{"id":257019,"date":"2026-05-22T23:59:47","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T23:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/?page_id=257019"},"modified":"2026-07-01T04:05:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T04:05:09","slug":"global-council-chair","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/global-council-chair\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Council Chair"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Global Council Chair” subhead=”Rev. Karl B. Johnson” text_orientation=”center” module_class=”vertical-middle” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”44px” content_font=”||on||||||” content_text_align=”center” subhead_font=”||on||||||” subhead_font_size=”26px” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(15,47,117,0.75) 0%|rgba(21,31,51,0.75) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(15,47,117,0.75)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(21,31,51,0.75)” background_image=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KarlJohnsonWebHeader2.jpeg” height=”420px” title_font_size_tablet=”70px” title_font_size_phone=”48px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Subscribe” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_margin=”-19px|||||” custom_width_px__hover=”1080px” custom_width_px__hover_enabled=”1080px” custom_width_percent__hover=”80%” custom_width_percent__hover_enabled=”80%” global_colors_info=”{}” parallax_1__hover=”off” parallax_1__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_2__hover=”off” parallax_2__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_3__hover=”off” parallax_3__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_method_1__hover=”on” parallax_method_1__hover_enabled=”on” parallax_method_2__hover=”on” parallax_method_2__hover_enabled=”on” parallax_method_3__hover=”on” parallax_method_3__hover_enabled=”on” use_background_color_gradient__hover=”off” use_background_color_gradient__hover_enabled=”off” background_color_gradient_start__hover=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_start__hover_enabled=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_end__hover=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_end__hover_enabled=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_type__hover=”linear” background_color_gradient_type__hover_enabled=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction__hover=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction__hover_enabled=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial__hover=”center” background_color_gradient_direction_radial__hover_enabled=”center” background_color_gradient_start_position__hover=”0%” background_color_gradient_start_position__hover_enabled=”0%” background_color_gradient_end_position__hover=”100%” background_color_gradient_end_position__hover_enabled=”100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image__hover=”off” background_color_gradient_overlays_image__hover_enabled=”off” parallax__hover=”off” parallax__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_method__hover=”on” parallax_method__hover_enabled=”on” background_size__hover=”cover” background_size__hover_enabled=”cover” background_position__hover=”center” background_position__hover_enabled=”center” background_repeat__hover=”no-repeat” background_repeat__hover_enabled=”no-repeat” background_blend__hover=”normal” background_blend__hover_enabled=”normal” allow_player_pause__hover=”off” allow_player_pause__hover_enabled=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport__hover=”on” background_video_pause_outside_viewport__hover_enabled=”on” inner_shadow__hover=”off” inner_shadow__hover_enabled=”off” make_fullwidth__hover=”off” make_fullwidth__hover_enabled=”off” use_custom_width__hover=”off” use_custom_width__hover_enabled=”off” width_unit__hover=”on” width_unit__hover_enabled=”on” make_equal__hover=”off” make_equal__hover_enabled=”off” use_custom_gutter__hover=”off” use_custom_gutter__hover_enabled=”off” border_radii__hover=”on||||” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on||||” box_shadow_style__hover=”none” box_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” box_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” box_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” max_width__hover=”100%” max_width__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_hue_rotate__hover=”0deg” filter_hue_rotate__hover_enabled=”0deg” filter_saturate__hover=”100%” filter_saturate__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_brightness__hover=”100%” filter_brightness__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_contrast__hover=”100%” filter_contrast__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_invert__hover=”0%” filter_invert__hover_enabled=”0%” filter_sepia__hover=”0%” filter_sepia__hover_enabled=”0%” filter_opacity__hover=”100%” filter_opacity__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_blur__hover=”0px” filter_blur__hover_enabled=”0px” mix_blend_mode__hover=”normal” mix_blend_mode__hover_enabled=”normal” animation_style__hover=”none” animation_style__hover_enabled=”none” animation_repeat__hover=”once” animation_repeat__hover_enabled=”once” animation_direction__hover=”center” animation_direction__hover_enabled=”center” animation_duration__hover=”1000ms” animation_duration__hover_enabled=”1000ms” animation_delay__hover=”0ms” animation_delay__hover_enabled=”0ms” animation_intensity_slide__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_slide__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_zoom__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_zoom__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_flip__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_flip__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_fold__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_fold__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_roll__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_roll__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_starting_opacity__hover=”0%” animation_starting_opacity__hover_enabled=”0%” animation_speed_curve__hover=”ease-in-out” animation_speed_curve__hover_enabled=”ease-in-out” hover_transition_duration__hover=”300ms” hover_transition_duration__hover_enabled=”300ms” hover_transition_delay__hover=”0ms” hover_transition_delay__hover_enabled=”0ms” hover_transition_speed_curve__hover=”ease” hover_transition_speed_curve__hover_enabled=”ease” background_color_gradient_stops__hover=”#2b87da 0%|#29c4a9 100%”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Rev. Karl B. Johnson<\/strong> (Jamaica)<\/em> was elected as BWA Chair in 2025, beginning his 5-year term of service in July 2025 at the Baptist World Congress. He has a long history with the BWA, having served as First Vice President of the BWA from 2020-2025 and Chair of the Membership Committee as well as a member of the Executive, Budget & Finance, Nominations, Congress, and Governance Review committees. He served as General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union from 2001-2021 and has also held roles in the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship and World Council of Churches.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KarlJohnson_Testimonial.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cI am convinced that the BWA is a Christian body that embraces the precepts and principles of the Triune God. This has been our witness and testimony since 1905 and that has made us one of the more consistently credible voices in the world as it relates to issues of evangelism, justice, equity, religious freedom, human dignity and flourishing. My prayer is that God will enable me through this role to provide missional, inspirational and transformational leadership, especially in the interest of the most overlooked and marginalized in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#3b444b 0%|#003366 100%” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Noto Serif||||||||” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|800|||||||” custom_margin=”||20px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Messages for the Global Family<\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(22,142,201,0.07)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Noto Serif||||||||” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A Global Pentecost Message<\/h4>\n

