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His love for music emerged early, and though initially denied entry into a Performing Arts program, John pressed forward. He taught himself to play four instruments and, by the age of 14, became one of the youngest Ministers of Music at one of Buffalo’s largest Baptist churches. At the same time, he pursued his interest in broadcasting, interning at local radio and television stations—even as rejection after rejection tested his resolve.
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In 1984, John left Buffalo to serve as musician and aductant in Pontiac, MI. It was there, under mentorship and travel, that he deepened his call to ministry and entrepreneurship.
To watch him in action, one would think this energetic pastor, entrepreneur, and gifted minister of music had it all together. But the truth is, the lessons of life have been the very catalyst of God’s blessings in the life of John H. Young, Sr.
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Born the son of a Baptist pastor and a hardworking mother, John learned early the values of determination, perseverance, and unshakable faith by watching his parents’ struggles. Raised primarily by his devoted mother—who worked three jobs to provide him with the best education possible—John grew up balancing the tension of being his father’s “best kept secret” and his mother’s greatest investment.
ABOUT
Returning to Buffalo after his father’s passing, he accepted his first pastorate at just 20 years old. That congregation grew rapidly, but painful lessons in church politics echoed the struggles he had once witnessed his father endure. Out of those ashes, John founded Monument of Faith Fellowship Center in 1987, which later evolved into FellowshipWorld Church, the ministry he pastors today.
At the same time, John’s passion for media flourished. He launched one of the region’s first gospel television shows, Oh Give Thanks, and later birthed Totally Gospel Radio in 1991. What started with a single program grew into, Western New York’s first 24 hour gospel radio station. Over the years, he would expand into multiple markets, launch 24-hour gospel formats, and interview national voices such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Pastor Clay Evans, Creflo Dollar, Rev. Al Green, David & Tanela Mann, and many more.
John’s journey has not been without storms. He has endured financial hardship, personal loss, betrayal, and painful seasons of rebuilding. Yet through it all, his testimony is one of resilience: “I just refused to lose.” Every setback became a setup for the next season of blessing.
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Today, Bishop John Young is the Senior Pastor of FellowshipWorld Church, “The Home of Good People Becoming Better,” located in Buffalo, NY. FellowshipWorld is a non-denominational, spirit-led church committed to preaching the Gospel, building lives, and serving the community through worship, discipleship, and outreach.
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A proud father of eight children, thirteen grandchildren, and one great granddughter, Bishop Young continues to inspire through preaching, broadcasting, mentoring, and media innovation. His story is still unfolding—but one thing is certain: his life is proof that when you are faithful over a few things, God will make you ruler over many.
MISSION
Our Purpose
At BishopYoung.com, our mission is to enrich spiritual understanding, inspire contemplation, and provide guidance for a purposeful Christian life. We strive to merge the richness of tradition with contemporary insights, fostering a deeper connection to Christian values and ethics.
Through our content, we aim to encourage individuals to engage meaningfully with their faith, participate in church events, and contribute to a spiritually enriched Christian community, thereby creating a more informed and connected society.
