“Because of God’s grace, His great love and His call, all I can say is wow — what a ride.”
That’s what Randy Johnson said recently looking back over his 50 years of ministry.
A room full of people gathered Sept. 9 at First Baptist Church, Foley, to help him celebrate that milestone.
Johnson was ordained in 1968 in Mississippi. Three years later, he moved to Alabama to become associate pastor/youth director at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Jasper.
He studied at Samford University, then finished up his degree at Athens State University while serving as youth director of First Baptist Church, Athens. After a brief time of ministry in Louisiana while attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he moved on to serve as pastor of Graceland Baptist Church, Vancleave, Mississippi, for seven years. After that Johnson made his second move to Alabama to become pastor of Cypress Shores Baptist Church, Mobile, where he served for 15 years.
“We had the glorious opportunity to be with Cypress Shores during and after Hurricane Katrina, and it became a ‘healing station,’ for many during the years of rebuilding,” said Johnson’s wife, Janie.
From there, the Johnsons served as house parents for Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries in Mobile. Then he served for seven years as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Bon Secour. Since then, he has done supply pastorates for several churches.
“Throughout the journey God has been faithful not just to His servant but to His word,” Johnson said. “The friendships we have made are forever friends.” (TAB)
Share with others: