wfn.org | ABCUSA: Emmett Johnson, Leader in Evangelism Ministries, Dies

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (9/9/02)--The Rev. Dr. Emmett V. Johnson,
a
longtime leader in evangelism, new church planting and other ministries
of
American Baptist Churches USA, died yesterday following a long illness.
 He
was 73.

Johnson served from 1979-1991 as director of evangelism for the
denomination.  During that time he also was director of the Personal
and
Public Witness Unit, and later the director of new church planting and
manager of the Division of Evangelistic Ministries, for National
Ministries.
Under his leadership several new programs were developed, including
Ministry
of Caring, Kerygma, Inviting New Neighbors and ABC-Find. He initiated
the
annual American Baptist evangelism meeting and convened several
national
convocations on evangelism and public witness.

He also represented American Baptists in ecumenical ministries,
including as
chair of the Baptist World Alliance Division of Evangelism and
Education,
chair of the National Council of Churches' Program Ministry on
Evangelism,
and a member of the North American Baptist Fellowship General
Committee. 

Following his resignation for health reasons from National Ministries,
Johnson served as national coordinator of the American Baptist Churches
USA
denominational emphasis "ABC 2000: Renewed for Mission."  He was chair
of
the planning committee for the denomination's "Living Worship
Convocation"
held in October 1998.  He served recently as a vice president of the
Baptist
World Alliance, which represents 206 communions worldwide.

Prior to his work with National Ministries Johnson was executive
minister of
the Minnesota Baptist Conference (Baptist General Conference) and held
pastorates in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.  He also was a faculty
member at Bethel Theological Seminary.

Commenting on Johnson's ministry, the Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins
III,
executive director of American Baptist National Ministries, said: ""Dr.
Emmett Johnson vitalized for a generation of American Baptists 'the
joyous
witness of the people of God to the redeeming love of God urging all to
repent and to be reconciled to God.' Emmett did not tire of evangelism
nor
was he ever embarrassed by it.	He testified for Jesus Christ his life
long.
We will miss him but know that God has received a faithful servant." 

The Rev. Dr. John A. Sundquist, executive director of American Baptist
International Ministries, hailed Johnson as "a true bridge between the
ecumenical and evangelical communities."  He added, "He understood
holism
without sacrificing a passion for evangelism; he was connected with the
whole world."

The Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist
Churches
USA, said, "American Baptists were greatly blessed by the
Christ-honoring
ministry of Emmett Johnson.  In all that he did he brought a passionate
enthusiasm that motivated countless individuals, churches and
organizations
to respond to the Gospel message and share it. He understood as well as
anyone that evangelism and ecumenism were both part of the American
Baptist
witness, and he eloquently and effectively served this denomination in
that
conviction."

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at Elim
Baptist Church, 685 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, Minn.  Visitation will
be 4-8
p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the church.  Participating in the service
will
be Dr. John Sundquist; Dr. Denton Lotz, general secretary of the
Baptist
World Alliance; and the Rev. William Englund, pastor of First Baptist
Church
in St. Paul.

Condolences may be sent to his wife, Nancy, and family at 2706 Lake
Court
Dr., Mounds View, MN 55112-4106.  In lieu of flowers contributions may
be
made to First Baptist Church, 499 Wacouta St., St. Paul, MN 55101-2355;
Burma Christian Scholars, c/o First Baptist Church, St. Paul; the
Baptist
World Alliance, 405 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA 22046; and
Northern
Baptist Theological Seminary, 660 East Butterfield Rd, Lombard, IL
60148.

02ABN132

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American
Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (610)768-2077;
fax:
(610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org; richard.schramm@abc-usa.org