Bringing a Message of Oneness
Rev. Deborah L. Johnson is the founding minister and president of Inner Light Ministries, an omnifaith outreach ministry dedicated to teaching the practical application of universal spiritual principles to all of life’s circumstances.
She holds a vision of oneness, beyond creed and doctrine, and feels particularly called to heal the sense of separation between those adhering to conservative and progressive ideologies.
She is founder and president of The Motivational Institute, an organizational development consulting firm specializing in cultural diversity serving the public, private, and non-profit sectors. As a dynamic public speaker, she is known for her ability to bring clarity to complex and emotionally charged issues.
Spiritual Affiliations
Rev. Deborah is an inductee into the Board of Preachers of the Martin Luther King Jr. Chapel at Morehouse College which honors clergy for their lifetime work in social justice.
She is a leadership development trainer for the Network of Spiritual Progressives, founded by Rabbi Michael Lerner and the Tikkun Community, Cornel West, and Sister Joan Chittister.
Reverend Deborah is also an original vision core member of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles founded by her spiritual mentor, Michael Beckwith.
Social Activism
A life-long social justice activist, Rev. Deborah was a successful participant in two landmark cases in California – one set precedent for the inclusion of sexual orientation in the state’s Civil Rights Bill, the other defeated the challenge to legalizing domestic partnerships. A voice for compassion, equality, and reconciliation, her primary focus has been on coalition building, conflict resolution, public policy development, and cultural sensitivity awareness.
Groundbreaking Work
Featured in numerous magazines, films, radio and television programs:
- Conversations with Neale (Neale Donald Walsch) radio show
- Shambhala Sun magazine
- Jumpin’ the Broom, Showtime TV’s Black Filmmaker Showcase production
- God and Gays: Bridging the Gap (film)
- Nightline, ABC television
Author, Letters from the Infinite Series:
- Your Deepest Intent
- The Sacred Yes
- Living the Sacred Yes: Affirmations for Action
Wherever she goes, her message is always one of possibility, inclusion, empowerment, and transformation.
Educational Endeavors
As an advocate for continual and lifelong learning, Rev. Deborah is a faculty member at several institutes of higher learning:
- UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Business Executive Leadership Diversity Training Institute
- Holmes Institute of Consciousness Studies
- Agape University of Transformational Studies and Leadership
- Advisory Council, Women’s Studies Department, Brandeis University
Reverend Deborah holds a BA in economics from USC, an MBA from UCLA, and a ministerial degree from the Holmes Institute.