Bruce Johnson was born and reared in Charleston, South Carolina, by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred and Bernice Johnson. He was the youngest son of five children and he often spent his free time with his friends in the neighborhood. His Grandmother always ensured that he attended church every Sunday, where his love for God first began. When he was younger, he often received recognition for his time spent on the field, engaging in football, basketball or baseball. After high school he worked for the United Parcel Service (UPS) for more than twenty-three years, where he was one of the first in his center to receive a baccalaureate degree while working for the company. Bruce attended Voorhees College, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Denmark, South Carolina.

Soon after, he married his beloved late spouse, Dr. Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson. They later relocated to Seattle, Washington, and during this time he had a spiritual awakening that led him to enroll and attend Seattle U, which is a private Jesuit University in downtown Seattle, Washington. There he received his Master of Arts Degree in Pastor Studies. Soon after, he and his family relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where he earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Ecumenical Theological Seminary. After Bruce's wife, the late Dr. Maria L.

Goodloe-Johnson, went from labor to reward and received her heavenly wings, he relocated to South Carolina to rear his daughter with the help of his family and friends. Bruce and his daughter attended the church where his Father, Grandmother and Great Grandmother were members and worshiped. Even though he had lost the love of his life, he in result gained the help and support of so many others, in which he is internally grateful.