David and Lauren Johnson are finishing up their last days living in Orlando Florida. The plans right now are for them to actually be packing on Monday, October 17 and arrive in Charleston a day or two later. They will be renting and living here on James Island.
David grew up in Orlando where he and his family attended Orlando First Baptist pastored by Dr. Jim Henry. Dr. Henry has served as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, Florida Baptist Convention, and the Orlando Baptist Convention. It is the church where Janie and I worship when we vacation in Orlando. He grew up in the youth group there and served in the youth group. He later served as the youth worship leader at a sister church, First Baptist Church, St Cloud under Pastor Chan. He also led the contemporary worship at the Carillon United Methodist Church in Orlando. He has led in other area churches as well. He joined his former Pastor, Chan in a new start church called Crosspointe. This is the same church where Brent and Jess were serving when we found them and called them to JIBC. Dave has worked for Campus Crusade in their mail room for several years. This has afforded him opportunities to lead worship for The Campus Crusade Day of Prayer where he led over 1,000 in worship and prayer.
Dave has served at Crosspointe Church in Orlando as a member of their praise team for years. He has served faithfully in that church family as an assistant worship leader, then as an interim worship leader and as an intern. This has given him a great depth of training and preparation for his calling to JIBC.
Their church at Crosspointe is a church of small groups, so he has been involved first hand in participating in small group life. He has also been mentored by their small group connections elder. We anxiously look forward to this being a growth area for Dave as well as JIBC. We will learn about connection and small group ministry together. In this area, he is coming to partner with us in a new area of ministry. We do not have a model for him to follow. We will grow this ministry together with him.
Dave and Lauren have been married since 2000. They have two young sons, Caleb and Jonah. Many of our church folks have already met Lauren and fallen in love with her. She has an outgoing personality and acts like she never meets a stranger.
To God be the glory. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time of searching. He will be here to lead in his first official worship service on Sunday, October 23. Keep your eyes open for a time of meet and greet with Dave and Lauren.
See you Sunday, good Lord willing,
Pastor Tom