The Church: God\u2019s Spirit-Infused Gift to the World<\/em><\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GlobalPentecostMessage_KarlJohnson.jpg” title_text=”GlobalPentecostMessage_KarlJohnson” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

At Pentecost, God revealed the Church as His Spirit-infused gift to the world. A living community empowered to proclaim salvation, pursue justice, serve with compassion, and reflect the love of Christ in every generation.<\/p>\n

Reverend Karl B. Johnson calls the global Church to renewed faithfulness through prayer, fellowship, integrity, evangelism, and courageous witness. The same Holy Spirit poured out in Acts 2 still empowers believers today to bring hope, transformation, and healing to a broken world.<\/p>\n

The Church is not merely an institution; it is God\u2019s living presence at work through his people.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2026PentecostMessage_KarlBJohnson.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download Message” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#F8F8FF” button_bg_color=”#003366″ button_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(22,142,201,0.15)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Noto Serif||||||||” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A Global Call to Peace<\/h4>\n

\u2013 Just His Peace \u2013<\/em><\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/PeaceMessage_Karl.jpg” title_text=”PeaceMessage_Karl” url=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JustHisPeace_KarlBJohnston_May2026.pdf” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In a world marked by war, division, injustice, and human suffering, Rev. Karl B. Johnson calls the global community back to the only peace that can truly endure: the peace of Christ.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This message reminds us that peace without justice is fragile, and justice without mercy is incomplete. From nations in conflict to hearts in turmoil, humanity is crying out for healing, compassion, truth, and transformation. Through scripture, faith, and moral clarity, this message challenges us to become peacemakers; pursuing justice, extending mercy, and walking humbly with God.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust His Peace\u201d is more than a statement. It is a call to the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JustHisPeace_KarlBJohnston_May2026.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download Message” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#F8F8FF” button_bg_color=”#003366″ button_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(22,142,201,0.07)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/EiaG1mUurhI” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Martin Luther King Jr. Day<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

Rev. Johnson shares an inspiring message in recognition of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. that calls the global Baptist family to continue the pursuit of his dream of freedom and justice today.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/atKSw3jOVxc” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A Message for the New Year<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

