Plain Community Church calls new pastor

It is with much excitement and thanksgiving that Plain Community Church welcomes new Pastor Jon Johnson. Pastor Jon Johnson and his wife Tami will be moving to Plain from Poulsbo, Washington where they have worked and raised their three grown children, Nic, 26, Jacob, 24, and Jessica, 21. 

Jon is not your “ordinary” pastor. He comes to Plain with years of unique experience as a Pastor, Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff, and Firefighter. He is retiring from a 26-year law enforcement career to return to full time church ministry. Pastor Jon is a good fit for a community church such as Plain Community as he has a diverse faith background including Lutheran, Baptist, non-denominational, Nazarene, and was ordained under the Fellowship of Christian Assemblies. He has a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership (DMIN); He is currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Theology (THD) program. Pastor Jon states he is non-denominational and is into relationship not religion; Jon believes church is people not a building. 

Throughout his life, regardless of his profession, “I have always been in ministry. God has used many experiences in my jobs to teach me about people and about Him. God is an awesome loving God that provides a way for imperfect people to be in relationship with Him through faith in Jesus alone. People in our world are hurting and were never intended to do life alone. In community, we find that we are all similar in so many ways and that our diversity makes us stronger. When we are committed to loving each other despite our differences, committed to loving our neighbor and seeking peace with God, we find strength.” 

Jon’s work experiences have taught him to lead by grace and love, with authenticity. Pastor Jon strives to preach messages that are “real and relevant” and speak to the real-life issues of today. Pastor Jon believes Plain is perfect for his ministry gifts because it appears to be an “authentic community.” Mike McComas long-time Plain resident stated, “His training, his pastoral studies, his community involvement all add up to fantastic candidate who will fit into our community and be a blessing to all those he encounters as he comes to know Plain Valley residents.”

Pastor Jon seeks to get to know and join the people of Plain. To come alongside them, to add to the special bond of community in the Plain area. “I am the new guy and I desire to learn from you. I would love the opportunity to get to know you”.

Pastor Jon enjoys the outdoors and running. He has climbed Mount Rainier and run seven marathons and two half marathons. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking. He plans on learning to cross-country ski on the beautiful Plain Valley Nordic Ski Trails next winter. Tami has a passion for gardening and overseas missions.

The community is invited to Pastor Jon Johnson’s Service of Installation on Sunday, March 26 at 10 a.m. Pastor Jon will be bringing the message. A reception of cookies, coffee, tea and juice will follow. Please come and introduce yourself to our newest Upper Valley residents Jon and Tami Johnson.