Greg Laurie Mourns Calvary Chapel of Downey Pioneer Jeff Johnson
Prominent evangelical pastor Greg Laurie has taken to social media today to express his grief over the passing of Pastor Jeff Johnson, pioneer of Calvary Chapel of Downey, California.
Johnson, a close friend of Laurie’s for over 40 years, passed away after a battle with cancer on February 13 at the age of 76.
“My friend of over 40 years, Pastor Jeff Johnson, has gone to Heaven,” Laurie wrote in a heartfelt post. “Jeff ran and finished his spiritual race well.”‘
He went on to praise Johnson’s spiritual journey, highlighting his transformation during the Jesus movement and his dedication to spreading faith alongside his wife Karyn.
Laurie specifically noted his impact on Calvary Chapel of Downey, which Johnson helped plant. “God transformed him in his youth during the Jesus movement. Jeff went on to marry the love of his life, Karen. They were one of the very first Calvary Chapels to be planted. Calvary Chapel of Downey has impacted thousands of lives because of their faithfulness.”
He also emphasized Johnson’s gentle nature and commitment to unity, calling him “a true peacemaker, not a troublemaker.” He further noted that Jeff was an “uniter, not a divider”. “From the day I first met him to his final days, Jeff maintained that “First Love” (Rev. 2) relationship with Christ,” Laurie stated.
Quoting Matthew 25:23, Laurie expressed his belief that Johnson had received his heavenly reward. He concluded by saying, “He will be sorely missed. Well done, Jeff, we are all so proud of you!”
Although Johnson was not the founder of the entire Calvary Chapel movement, he and his wife Karen were among the early pioneers who established one of the very first churches within the denomination.
Calvary Chapel of Downey, under Johnson’s leadership, grew to have an average weekly attendance of over 9,000. The church offered various programs and ministries to serve its large community, including Bible classes, training programs, mission outreaches, and a Christian school.
Last November, the congregation honored Jeff and Karyn’s 50 years of faithful ministry as he handed the church leadership to Pastor Art Reyes.
View this post on Instagram