Rev. Dr. James P. Johnson, former President of Lexington Theological Seminary, passed away Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Johnson had a storied career in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), serving in many roles, including as a congregational pastor, President of the Christian Church Foundation (CCF), and President of the Church Finance Council. Dr. Johnson’s visionary leadership transformed the CCF into a trusted steward of resources for donors and ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Dr. Johnson was a graduate of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN; Lexington Theological Seminary (MDiv. ’65, DMin ’82); and Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He also received a joint degree from Christian Theological Seminary and Butler University, both in Indianapolis. After his ordination, Dr. Johnson served as a congregational pastor in Missouri and Florida before being called to serve as a development officer at the CCF. In 1986, he became president of Church Finance Council, which he led until 1992. Following his retirement, Dr. Johnson continued his commitment to philanthropy and stewardship as director of planned giving for the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, MN. In August 2008, Dr. Johnson was named the 16th president of LTS.
“There are some people whose lives shine with such steady light that you do not realize how much you have been guided by them until the light is gone. Jim Johnson was such a light for me,” said former LTS Trustee Rev. Gary Kidwell, who followed Dr. Johnson as President of the CCF. “Jim was a man whose life bore the unmistakable marks of wisdom, joy, and faithfulness. He taught me that leadership is less about being impressive and more about being trustworthy.”
Forrmer Lexington Theological Seminary Dean and Librarian Rev. Dr. Philip N. Dare, 87, passed away Jan. 6, 2026. He was born in St. Louis, MO, and had been a proud resident of Kentucky since 1960. He held various degrees, including a Bachelor of Divinity from LTS and a Master of Arts, a Master of Library Science, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, where he also served on the library staff. He was named Dean and Librarian at LTS in 2001 and retired from the Seminary in 2005. He also served as professor of theological research. He and his wife, Nancy, served in the Peace Corps in Sarawak, Malaysia. They were strong supporters of Habitat for Humanity. Dr. Dare found joy in gardening and books, tending both with care and love. Of his work as a librarian, he once said, “Librarians don’t expect much excitement in their work. It’s pretty much routine. But they live in a world surrounded by poetry and art and mythology and imagination.” In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Stephanie and Samantha; his grandchildren, Alex Woodruff and Braxton Dare; and his sister, Roberta (Bobbie) Dare. His memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 at Midway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 123 E. Bruen Street in Midway, KY.