Rev. Johnson shares a word of encouragement about the peace Christ brings as we conclude 2025 and seek the Lord in 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Subscribe” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_margin=”-19px|||||” custom_width_px__hover=”1080px” custom_width_px__hover_enabled=”1080px” custom_width_percent__hover=”80%” custom_width_percent__hover_enabled=”80%” global_colors_info=”{}” parallax_1__hover=”off” parallax_1__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_2__hover=”off” parallax_2__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_3__hover=”off” parallax_3__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_method_1__hover=”on” parallax_method_1__hover_enabled=”on” parallax_method_2__hover=”on” parallax_method_2__hover_enabled=”on” parallax_method_3__hover=”on” parallax_method_3__hover_enabled=”on” use_background_color_gradient__hover=”off” use_background_color_gradient__hover_enabled=”off” background_color_gradient_start__hover=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_start__hover_enabled=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_end__hover=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_end__hover_enabled=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_type__hover=”linear” background_color_gradient_type__hover_enabled=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction__hover=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction__hover_enabled=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial__hover=”center” background_color_gradient_direction_radial__hover_enabled=”center” background_color_gradient_start_position__hover=”0%” background_color_gradient_start_position__hover_enabled=”0%” background_color_gradient_end_position__hover=”100%” background_color_gradient_end_position__hover_enabled=”100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image__hover=”off” background_color_gradient_overlays_image__hover_enabled=”off” parallax__hover=”off” parallax__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_method__hover=”on” parallax_method__hover_enabled=”on” background_size__hover=”cover” background_size__hover_enabled=”cover” background_position__hover=”center” background_position__hover_enabled=”center” background_repeat__hover=”no-repeat” background_repeat__hover_enabled=”no-repeat” background_blend__hover=”normal” background_blend__hover_enabled=”normal” allow_player_pause__hover=”off” allow_player_pause__hover_enabled=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport__hover=”on” background_video_pause_outside_viewport__hover_enabled=”on” inner_shadow__hover=”off” inner_shadow__hover_enabled=”off” make_fullwidth__hover=”off” make_fullwidth__hover_enabled=”off” use_custom_width__hover=”off” use_custom_width__hover_enabled=”off” width_unit__hover=”on” width_unit__hover_enabled=”on” make_equal__hover=”off” make_equal__hover_enabled=”off” use_custom_gutter__hover=”off” use_custom_gutter__hover_enabled=”off” border_radii__hover=”on||||” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on||||” box_shadow_style__hover=”none” box_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” box_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” box_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” max_width__hover=”100%” max_width__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_hue_rotate__hover=”0deg” filter_hue_rotate__hover_enabled=”0deg” filter_saturate__hover=”100%” filter_saturate__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_brightness__hover=”100%” filter_brightness__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_contrast__hover=”100%” filter_contrast__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_invert__hover=”0%” filter_invert__hover_enabled=”0%” filter_sepia__hover=”0%” filter_sepia__hover_enabled=”0%” filter_opacity__hover=”100%” filter_opacity__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_blur__hover=”0px” filter_blur__hover_enabled=”0px” mix_blend_mode__hover=”normal” mix_blend_mode__hover_enabled=”normal” animation_style__hover=”none” animation_style__hover_enabled=”none” animation_repeat__hover=”once” animation_repeat__hover_enabled=”once” animation_direction__hover=”center” animation_direction__hover_enabled=”center” animation_duration__hover=”1000ms” animation_duration__hover_enabled=”1000ms” animation_delay__hover=”0ms” animation_delay__hover_enabled=”0ms” animation_intensity_slide__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_slide__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_zoom__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_zoom__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_flip__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_flip__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_fold__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_fold__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_roll__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_roll__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_starting_opacity__hover=”0%” animation_starting_opacity__hover_enabled=”0%” animation_speed_curve__hover=”ease-in-out” animation_speed_curve__hover_enabled=”ease-in-out” hover_transition_duration__hover=”300ms” hover_transition_duration__hover_enabled=”300ms” hover_transition_delay__hover=”0ms” hover_transition_delay__hover_enabled=”0ms” hover_transition_speed_curve__hover=”ease” hover_transition_speed_curve__hover_enabled=”ease” background_color_gradient_stops__hover=”#2b87da 0%|#29c4a9 100%”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”39px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||20px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Serving Around the World
Ministering with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship<\/em><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#f7d40f” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”3px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”35%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Annual Assembly: Jacksonville, Florida, USA<\/h6>\n

