North Point Church pastor hired as Northwest University president

Jeremy Johnson, lead pastor of North Point Church, has been hired to lead his alma mater.

Johnson is scheduled to become president of Kirkland, Washington-based Northwest University on Aug. 18, according to a news release from the Christian higher education institution. There, he'll succeed the retiring Joseph Castleberry.

Johnson told Springfield Business Journal that his final weekend at North Point Church would be Aug. 16-17.

"It's been a place that helped shape us quite a bit," Johnson said. "It's an opportunity to help shape the university."

Johnson has his bachelor's in church ministries from Northwest University, as well as a master's in organizational leadership from Global University and a doctoral degree in organizational leadership from Southeastern University. He is a member of SBJ’s 2023 class of Men of the Year. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Johnson, whose vision and leadership will inspire our community and guide Northwest University into an exciting new chapter of growth and impact," said Barbara Petty, Northwest University board chair, in the release.

Johnson said Jon Martz, North Point's Springfield campus pastor, would serve as its interim leader as the organization's board conducts a search.

There's currently no timeline in the process, through which the board has formed a selection committee, said Johnson.

"There's not going to be a rush, but they're going to get after it," he said. "We have a strong board."

Johnson has served as lead pastor at North Point Church for 13 years, and he's also been an executive leader for the Springfield Dream Center community hub, according to the release.

North Point Church's website lists two campuses in Springfield, as well as a campus apiece in Nixa and Republic.