VALLEY FORGE, PA (2/12/20)—The American Baptist Churches of Michigan announced in January that the Region board voted to approve the recommendation of the Executive Minister Search Committee, calling Rev. Brian D. Johnson to serve as Executive Minister.
“The board has affirmed the appointment of Rev. Brian D. Johnson, Pastor of Crossroads Community Church of Stockbridge, MI as the next Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Michigan. His official start date is Sunday, March 1, 2020…Thank you for your continued prayerful participation in the process!,” wrote Region Board President Michael Kingsbury in the announcement.
The Search Committee recommendation came after a nine-month search process assisted by Dr. Jeff Woods, Acting General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA (serving in the capacity of Associate General Secretary for Region Ministries for ABCUSA). The search attracted a number of highly qualified nominations and applications from across the denomination, and the recommendation was made by consensus.
Johnson has served in the American Baptist Churches of Michigan for 15 years as Senior Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge, Mich. In church ministry, Johnson worked with the church to find clarity around mission of the local church, cultivate and empower leaders with a bold vision, and develop strategic relationships that helped resource congregants to do the work of God. He sees the work of the Executive Minister as a similar role.
“It is only through clarity of mission that we can marshal the resources available to us through our association principle to accomplish the mission Jesus Christ has called us to,” said Johnson.
He has served the region as a coach for the Center for Excellence in Congregational Leadership, a ministry leadership group peer leader, a ministry leadership group coordinator, a facilitator for the Retool program, and as the lead person for the church planting initiative in Michigan.
“My desire is to not only help lead this transformation within our local churches, but to love you well in the process. Our pastors today need support from the region to be able to effectively lead their respective congregations. Shepherding current pastors and helping to recruit high capacity leaders is a commitment I eagerly make to you. Together, united in mission, we can step into God’s best for our region of churches,” Rev. Johnson wrote to the search committee.
Raised attending an American Baptist church, Rev. Johnson met his wife, Erika, while serving an American Baptist congregation in Northern Illinois. They have two daughters, Elisabeth (6) and Eliana (12). He is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University with a B.S. in Elementary Education (1999) and a graduate of Northern Seminary with an M.Div. (2004).
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.