Elder Candidates

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.”
-Titus 1:7

Meet Elder Candidate Eric Johnson

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How long have you been attending FAC and in what ministries have you been involved?

We started attending FAC when my wife was pregnant with our oldest daughter ― and she just turned 30! Our first miniChurch was probably the most important ministry we were ever involved in. Those relationships and the foundation that was built in that group were critical to us. As our children got older, we started working in the Children’s Ministries. Next was Angel Tree. We were part of that team for about 15 years. We were also part of the Saturday night greeting and hospitality team for many years when the Saturday night service first started. I can remember being excited when we had 75 people show up! After that, it was on to the SNOW ministry for young adults. For many years, I have been involved in Men’s Ministry. We also have a passion for adoption and supporting adoptive families.

When did you become a Christian?

That is hard to say exactly. My awakening was slow. I grew up in the Episcopalian Church. As far back as I can remember, I believed in God and that He sent Jesus to die for our sins. I truly thought I was a Christian and was irritated by “saved” people. I know now that I did not have a relationship with Jesus, and my life did not reflect anything other than worldly desires. Over time, my spiritual eyes were opened through Bible study and relationships with other Believers. Now I can say that I have a relationship with Jesus and that He is the center of everything I do!

Do you have a favorite verse that has influenced your faith?

Most recently, my favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5-8.

Do you have a favorite book that has influenced your faith?

I use a daily devotional called My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers.

What people have been influential in your spiritual journey?

Looking back, I can see key relationships that God placed in my life. I am truly blessed. My parents, Bill and Bette, and my grandmother, Gladys, laid the foundation. My grandmother taught adult Sunday school at Burlington Methodist into her 80’s. My wife, Karen, has encouraged me and led our family with her continual pursuit of God. My friends, Bob Leonard, Dan Padden, and Eric Peterson, encouraged me early in my walk. I remember looking at the lives of men like Ed Londres and Milt Shaw and saying I wanted to be a man of impact for God like they were. More recently, God has continued to strengthen my relationship with Jesus by walking through life with men of the Timothy Project and CMG groups.

Tell us about your family.

I have been married to my beautiful wife, Karen, for 33 years. We have four children: Leah, Gil, Olivia, and Brandon. Karen has always had a passion and a gift for kids’ ministries. She manages our social media for our business and works in the SNOW ministry, as well as Mentoring Moms and the Connecting Ministry for women. Leah is a school nurse in Medford and is married to Chris Quinn who is a teacher in Moorestown. They have given us a beautiful granddaughter, Harriet, who turns one on February 8. Gil is 27 and works in the family business. Gil and his fiancé, Kylie, will be married this spring. Liv is 23 and is pursuing her Master’s degree in social work at Stockton University. About eight years ago, our entire family felt called by God into adoption. We are blessed. Brandon came home to us when he was 10. He is now 16 and a sophomore at King’s Christian School. He enjoys working in the SNOW ministry on Sundays.

How do you think you can make a difference as an FAC Elder?

When I was asked to be a candidate for elder, I asked God, “Why me?” There are so many Godly, qualified men. I am honored, humbled, excited, and a little scared. The first time I walked into church after being asked, I felt a weight of responsibility. FAC is at an exciting, challenging time. My experiences in ministry, business, and life have taught me the importance of team building and managing through growth and transition. How I will be used by God as an elder is yet to be seen. I do think that God has prepared me to be part of the team that will prayerfully navigate through this time.