Rev. Dr. Theon Johnson III serves as Senior Pastor of Campbell United Methodist Church, a vibrant and diverse congregation representing more than 15 nations and home to the largest West African presence within the California-Nevada Conference of The United Methodist Church.
An ordained elder, Dr. Johnson has served both in higher education and local congregations. At Jackson State University (JSU)—Mississippi’s only urban university and a distinguished HBCU—he was United Methodist Campus Minister. In 2012, he joined the pastoral team of Glide Memorial UMC in San Francisco, becoming its youngest clergy member and offering pastoral care, supporting thousands of clients, engaging civic leaders, and championing the work of its 150+ staff. From 2018 to 2024, he led Downs Memorial UMC, a historic African American congregation in Oakland with a legacy of prophetic ministry locally and globally.
Beyond the local church, Dr. Johnson serves on the Advisory Committee of the Junius B. Dotson Institute for Music and Worship in the Black Church & Beyond, and on the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church, where he is a member of the Executive Committee and chairs the Vision Subgroup shaping the denomination’s future. He also mentors candidates for ministry, represents the California-Nevada Conference as a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegate, and serves on the Board of Directors of both Black Methodists for Church Renewal, the denomination’s oldest ethnic caucus, and the Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation, which advances housing and care for older adults in Silicon Valley. His leadership reflects a consistent commitment to empowering people, strengthening organizations, and building thriving communities.
Dr. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy–Religious Studies (with minors in Education and the Faith & Work Initiative) from Millsaps College in 2006, a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2009, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University in 2018. His doctoral research explores organizational leadership, culture, and strategy.
