In the Field

Featuring the Rev. Michael A. Johnson Sr., 
Pastor of Pilgrim and Prince of Peace Lutheran Churches, 
Birmingham, Ala.

by Monica Robins

With a varied spiritual background that included a Baptist upbringing until age eight, then time as a Muslim until age 16, and a father who is a Baptist minister, the Rev. Michael A. Johnson Sr. appreciates Lutheran doctrine all the more.

After attending an interdenominational seminary, Pastor Johnson was not satisfied with the education he'd received. With strong influences from two CTS Admission Counselors at that time, the Rev. Roosevelt Gray and the Rev. S. T. Williams, and from the Rev. Ulmer Marshall of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mobile, Ala., he began taking seminary courses through the Distance Learning Leading to Ordination (DELTO) program in Selma, Alabama. He took four classes from Concordia Theological Seminary's satellite program in Selma over a year's time while continuing to operate an engineering and construction business that he owned. He then moved his wife and three children to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he studied on the Concordia Theological Seminary campus for two years, after which he served as vicar to two parishes, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Pilgrim Lutheran Church, in Birmingham, Alabama.

"Seminary training at Selma, and then at CTS, was outstanding," commented Pastor. Johnson. "The community structure on the Fort Wayne campus was such that the struggle of moving and changing careers was minimized. We were all men who were devoting ourselves to God, and we learned to appreciate God's plan for us. The direct relationships with professors were also a real benefit. I especially enjoyed the tutelage of Prof. Lane Burgland, Prof. Larry Rast, Prof. John Saleska, Prof. Kurt Marquart, and Dr. Arthur Just. I remember saying to some of these men that I hoped for the same zeal that they demonstrated in the enjoyment of their calling and the passion that motivates them to love what they do."

Pastor Johnson continued, "I praise God for our seminaries because we come in one way, and we leave in a whole different way . . . much like when we came to the Baptismal font as sinners and left with the gift of God, salvation. I recognize that God is accomplishing great things in men during their pastoral formation. We learn to appreciate what Christ has done for us sinners and we welcome the opportunity that He offers sinful men: to preach his Word and to administer His sacraments. This is certainly a privilege."

After completing his year of vicarage, Pastor Johnson had successfully completed the Master of Divinity program and graduated from the seminary in May 1999. He was subsequently called to serve his two vicarage parishes as pastor, and he can still be found shuttling between Prince of Peace and Pilgrim.

"I have seen an increase in attendance at both congregations," commented Pastor Johnson. "I believe that the reason for this is that, by God's grace, word got around that there is a pastor who is committed to stay at both congregations, and that pastor is preaching the Word and distributing the Sacraments."

When Pastor Johnson began his ministry at these churches, Prince of Peace had an average of 17 attending members and Pilgrim had an average of 26. Now, they have an average of 35-47 at both congregations on Sundays. Pastor Johnson is hopeful and says that the congregations are excited about the change in spiritual growth. Each congregation is still growing at a healthy rate.

Pastor Johnson relates that it was difficult at first to be the called pastor to these congregations, as each had been vacant for several years-Prince of Peace for seven years and Pilgrim for four. "They had to learn who I am, and I, likewise, had to learn who they were. As is typical for congregations with long-term vacancies, they had their own infrastructures in place, and didn't have an appreciation for the pastoral role. Through catechesis in the Word and Sacraments, we have moved to a point where they understand the unique role that pastors are called by God to fulfill and have incorporated the Office of the Ministry into their structures. We're always transitioning from one phase to another, but we are now moving as one body and coming together to do the Lord's work."

While serving in Birmingham, Pastor Johnson says that he's had good mentors to help him along the way, especially the Rev. Ivory Cameron and his circuit counselor, the Rev. Thomas Noon of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Birmingham. The mentoring helped Pastor Johnson learn how to effectively minister to shut-ins.

Pastor Johnson indicates that he's had 21 deaths at the two congregations combined, and regularly visits 16-20 shut-ins on a monthly basis. "I bring them the gifts of God, and I think it's me who is blessing them, when in reality, it is they who bless me. It's exciting to see God's people respond positively to the Gospel."

The Birmingham area represents a diverse community with many Muslims and unchurched people. When Pastor Johnson began as pastor of these congregations, Sunday school and Bible studies, Sunday school, confirmation, and outreach programming were not offered, whereas both congregations now offer them. Prince of Peace now has an audio and video outreach program, and Pilgrim will offer something similar very soon. Prince of Peace is just beginning to offer a child care development program, and Pilgrim has a 77-year-old school that serves 83 children from kindergarten through the fifth grade.

Prince of Peace Lutheran will offer a six-week ENRICH (Enhance Needed Resources Increase Children's Horizons) program that features tutorials and life lessons for over 40 young people. This summer will mark the third year that they've participated in the ENRICH Program.

"When I first began here, many congregation members wondered if 'these old, dry bones would live," recounted Pastor Johnson. "I told them that God will bring them back alive, and that's exactly what we're seeing. The Gospel is bringing us to life."

Said Pastor Johnson of his ministry, "I love this work! God has placed a passion for the ministry in me. I love preaching the Word and how the Word changes people. The Law and Gospel preaching is what it says it is: the Law condemns and the Gospel saves. The joy of knowing that the Gospel saves and draws the people of God is deeply satisfying.