Sojournal

On the cusp of a move to Europe, Caleb spent time discussing his faith journey and his consistent bent toward intercultural ministry. From making a decision during a CIY Move event to his intercultural courses at Johnson University Florida, Caleb found the perspective he needed to surrender himself to God's calling. In this preview, Caleb shares a moment of perspective he gained from the input of...

Jake's journey included stints in congregational ministry, ministry on a reservation in Arizona, and ministry on the basketball court. As an undergraduate, he served as a player/coach at Johnson University Florida. After graduation, he spent time working in the admissions office and serving the University as the Athletic Director and basketball coach. His passion for his players and God's kingdom...

Jake Deer is the head coach of Point University's men's basketball team. Formerly a coach for Johnson University Florida, Jake brings a passionate perspective to his coaching efforts as he encourages players to use their basketball giftedness for God's kingdom. This was a great interview and you won't want to miss Jake's sojourn and his passion.

For more than 20 years, Mark and Joy Hoff have served the people of Honduras.  While ministry methods have morphed over the years, they remain steadfast in their commitment to the evangelization of Honduras and finding the best ways to accomplish the Lord's work.

Mark and Joy serve as missionaries in Honduras. Their entire career of service has focused on ministry in Latin America. Raised in different worlds, Mark and Joy found common ground and developed a relationship during their years at Johnson University. In this preview, Joy shares the story of the day she committed her life to becoming a missionary.

Crystal (Vu, '06 & '07) Bailey lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Jamin ('06), and their children. Jamin serves as a U.S. Navy Chaplain while Crystal focuses on raising their children and expanding her musical expression. Listen in and hear Crystal's heart, her experiences, and her desire to use music as an avenue to worship Christ. 

Crystal's life journey has taken her to several countries. Her experiences internationally as well as within her own family have often tempted her toward isolation. In this preview, we hear Crystal's perspective on the importance of community and the need for individuals to strive for community over isolation.  A neat surprise is in store during Monday's episode as we get to listen in on a mu...

Our longest active Senior Saint and a graduate of the class of 1960, Don has lived a full life in service to the Kingdom.  His journey to faith came through the influence of the church in the community where he was raised in rural eastern Kentucky. Eventually he found himself under the influence of Johnson University preachers who inspired him to pursue educational opportunities at the campus...

Don Brookshire had a deep and rich history of service to the Kingdom.  Although officially retired, he continues to serve churches in need in western Pennsylvania.  In this preview, Don mentions the importance of setting an example of service to those a minister leads.

I had to take a one-week break from the podcast due to travels and a conference.  However, the next Sojournal Podcast is coming on June 28 with Don Brookshire (JUTN '60). Be sure to tune in.  Look for the preview to drop on Friday.

Jacob Vangen works in one of the least Christian regions of the United States.  According to Barna, New England is the most unchurched, de-churched and post Christian region of the United States. Focused on helping plant and grow new churches in this area, Jacob and Jordan are passionate about extending the Kingdom in the northeast.  Tune in to hear Jacob's passion and his new work in Wa...

From Cincinnati Reds to Boston Red Sox, Jacob's life journey is a tale of contrasts. In this preview, Jacob shares the moment he recognized something different about Christian community and how that set the course for his journey to faith and into ministry.  Tune in on Monday to hear the full episode!

Dr. Adam Bloch serves Ridgeview Christian Church in Rolla, Missouri.  He's been there for eight years and it is his only ministry since completing his academic work. He has a lovely family and, with his wife Tracey, has learned to navigate the challenges associated with ministry and family.

Adam Bloch earned his BA in Preaching at Johnson University in 2009. After earning an M.Div. and Ph. D. he has gone on to serve for the last eight years as the preaching minister at Ridgeview Christian Church in Rolla, Missouri. During Monday's episode, we learn about Adam's journey including some of the unique challenges he faces ministry and the family.  Be sure to listen in! In this previe...

Rachel's journey of faith was heavily influenced by relatives living near her home in Carey, North Carolina. At Johnson, she found herself studying media communications and working in the graphics shop.  Her educational and vocational experience at Johnson opened doors of ministry with Waypoint Church Partners and ultimately led her to work with Area 10 Faith Community in Richmond, Virginia.&...

In this preview, Rachel shares one particular lesson she learned as a senior at Johnson University. While some students liked to sit in the dorms and complain about the way things are in the world, Rachel was inspired to take action and make a difference due to the influence of a staff couple involved in ministry to the houseless population of Knoxville.

A third generation "Preacher Boy," Taylor grew up in Virginia and followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as students of Johnson University.  Originally a youth minister, Taylor went on to work with Christ in Youth and become a popular speaker for youth conferences and events. COVID led Taylor to pursue a new opportunity as the Director of Rough Terrain Studios, a production c...

Taylor is a third generation Johnson University graduate. On Monday's episode, Taylor shares his sojourn that includes stints in youth ministry, media ministry, and as a speaker on the youth conference circuit. This was a fun interview and I hope you will plan to listen in when the full episode drops on Monday.

Dale's depth of experience in ministry shines forth as he shares his sojourn. Dale graduated in 1981 from Johnson University (Johnson Bible College) with a degree in Bible and Preaching. His journey led him back to Johnson to complete his Ph. D. in Leadership in 2019. Dale currently serves as the Executive Minister with Second Church of Christ in Danville, Illinois.

Dale has a wealth of experience in congregational ministry from media and worship to preaching and executive leadership. In this Sojournal preview, Dale shares his recommendation to graduates entering their first ministry. Be sure to tune into the full interview on Monday!

With faith as a part of their upbringing, it seemed natural that Gary and Renee would each consider a faith-based university to pursue higher education. For Gary, Johnson was the obvious choice considering the influence of Johnson alumni on his life and in his home church. Renee, however, found Johnson after considering a different Christian university in West Virginia. They have various experienc...

Gary and Renee are a lovely alumni couple who love the Lord and love the University. Their journeys to Johnson are unique, but the story of their experience and ministry lives is united toward the common purpose of pursuing Christ. Make plans to listen to this episode of the Sojournal Podcast when it drops on Monday.

Neil Wheler is the Director of Leader Care with Waypoint Church Partners. His experience in life and ministry makes him an excellent fit for his current role and he has a few words to share that will challenge and inspire current and future vocational ministers.

As the Director of Leader Care with Waypoint Church Partners, Neil Wheeler understands the struggles that confront those in positions of pastoral leadership. Neil offers his perspective regarding the shelf life of a minister.

Alan's journey through life and ministry includes stops in central Florida as well as churches in Indiana and Ohio. Currently an employee with Johnson University Florida, Alan shares his sojourn and how he was able to discern the Lord's leading to new ministry opportunities.