Johnny is associate pastor at the Penny Road Church of the Nazarene in Raleigh, where he was locally licensed in 2005. He received his North Carolina District Preachers License in 2007. He is a graduate of Wake Technical Community College (AAS - Electronics Engineering Technology), North Carolina Wesleyan College (BS - Computer Information Systems) and Northwest Nazarene University (MA - Religion: Pastoral Ministry).

Johnny and his wife, Tabitha, have been married since 1994 and are the proud parents of Kristen and John Forest. They live in Willow Springs between Garner and Fuquay-Varina.