[1]ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)–Jack B. Johnson, special assistant to the president of the North American Mission Board and president of the former Radio and Television Commission, has announced his retirement effective Sept. 15.
Johnson, 65, has served with NAMB since 1997, when the agency was formed in a reorganization of the Southern Baptist Convention from the former Home Mission Board, Radio and Television Commission and Brotherhood Commission. As president of the RTVC at the time, Johnson was instrumental in the reorganization process as chairman of a nine-member Logistics Transition Team.
“It has been a truly wonderful experience,” Johnson said of his 45 years of service in Southern Baptist life. “I am so indebted to the denomination and to Southern Baptists for their kindness.”
Since joining NAMB, Johnson has overseen a number of special projects and acted as a liaison for NAMB President Robert E. “Bob” Reccord — who praised him for his servant attitude throughout the transition process.
“During the implementation of the Covenant for a New Century, Jack was one of the strongest supporters to step forward in affirming the direction of the radical restructuring, and to say he would help in any way possible to make it reality,” Reccord said. “That’s amazing when you consider the fact that the agency he headed would be radically affected by that. It took a statesman who had a view of the bigger picture of kingdom issues than simply his own turf or position to be willing to make that kind of contribution.”
Johnson’s leadership on the Logistics Transition Team also helped guide the convention through the reorganization process, Reccord said, forging consensus among divergent opinions.
[2]“He had the class and integrity to be able and willing to step from being president of an agency to being assistant to the president of a new agency which had absorbed the very entity he had led,” Reccord said. “And in doing so he became one of my strongest supporters, one of my most encouraging allies and a wonderful friend and confidant.”
As RTVC president from 1990-97, Johnson led the agency in purchasing the FamilyNet television network from Liberty University. The network is now the central ministry arm of NAMB’s broadcast communications group.
Other accomplishments during his tenure included near elimination of a $10 million RTVC debt while increasing staff effectiveness through introduction of emerging technology. He was a featured speaker at several international conferences on emerging technology and the church.
Prior to his leadership at RTVC, Johnson served 11 years as executive director-treasurer of the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention. Previously he served nearly 25 years as a pastor in California, Texas and Oklahoma.
Johnson, who grew up in Sand Springs, Okla., is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, Calif. He also holds a Ph.D. degree from California Graduate School of Theology.
In retirement, Johnson and his wife, Mary, will live in Colorado Springs, Colo., where they will be closer to family. He also plans to continue to be active in ministry, conducting stewardship and prophecy conferences.
“I already have four conferences scheduled and have not really promoted them much,” Johnson said. “I also hope to do some writing and supply and interim preaching.”
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(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at www.sbcbaptistpress.org. Photo title: JACK B. JOHNSON.