of the guys invited him to a Bible study in 2019. In 2024, he has stepped in as the Interim Men’s Director, and plans to continue investing relationally in the men of our program. He is a seminary student with a passion for discipleship. While serving in a Memphis congregation comprised of folks experiencing homelessness and/or addiction, he discovered the unique challenge and potential beauty that comes from “rock bottom” experiences. NCM is a vehicle which allows people who’ve been to the bottom to embrace that challenge and beauty, by allowing the process to teach us what surrender, faith, and transformation in Jesus truly look like. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 ESV)
Darrell Luce is the Men’s Resident Assistant. Darrell joined the team in February of 2024 and is an alumni of the Discipleship Program. Trained as a Peer Recovery Specialist, Darrell utilizes his lived experience to encourage the men at NCM to daily engage in their recovery and work hard towards restoration.