Lights. Camera. Faith.
A summer film camp experience unlike any other — rooted in Scripture, powered by creativity, and led by 20+ years of ministry.
The Man, The Minister, The Filmmaker
Rev. Jomo K. Johnson is not your typical youth pastor. Born with a deep love for the church and an equally deep love for storytelling, he pursued his theological training at Westminster Theological Seminary. There, he was shaped by rigorous biblical scholarship and a pastoral heart that would define his ministry for decades to come. After seminary, Pastor Jomo threw himself into youth ministry, working in churches, community centers, and schools across the country. But something else was always burning inside him: the power of film. As both a minister and a filmmaker, Pastor Jomo came to believe that the screen is one of the most powerful pulpits of the 21st century. SMS Novel Films is the convergence of those two callings. It is a ministry disguised as a film camp. It is discipleship disguised as creativity. And it is Pastor Jomo's greatest gift to the next generation.
Credentials & Milestones
A testament to the deep roots and professional expertise behind our mission to equip the next generation of Christian filmmakers.
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Westminster Theological Seminary Graduate
Graduate of one of America's premier Reformed theological institutions, shaping a ministry grounded in rigorous biblical scholarship.
Ordained Minister with 20+ Years of Service
Over two decades of active pastoral and youth ministry service, dedicated to the spiritual growth of the next generation.
Trained Filmmaker & Storyteller
Expertise in short film production, documentary, and faith-based storytelling, bridging the gap between theology and media.
Founder, SMS Novel Films
The convergence of theological depth and creative expertise, leading a national film camp reaching 50 cities simultaneously.
Creator of Mission Film Retreats
Creator of the NY and NC Christian Mission Film Retreats for families and youth, blending faith and film in scenic retreats.
Proprietary Curriculum Developer
Developed a proprietary faith-based film curriculum for ages 6 through 18, designed to equip young believers for discipleship.
Film as a Weapon of Light
At SMS Novel Films, we believe the screen is one of the most powerful pulpits of the 21st century. We equip the next generation to create with purpose, beauty, and truth, ensuring that every story they tell is a weapon of light.
See the Mission in Motion
A Personal Word
To every parent reading this: I know what it means to trust someone with your child. I have been trusted with hundreds of children over the past two decades, and I have never taken that responsibility lightly. I come to every camp, every retreat, and every session as a pastor first — with a shepherd's heart for your son or daughter.
To every young person reading this: You were made to create. You were made to tell the truth. You were made to glorify God with the gifts He has placed inside you. This summer, come discover what that looks like with a camera in your hands and Scripture in your heart.
— Rev. Jomo K. Johnson, Founder, SMS Novel Films