Conversations with Jeremy Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Johnson.

Hi Jeremy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Back in 2012, after nearly a decade of serving as youth pastors at The House Modesto, my wife Christy and I felt a profound calling to Los Angeles. We were driven by a vision to reach the dreamers—the artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives—who come to this city chasing big aspirations but often find themselves facing brokenness and disillusionment.Our journey began modestly. We started meeting people in coffee shops and on the beach in Orange County. Soon, we realized that our mission was to be in the heart of LA, so we took a leap of faith and moved to Downtown Los Angeles. We held gatherings in various unconventional venues—nightclubs, warehouses, even bonfires on the beach. Eventually, through a series of divine appointments, the owners of Exchange LA, a prominent nightclub, opened their doors for us to hold weekly services. Transforming that space into a place of worship was both challenging and exhilarating. The name “Fearless” was inspired by a quote from A.W. Tozer: “A scared world needs a fearless church.” It resonated deeply with us, especially considering my personal battles with fear and anxiety. Our mission became clear—to build a community where people could confront their fears and discover the transformative power of God’s love.Over the years, we’ve seen incredible growth. From our humble beginnings, we’ve expanded to multiple campuses, including Orange County and San Diego, and launched a global online community. Our vision remains steadfast: to be a beacon of hope in a city that often feels overwhelming, and to empower individuals to live fearlessly through the love of Christ.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
1. Financial Uncertainty
Starting a church from scratch in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. was a massive leap of faith. There were seasons when Jeremy and his wife Christy lived paycheck to paycheck, unsure how they would fund the next service or outreach effort. Raising support and building financial trust with a new community took time.

2. Spiritual Opposition & Inner Battles
Jeremy has openly talked about his personal battles with fear and anxiety, which made the journey particularly challenging. The pressure of leading, pioneering in a spiritually resistant culture, and dealing with rejection often tested his faith and mental resilience.

3. Finding a Venue
In the early days, the church didn’t have a permanent space. They held services in nightclubs, theaters, and even on the beach. While innovative, it also created logistical headaches—unloading sound equipment weekly, navigating city permits, and building consistency with attendees in a transient environment.

4. Cultural Barriers
Los Angeles is spiritually eclectic and often skeptical of traditional church models. Jeremy had to find creative ways to reach people who had been hurt by religion or had no interest in church. This meant breaking out of the conventional mold and making church approachable and real.

5. Leadership Development
Raising up trustworthy leaders and building a committed team in such a transient city proved difficult. Many came to LA for a season, chasing dreams, which meant high turnover and the need to continually disciple and equip new leaders.

6. Emotional Toll
Church planting is often isolating. Balancing family, ministry, and the needs of a growing congregation took a toll. Jeremy and Christy had to continually fight for unity in their marriage, maintain boundaries, and ensure they didn’t burn out while pouring into others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Writing has always been an extension of my calling as a pastor. When I wrote Declare War on Fear, it came from a deeply personal place—I’ve battled fear and anxiety most of my life. That book wasn’t just a message for others; it was the war I had to fight myself. As a pastor, I see how fear holds people back from stepping into their God-given purpose, and I wanted to put something in their hands that could help them fight back with truth and faith. Whether I’m preaching on a Sunday or writing in a quiet moment, my heart is the same: to lead people into freedom, boldness, and the fearless life Jesus offers.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
If there’s one thing I can say without hesitation, it’s that my relationship with God has been the only thing that’s sustained me through every high and low. Planting a church in Los Angeles, battling fear, leading people, writing books—none of that would have been possible without staying rooted in His presence. There were so many moments when I wanted to quit, when the weight felt too heavy, and the vision seemed too big. But every time I came back to that secret place with God, He reminded me who I am and why I started. Any success I’ve had hasn’t come from strategy or talent—it’s come from intimacy with Jesus. That daily walk with Him is where I’ve found strength, direction, and peace, even in the chaos.

Pricing:

• $20

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jeremyjohnson.la
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyjohnsonla/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeremyjohnson_la