I’m TJ Johnson, a pastor and writer living in Central Oregon. I grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana, and began college as a classical guitar performance major before turning to linguistics and Spanish. I later earned graduate degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary, Concordia Theological Seminary, and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where I completed a Doctor of Ministry focused on preaching in a multiethnic urban context.

My ministry has taken me from church planting in Texas and Sweden to serving congregations in Kansas, Chicago, Metro New York, and now Oregon.

My writing explores Scripture, spiritual awakening, human dignity, and the quiet presence of God beneath the noise of everyday life. Through sermons, essays, and two books in progress, I invite others toward a more spacious and compassionate faith rooted in the way of Jesus.

I’m married to Elizabeth, and we have five adult children. I enjoy hiking, photography, classical guitar, Irish flute, singing, and long walks with Elizabeth.