A Little Bit about Pastor
My name is Chris Johnson and I truly am blessed to be the pastor here at one of God’s churches in Escanaba. Here’s a little bit about myself: I’m originally from Milwaukee, South Milwaukee to be specific, where my parents, brother, all my aunts, uncles, and most of my cousins still live. I guess I can say that I’m also “from” Minnesota since that’s where I had been for about 9 years or so. I went to college at Hamline University, a small college in St. Paul, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 2005. Soon after I heard and responded to an undeniable call to enter into ordained ministry. And so, after a year of discernment, I applied and was accepted to Luther Seminary, also in St. Paul (and pretty much right down the road from Hamline). I received my Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) in December of 2010 (although it didn’t come in the mail until June of 2011!). Just after graduating I received a call to serve here in Escanaba at Christ the King Lutheran Church.
I am also a happily married husband to Heather, my dear wife of over 12 years, who is from Minnesota.
We have a beautiful young lady, whose name is Ella Grace. Right now she is in 8th grade and growing up fast…too fast for both of us! Hard to believe she’s a teenager already! She loves dance, listening to music, and gets to help me out as an acolyte in worship quite a bit. We also have a little guy, Jack – our own Yooper – who was born in 2012 in Marquette. He keeps us busy but also keeps himself busy with his Legos and action figures (both of which make frequent appearances in worship). He just started Kindergarten this year and is enjoying his time as a “big kid.”
Some hobbies I have include: Music (all types of genres), movies (all sorts, but certainly enjoy ancient history based ones and superhero flicks), hockey, disc golf, just recently got into hunting, and of course hanging out with my family, one of God’s greatest gifts to me. I also love to keep the brain active by feeding it an array of things: Reading Luther’s works, digging into the Book of Concord, reading anything from C.S. Lewis (I love the Narnia series, but perhaps even more his sci-fi trilogy), visiting my favorite websites (some of which are in the “Links” section), reading/listening to sermons by other preachers, and last but certainly not least, digging deep into God’s Word as it teaches and preaches to me and all people the Law and the Gospel of God: What the Lord expects of us; what the God has done for us and for our salvation in and through Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit certainly has been busy in my life, thanks be God! What might the good Lord be up to in yours? I’d love to find out! Feel free to contact me in the office: 786-7400. I’m in most mornings but tend to be out visiting the Lord’s people in the afternoon. Or feel free to contact me via email, pastorchris.ctk@gmail.com, and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can!