Dr. Dennis Johnson will retire as Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California (WSC) at the end of this academic year, concluding 37 years of faithful service to the Lord at the seminary. Dr. Johnson became one of the founding faculty members of WSC in 1982 after serving as a pastor at Orthodox Presbyterian (OPC) churches in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and East Los Angeles, California. Throughout his career, he has primarily taught New Testament, preaching, and ministry courses. In many ways, Dr. Johnson’s teaching career and character have reflected WSC’s dual emphasis on premier scholarship and Christ-like piety. In addition to his teaching, Dr. Johnson served as Academic Dean for 14 years over three tenures, successfully leading the seminary through several accreditations.
Dr. Johnson has authored many books on preaching and the New Testament, including commentaries on Revelation, Acts, and Philippians. In addition to teaching and writing, Dr. Johnson has also served the church as the moderator of the OPC General Assembly and Presbytery of Southern California, moderator of the South Coast Presbytery in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a member of the OPC Committee on Christian Education, and Associate Pastor at New Life Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Escondido. He has also served on the boards of Covenant College and the Rafiki Foundation. The faculty, board, and administration are grateful for Dr. Johnson’s stellar commitment to teaching and administration duties, and his pastoral heart for the students. Dr. Johnson and his wife, Jane, will be missed as they move to Tennessee to be closer to children and grandchildren.
