2023 Men of the Year: Jeremy Johnson

Eleven years ago, Jeremy Johnson, lead pastor of North Point Church, moved his family to Springfield from Seattle. The church’s mission statement, “A safe place for people to find and follow Jesus,” resonated with him.

Since starting work as the pastor, the church has created multiple community events in Springfield, he says, to help make a positive impact.

“Not only do we desire to make an impact outside our walls, we want to create spaces for people to experience Jesus in a way that doesn’t require any past church experience to understand,” Johnson says.

The church recently opened its fourth campus, located in the Republic Community Center. Two campuses are in Springfield – on Norton Road in the northwest and at the Springfield Dream Center – and another is in Nixa, where North Point will be moving into a new building in the fall.

“In the last decade, we have seen nearly 3,000 people go public with their faith through water baptism,” he says. “It’s my desire to see each of our campuses filled with people growing in their personal faith and finding meaningful ways to express that faith by serving our community with the expression of Jesus’ love.”

Johnson says the Dream Center has been a spot of hope in Springfield’s Zone 1, an impoverished area that city leaders have been focused on improving. Johnson says the church does what it can to help.

“While we never assume to be an answer, we do commit to be a neighbor,” he says.

Through his leadership, Johnson helps host events that benefit the community, such as the Back to School Give Back, where there are activities, school supplies for children in need, games for families and giveaways.

With his direction, the church also has been able to employ 50 people and enlist hundreds of volunteers.

Outside of the church, Johnson says he has volunteered as a character coach for the Missouri State University men’s basketball team for the past five years.

“I meet with coach [Dana] Ford weekly to talk about leadership and character,” he says. “I meet with his staff every week during the season. These men have a unique role in our community, and I am honored to encourage and support them.”

While Johnson acknowledges he will not always be the lead pastor – “I hold my role loosely and grip our mission tightly” – his aim is to enjoy it each day and continue to bring hope, help and the message of Jesus to people in the community to the best of his ability.

“I am proud of the church I get to serve,” Johnson says. “I would attend North Point even if I didn’t work here. The hundreds of volunteers who create a great environment for others to experience Jesus is inspiring to me. I am confident that I can bring anyone through the doors of one of our campuses and they will be cared for, encouraged and probably take a step in their faith journey.

“I am proud that the beautiful vision that North Point launched with in 2003 did not get lost with a leader transition 11 years ago but continues to grow and drive us forward.”