G. L. Johnson

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This morning I had coffee with a Fresno legend. G. L. Johnson was the senior pastor for People's Church for 45 years. It's a 4,000-member church that clearly has a leading voice in the community. Though G. L. recently retired from active ministry, he is still the spiritual father for many pastors and churches in this area.

He recounted to me some history of conservative, evangelical-type churches in Fresno. When he came in 1961, all the large congregations that today dominate the landscape of northeast Fresno & Clovis either did not exist or were miniscule. In a few short decades God's Spirit has opened the door for massive growth. New churches have sprung up all over. Congregations that were small and dead are now massive with budgets and buildings to match.

Those who claim that the US is a post-Christian country obviously have not visited Fresno! I don't know what all the keys to success have been. Clearly, this is fertile ground. But good earth is worthless if not properly worked. I'm curious to dig and find out why there has been such incredible growth and health in the churches here. And I'm curious to see how the College Church can be a helpful part of the landscape that brings life and healing in Jesus.

Comments

Thurman8er said…
G.L. spoke at my Baccalaureate service in 1982. I remember wondering what kind of message we'd receive from this "non-denominational guy" and being blown away by the purity of his love for Christ. Great man.
March 18, 2009 at 8:54 AM
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