Mar. 08, 2026

Honoring God’s Call | Chuck Johnson Ordination Service
Judson Baptist Church

Today was a very special day in the life of Judson Baptist Church as we gathered to honor God’s call on Chuck Johnson’s life and celebrate his ordination into pastoral ministry.

From the opening of the service, it was clear this was not just a moment to honor a man, but to glorify the Lord who calls, equips, and faithfully leads His people. Pastor reminded the church that while we celebrate Chuck, above all we celebrate God — the One who has raised him up, strengthened him, and prepared him for this role through years of faithful service.

Chuck has been a part of Judson Baptist Church his entire life. Many shared how they have watched him grow through the years as a teacher, servant, leader, and faithful brother in Christ. Testimonies were given about his love for God’s Word, his heart for teaching, and the evidence of God’s hand on his life long before this day officially came.

A children’s message reminded everyone that God has given us a “moral compass” through His Word and His Spirit. Just as a compass points north, the Holy Spirit always points us toward God and truth. The church was encouraged to read the Bible, follow the Lord’s direction, and respond when He calls.

Special music and worship filled the sanctuary, including beloved hymns such as “The Family of God,” “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” These songs beautifully reflected the spirit of the day — worship, family, faithfulness, and surrender to God’s leading.

A charge was then given from God’s Word concerning the role of a pastor. Scripture from Titus 1 and 2 Timothy 4 was shared, emphasizing that a pastor must hold firmly to the faithful Word of God, encourage with sound doctrine, and stand firmly for truth. The congregation was reminded that pastoral ministry is not merely a title, but a calling to shepherd, teach, exhort, and faithfully preach the Word in season and out of season.

Dr. Mack Roberts brought a heartfelt and powerful message of encouragement, speaking both from Scripture and from years of ministry experience. He reminded Chuck that God is the One who calls a man into ministry, and when God calls, He also enables. He urged him to preach the Word faithfully, depend on the Holy Spirit completely, and stand boldly and lovingly on the truth of Scripture. He emphasized the importance of preparation, patience, and preaching with both conviction and compassion.

Chuck then shared from his own heart, expressing deep gratitude for his church family and reflecting on how the Lord had worked in his life over time. He acknowledged that years ago he saw himself as a teacher, not a preacher, but as God continued to work in his heart, the calling became undeniable. He spoke of the seriousness of handling God’s Word and shared his desire to always submit fully to the Lord so that what he says comes from God and not from himself.

Following this, ordained men and church leaders gathered around Chuck, laid hands on him, and prayed over him in accordance with Scripture. It was a moving moment of affirmation, support, and commissioning as the church publicly recognized what God had already been doing in his life.

Prayer was offered for Chuck, for his wife Danette, for their family, and for Judson Baptist Church as a whole. The church prayed for God’s protection, empowerment, wisdom, and blessing on this new season of ministry.

At the close of the service, Chuck was presented with his Certificate of Ordination, officially recognizing him as Associate Pastor. The service ended with gratitude, joy, and a renewed sense of expectation for what God will continue to do through Pastor Chuck’s life and ministry.

Today was a celebration of faithfulness — God’s faithfulness to call, to prepare, and to provide. We thank the Lord for Pastor Chuck Johnson and pray that God will continue to use him greatly for His glory.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…” — John 15:16