Today we’d like to introduce you to Rev. Dr. Coach J. Livingston. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Affectionately called Reverend J., Pastor J., Coach J., Dr. Coach J., or just plain old J., depending on which circle of people you find him. However, wherever you see him, you will find a preacher, teacher, coach, husband, father, brother, son, nephew, cousin or friend because all these describe him. Pastor J. received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Dance from Eastern New Mexico University, his master’s degree from the New York State University College at Brockport in Education and a Master of Divinity degree from McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. In 2016, he received a doctoral degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University. He answered the call to preach in 1995 and acquired ministerial Licensing under Reverend Grady Hendricks of Macedonia Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia. Before relocating to Georgia.
Pastor J. began his spiritual journey as a teen growing up in Buffalo, New York. He started his teaching vocation in Rochester, New York, where served as a Deacon at the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel McCree. He returned to Buffalo in 1988 and united with the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Braxton. In 1994, he and his family relocated to Georgia, residing first in Monroe, GA where he was head coached the men’s basketball and assisted on the varsity football teams at Monroe Area High School.
In 1996, he accepted the position of head men’s basketball coach at Morrow High school in Clayton County, Georgia and he united with the Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in College Park, where he served as an associate minister under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Emmanuel McCall. From here, his spiritual journey continued at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church, where he again served as an associate minister under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Matthew V. Johnson. In 2012, he accepted the invitation to pastor at the Mt. Enon Baptist Church of Monroe, Georgia and in 2016, he was led to form Remnant Fellowship.
His ministry has touched the lives of so many young adults, which it is befitting that Remnant is called to focus on TYA4C – Transforming Young Adults 4 Christ. In addition to serving as Pastor at Remnant Fellowship, he continues to teach in the Clayton County Public School system, while also serving as an adjunct professor at the Ohio Christian University – Morrow Campus.
He is married to the former Marilyn House, the Love of his life. They have two children, daughter Jayelyn Nailah, the Joy of his life and son James, the Pride of his life and two grandchildren, Kennedy Elaine and Sage Elizabeth, the Laughter and Hope in his life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I ran from my calling for over 20 years. At one time, I believed people were instrumental in my demise. Everything from having my High School Basketball program taken from me to having being voted out of my first Pastorate. However, after having an epiphany, I realized that it was all God’s plan for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a retired educator with over 37 years of teaching/coaching experience. I’ve coached college football and high school basketball as an Athletic Director and Health and Physical Education Teacher in three different States. I was a basketball Coach of the Year in Clayton County Public Schools. I went to the Georgia State Playoffs for seven consecutive years and was a Final Four Basketball Coach. I am most proud of touching the lives of the young adults that are now successful young adults.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is hearing and doing what you have been called by God to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: RemnantAtl.com
- Facebook: Remnant Fellowship Atl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA6LPto72J5OTD8UGLYK_pw
