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Asbury Seminary Alum Tim Johnson Named 2016 Distinguished Alumni of the Year

Published Date: January 3, 2017

tim-johnsonAsbury Theological Seminary announces Tim Johnson, M.Div. ’01, as the 2016 Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Each year, Asbury Seminary recognizes a graduate whose ministry exemplifies faithfulness, servant-leadership, sacrifice, holiness and Kingdom vision.

“The nominations allow us to see the fruit of a ‘well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled evangelistic ministry spreading scriptural holiness throughout the world,” Tammy Cessna, Director of Alumni and Church Relations at Asbury Seminary, said.

Pastor Tim Johnson has served as the senior pastor of Pfrimmer’s Chapel in Corydon, Ind. Since 2005, his congregation has grown from 80 to nearly 1,000 with a total of nine services throughout the week.

Both a traditional and contemporary service meet on Sunday mornings, but throughout the week, the church invites those battling addictions, depression or other life-controlling problems to experience the freedom found in Christ at three Mercy Street services.

“On May 10, 1997, I was born again,” Tim said. “I went from darkness to light by the grace of God.  Instead of standing on the verge of suicide, I now stand dressed in the righteousness of Christ alone, with a passion to help folks understand their true identity and destiny.”

Pfrimmer’s Chapel also has two church plants in Colombia, South America, that meet weekly for worship through the church’s Global Outreach initiatives.

The Distinguished Alumni recipient is nominated by peers who have seen and been influenced by the ministry of an Asbury Seminary alumni. Nominations are solicited through the Alumni Link and Facebook. A committee composed of 12 alumni council members, staff and faculty receive all nominations and vote for their top choices. The award is designed to honor alumni who in both their personal and public ministries exhibit the Seminary’s values of a theologically educated, sanctified, spirit-filled, evangelistic ministry that spreads scriptural holiness across the world.

 Tim received many nominations for this award. A few are listed below:

“Tim has led an unbelievable recovery of a dying congregation. Pfrimmers Chapel has become a house of recovery for addicts, a source of growth for disciples, and a launching pad for ministry. Tim is mentoring young pastors and leaders into fruitful ministry. Everything Tim does oozes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” –Chris Gadlage, 2009.

“Tim Johnson is not only leading a Spirit-filled, disciple-making and life-transforming ministry, but he has taken up the call of equipping and empowering others to do the same. I am one of many younger pastors who has benefited from the mentoring of Pastor Tim. He took me under his wing when he was under no obligation to do so, and he did it because he wants to see the gospel spread. He is a man who is liberal in grace while living into the highest standards of integrity and personal holiness for himself. So many people have come to salvation and been transformed through his ministries. He is truly a man of faithfulness and fruitfulness.”—Kate Muhlbaier, 2015

“Pastor Tim embodies the DNA of Asbury Seminary, taking the Gospel forth with a true evangelistic heart in the Wesleyan tradition. In the last ten years alone, by the Holy Spirit’s power, he has grown ‘a small, country church’ called Pfrimmer’s Chapel from 80 to over 1,000 in weekly worship attendance via a variety of worship experiences that minister to people locally and abroad in Colombia, South America. During this time, nearly 100 people have also received a wide array of calls to ministry. You can see the character of Christ embedded within him as he shows compassion, love, and grace, but also truth in a world that is so desperately in need. He will always point all the fruit of his ministry to Jesus and give God the glory!”—Tyler Best, 2019

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2 responses to “Asbury Seminary Alum Tim Johnson Named 2016 Distinguished Alumni of the Year”

  1. Erik Rasmussen says:

    What a cool story, keep up the good work Tim.

  2. Dale Shunk says:

    Congratulations to Pastor Tim Johnson. He has received a very deserving award. It is great to hear breakthrough stories of our alumni following the Holy Spirit and making disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. More stories like this need told!

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