Brian Johnson

Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry

HGC
219.464.6732
brian.johnson1@valpo.edu

Pastor Brian T. Johnson oversees the efforts of the Helge Center for Mission and Ministry at Valparaiso University. Three primary areas of work include the ministries of the Chapel of the Resurrection, the programs of the Institute for Leadership and Service, and outreach on and off campus by the Center for Church Relations. In addition, he is Director of the Church Vocations Program, Associate Director of the Institute for Liturgical Studies, coordinates and advises the work of the Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Spiritualty and MOSAIC (Mobilizing of students, Advocating interfaith cooperation), and serves as a diversity facilitator and member of CIVC (Commission for an Inclusive Valparaiso University Community).

Previously, Brian served for 15 years as the Hildur Swenson/Lutheran Brotherhood Chaplain and as the artistic director of “Christmas in Christ Chapel” at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. In addition, he has held a variety of administrative and pastoral roles addressing vocation and reflection, service learning, the NOBEL conference, and inter-religious dialogue. He is also widely recognized for his work in enhancing worship, music, and the arts. He served for seven years as chaplain for the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, a premier independent, pan-Lutheran organization supporting young musicians who contribute to the worship life of the church.

Brian has academic interests in the intersections between science and religion, faith and the arts, and ritual and technology. He has taught in China, Sweden and Italy, as well as Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He has published articles on worship, music, and preaching, and he co-edited “The Spirit of Service: Exploring Faith, Service Learning, and Social Justice” and “Stories from Christian Neighbors: A Heart for Ecumenism.” Recent academic presentations and university consultations focus on issues of mission, identity and inter-religious work in higher education.

Education

S.T.M. Yale University
M.Div. Luther-Northwestern Theological Seminary
B.A. Gustavus Adolphus College