By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message Staff Writer
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – In a year when Louisiana Christian University is marking its 120th anniversary, the school celebrated the inauguration of Mark Johnson as its 10th president.
The ceremony reflected a theme of service to the college, Louisiana Baptist churches and central Louisiana that has been the heartbeat of his first months as president.
“My father, being a pastor for over 50 years in ministry and a grandfather in ministry, taught me at an early age, ‘Trust the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and then see what happens,’” (a reference to Proverbs 3:5-6) Johnson shared during the March 26 ceremony. “Because I was supposed to do three things, and the Lord was supposed to do one; He was supposed to direct my path. And so I stayed with that for my whole life. A lot of places where I could have spoken back, I decided not to because I was going to trust the Lord with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, in all my ways acknowledge Him and He would direct my path.”
The event, held inside Guinn Auditorium, emphasized the importance of faith, family, business partnerships and educational excellence in shaping LCU’s future.
Johnson praised the resilience of the faculty, staff and students he has met since taking the LCU helm in late February.
“Here’s what I’m finding out about them,” he said. “I found out there’s so much resilience with you all. You keep staying the course. You keep having Bible studies in your rooms. You’re doing things behind the scenes. We know you’re not perfect. We know we’re working through all of those things. But those of you who have been very close to me in so many different ways, we’re praying for you as you continue to climb this ladder and what God has for you, I’m just so excited to be a part of that as well.”
Throughout the two-hour ceremony, Johson’s vision for the school was echoed through speeches, prayers and music.
Johnson’s father, Henry, opened the inauguration with a prayer and his son, Benjamin, recited Proverbs 3:5-6.
“May your servant serve as a guiding light, recognizing that you, Lord, are both capable and willing to accomplish meaningful change through dedicated leadership, thereby restoring stability, elevating the esteemed university to remarkable heights,” Henry Johnson said. “And as we begin this new chapter in leadership for our university, let our continual prayer be for the newly appointed president and family as he steps into the esteemed office of presidency. We ask that truth, peace, humility and integrity dwell deeply within his heart. May these virtues guide his every decision, shaping his leadership and fostering a spirit of unity and justice throughout the university.”
Henry Robertson, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, reflected on how the school has grown from 19 students in 1906 to thousands of graduates.
“This evening, we bring forth before the community the very best again, the next president who will ensure a university of the highest grade, who will direct a select faculty comparable to any other institutions, bring better quality equipment and facilities and inspire a student body more capable and diverse than ever before,” he said. “His selection makes us joyous, triumphant and marks the start of a truly better course for the university.”
Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn noted that no one is more invested in LCU than Louisiana Baptists.
“Mark, as you already learned, this is a special place to generations of Louisiana Baptists,” he said. “Some found their spouse here on this holy hill. Some found their calling, and others found Jesus in this place. But it is a strategic place for current Louisiana Baptists because we believe that from this place there will be students, now disciples of Jesus, who go back to our churches, go back to our communities, and become disciple makers themselves and difference makers in their communities.”
Fred Luter, pastor, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, said Johnson and his family, during their time as members of his church, were a blessing because they were committed to God and his family. He added that he believes Johnson will be a blessing to LCU because he is committed to the school.
“His role as president of LCU is not just a job; his role as president of LCU is not just an appointment,” Luter said. “I am confident that Dr. Mark Johnson’s role as president of Louisiana Christian University is a calling from God. Therefore, trustees, faculty, staff and students of Louisiana Christian University, I assure you, as his pastor and friend who has watched and admired him through the years, I guarantee you that Dr. Mark Johnson will fulfill his calling with dignity, with determination and with dedication.”
Chuck Kelley, president emeritus with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, praised his leadership, organizational and intelligence.
“You are here because God wants you here,” he said. “Your devotion to Christ, your commitment to His Word and your consistent excellence in your service has brought you to this day, and it’s about time. There’s only one way I can think to kind of try to sum up in one word the future that awaits Louisiana Christian University under your leadership. It’s an ancient Hebrew word, ‘Wow.’”
Jeff Powell, superintendent of Rapides Parish Schools, thanked Johnson for continuing to meet the educational needs of the community.
“We welcome you into the servanthood of education in our local community,” he said. “But we don’t just welcome you. We interlock with you because we know that, next to their relationship with God, education is the only thing that nobody else can take away from our young people.”
