The Passing of the Rev. Dr. James P. Johnson, President Emeritus

Christian Church Foundation Announces the Passing of the Rev. Dr. James P. Johnson, President Emeritus

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – With deep sadness, the Christian Church Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) announces the death of the Rev. Dr. James P. Johnson, who served as president from 1992 to 2003 and was later honored as president emeritus in 2007. Johnson’s visionary leadership transformed the Foundation into a trusted steward of resources for donors and ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Johnson was a graduate of Wabash College (Crawfordsville, IN), Lexington Theological Seminary (KY), and Eden Theological Seminary (St. Louis). He also received a joint degree from Christian Theological Seminary and Butler University, both in Indianapolis.

Following his ordination, Johnson served as a congregational pastor in Missouri before being called to serve as a development officer at the Foundation. In 1986, he left the Foundation following his election as president of Church Finance Council, which he led until 1992.

Johnson returned to the Foundation and became its second president on January 1, 1992, when he immediately began shaping its future. Working with hundreds of Disciple donors, who created planned gifts, Johnson significantly increased endowment support for Disciples Mission Fund, as well as other ministries throughout the denomination. Under his guidance, the Foundation launched the Joint Investment Trust (JIT), enabling Disciples ministries and institutions to participate in a cost-efficient, diversified investment program. Through Johnson’s innovation the Foundation was able to provide services at no cost to donors and congregations, created reserve funds for stability, and positioned the Foundation to offer Disciples institutions the opportunity to jointly invest their endowment dollars with those of the Foundation — all while reflecting the values of the Church.

During his tenure, Johnson also led a significant governance shift, transforming the Board of Directors from a working board into a governance board focused on oversight and strategic direction. His emphasis on efficiency and organizational excellence became a model replicated by others.

Key milestones during Johnson’s presidency include:

• 1993: Launch of the Joint Investment Trust.
• 1995: Creation of the Fiers-Brown Society to honor and to recognize Disciples making planned gifts through the Foundation.
• 1996: Foundation assets surpass $100 million.
• 1999: United Christian Missionary Society invests $35+ million in the JIT.

In 2003, upon his retirement, the Foundation created the James P. Johnson Stewardship Award to “honor a congregation or individual for outstanding commitment to stewardship, planned-giving, and mission giving.” Johnson was named the award’s first recipient.

His leadership helped grow Foundation assets from $48 million in 1992 to more than $227 million by the end of 2002, with more than $76 million distributed to church-related ministries during that time.

Johnson’s leadership extended beyond financial expertise and strategic administration; he was a mentor and friend to many, known for bringing out the best in those around him. His influence will endure through the ministries he supported and the lives he touched.

“Jim built upon the Foundation’s reputation for excellence and deepened the organization’s level of expertise. His passion for the witness of the whole Church drove every strategic decision and the Church learned to depend upon his integrity, vision, and courage,” said Rev. Gary Kidwell, Foundation president from 2003 to 2024.

Following his retirement, Johnson continued his commitment to philanthropy and stewardship as director of planned-giving for the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minnesota. In August 2008, Johnson was named the 16th president of Lexington Theological Seminary.

“His understanding and love of the whole church created a climate of faithful stewardship and service,” noted current Foundation president, Rev. Matt Rosine.

Johnson was living in Jacksonville, FL at the time of his death. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy. He is survived by children Joanna and Jim (Cindy); grandchildren Bailey (Zach), Trent, Colin, and Jennifer; and great-grandchildren Collins and Palmer.

Johnson leaves behind a legacy of generosity, integrity, innovation, and unwavering love and commitment to the Church’s mission, along with countless Disciples who mourn his loss but find comfort in the promise of resurrection.

A Memorial Service celebrating Johnson’s remarkable life will be held on February 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Geist Christian Church, 8550 Mud Creek Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46256.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “James P. and Nancy J. Johnson Endowment Fund for Ministry.” Checks can be made out to Christian Church Foundation and sent to P.O. Box 1007, Indianapolis, IN 46206, or donations can be made online to christianchurchfoundation.org/donate.