John Knapp, former president of Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania where Johnson and his wife, Heather, graduated, asked the crowd to offer their prayers and support.
“I believe and have great confidence that under Mark’s leadership and with all of you working together and developing and pursuing a shared vision, that Louisiana Christian University will become a university on the rise, a university that is known nationally for the progress that it’s making at a time of great challenge in higher education,” he said. “I’m convinced that with this leadership and with the vision that I know will develop here in this community, this is an institution that will succeed and thrive over the long term in pursuit of that God-given mission.”
Louisiana House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson, a graduate of Louisiana College and a member, First Baptist Church, Pineville, called the inauguration a time of celebration, gratitude, reflection and great expectation of what God is about to do through LCU. He shared that the House unanimously voted to commend Mark Johnson’s inauguration as president and commemorated 120 years of LCU’s academic excellence, faith and service.
He added the members of the House will continue to pray for him.
“They bring prayers to you that God will grant you the wisdom beyond measure, strength for every challenge and a steadfast heart to lead with faith and purpose, which I know you will,” he said. “May the Lord guide your steps, may He bless your leadership, and may He use you mightily in the days ahead.”
Nathan Martin, a council member with the City of Pineville and pastor, Christian Challenge Worship Center, Pineville, offered a welcome from the City of Pineville.
“The relationship between this university and this city is not simply geographic; it is deeply relational,” he said. “We have grown together. We have celebrated together, and at times we have faced challenges together. And together we have overcome.
“So today marks not just a new chapter for the university, but a continued partnership with the city that we proudly call home,” he said. “Dr. Johnson, you step into a role with a rich and meaningful history, but also with a future full of opportunity. And I want you to know today that the City of Pineville stands with you. We are grateful for your leadership, and we are excited for what lies ahead, and we are committed to being a stronger partner than ever in the days to come.”
Deborah Randolph, president, Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, said Johnson has generated excitement in the business community.
“Business leaders and I are witnessing the energy you bring to LCU that you have brought here in the short time you’ve been on campus,” she said. “Clearly, you love what you do, and it shows. Your excitement about the future of LCU is infectious to all who spend time in your presence. LCU is an integral part of our community, dating back for generations, and there’s a long history of the local Chamber of Commerce and LCU working together to align degree programs to meet the needs of local business sectors, to connect students to intern programs aimed at enhancing the workforce pipeline and so much more. We hope to continue that special relationship and strengthen it.”
NOBTS President Jamie Dew called the inauguration a wonderful moment in the life of LCU, which has been training men and women for various vocations from a Christian perspective. He challenged Johnson to keep his heart and life right before God, stay connected to Louisiana Baptists, remember students are the actual work and remember Baptist colleges and universities are supposed to be different.
“Guard your heart, brother,” he said. “Love the Lord Jesus with everything you have and all that you are. And remember as heavy and big as all these responsibilities that you carry every single day are, remember that every single day the most important thing you do is love Jesus Christ. Walk with Him, serve Him and be faithful to Him.”
Tommy Kiker, pastor, East Leesville Baptist Church, and chair of the search committee as well as chair of the LCU board of trustees, also offered words of encouragement.
“Louisiana Christian University has stood for generations as a place where faith and learning walk together, where students are prepared, not only for careers, but for lives of purpose, service and leadership in the Kingdom of God,” he said. “You now step into a role carried by leaders who have gone before you, individuals who have believed deeply in the mission of this institution and who stewarded its legacy.
“But today, you are not called merely to guard the past,” he continued. “You are called to lead the university into the future. You are charged to guard the Christian mission of this institution with conviction and courage. Champion academic excellence and the pursuit of truth. Shepherd the community of students entrusted to our care. Serve with humility, wisdom and integrity. Lead Louisiana Christian University to flourish for generations to come.”
Stewart Holloway, pastor of the FBC Pineville congregation which includes Mark and Heather Johnson, closed the inauguration with a prayer for wisdom, guidance, favor and humility.
“Do a work here that is unmistakably yours, one that advances your Kingdom and magnifies your glory,” he prayed. “May the name of Jesus Christ be lifted high on this campus and carried far from this place to the ends of the earth.”