“The people of God cannot retreat. The people of God therefore must rise up.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Rev. Johnson preached during the closing worship Friday, June 19, at the 2026 CBF General Assembly<\/a> in Jacksonville. Preaching from Revelation 2:12\u201317, Johnson encouraged Cooperative Baptists to be prophetic witnesses who stand up and speak out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/KarlSpeakingatCBF.jpg” title_text=”KarlSpeakingatCBF” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Subscribe” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_margin=”-19px|||||” custom_width_px__hover=”1080px” custom_width_px__hover_enabled=”1080px” custom_width_percent__hover=”80%” custom_width_percent__hover_enabled=”80%” global_colors_info=”{}” parallax_1__hover=”off” parallax_1__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_2__hover=”off” parallax_2__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_3__hover=”off” parallax_3__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_method_1__hover=”on” parallax_method_1__hover_enabled=”on” parallax_method_2__hover=”on” parallax_method_2__hover_enabled=”on” parallax_method_3__hover=”on” parallax_method_3__hover_enabled=”on” use_background_color_gradient__hover=”off” use_background_color_gradient__hover_enabled=”off” background_color_gradient_start__hover=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_start__hover_enabled=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_end__hover=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_end__hover_enabled=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_type__hover=”linear” background_color_gradient_type__hover_enabled=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction__hover=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction__hover_enabled=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial__hover=”center” background_color_gradient_direction_radial__hover_enabled=”center” background_color_gradient_start_position__hover=”0%” background_color_gradient_start_position__hover_enabled=”0%” background_color_gradient_end_position__hover=”100%” background_color_gradient_end_position__hover_enabled=”100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image__hover=”off” background_color_gradient_overlays_image__hover_enabled=”off” parallax__hover=”off” parallax__hover_enabled=”off” parallax_method__hover=”on” parallax_method__hover_enabled=”on” background_size__hover=”cover” background_size__hover_enabled=”cover” background_position__hover=”center” background_position__hover_enabled=”center” background_repeat__hover=”no-repeat” background_repeat__hover_enabled=”no-repeat” background_blend__hover=”normal” background_blend__hover_enabled=”normal” allow_player_pause__hover=”off” allow_player_pause__hover_enabled=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport__hover=”on” background_video_pause_outside_viewport__hover_enabled=”on” inner_shadow__hover=”off” inner_shadow__hover_enabled=”off” make_fullwidth__hover=”off” make_fullwidth__hover_enabled=”off” use_custom_width__hover=”off” use_custom_width__hover_enabled=”off” width_unit__hover=”on” width_unit__hover_enabled=”on” make_equal__hover=”off” make_equal__hover_enabled=”off” use_custom_gutter__hover=”off” use_custom_gutter__hover_enabled=”off” border_radii__hover=”on||||” border_radii__hover_enabled=”on||||” box_shadow_style__hover=”none” box_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” box_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” box_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” max_width__hover=”100%” max_width__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_hue_rotate__hover=”0deg” filter_hue_rotate__hover_enabled=”0deg” filter_saturate__hover=”100%” filter_saturate__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_brightness__hover=”100%” filter_brightness__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_contrast__hover=”100%” filter_contrast__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_invert__hover=”0%” filter_invert__hover_enabled=”0%” filter_sepia__hover=”0%” filter_sepia__hover_enabled=”0%” filter_opacity__hover=”100%” filter_opacity__hover_enabled=”100%” filter_blur__hover=”0px” filter_blur__hover_enabled=”0px” mix_blend_mode__hover=”normal” mix_blend_mode__hover_enabled=”normal” animation_style__hover=”none” animation_style__hover_enabled=”none” animation_repeat__hover=”once” animation_repeat__hover_enabled=”once” animation_direction__hover=”center” animation_direction__hover_enabled=”center” animation_duration__hover=”1000ms” animation_duration__hover_enabled=”1000ms” animation_delay__hover=”0ms” animation_delay__hover_enabled=”0ms” animation_intensity_slide__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_slide__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_zoom__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_zoom__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_flip__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_flip__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_fold__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_fold__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_intensity_roll__hover=”50%” animation_intensity_roll__hover_enabled=”50%” animation_starting_opacity__hover=”0%” animation_starting_opacity__hover_enabled=”0%” animation_speed_curve__hover=”ease-in-out” animation_speed_curve__hover_enabled=”ease-in-out” hover_transition_duration__hover=”300ms” hover_transition_duration__hover_enabled=”300ms” hover_transition_delay__hover=”0ms” hover_transition_delay__hover_enabled=”0ms” hover_transition_speed_curve__hover=”ease” hover_transition_speed_curve__hover_enabled=”ease” background_color_gradient_stops__hover=”#2b87da 0%|#29c4a9 100%”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#f7d40f” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”3px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”35%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”53px” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”39px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||20px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Serving Around the World
Traveling Across Africa<\/em><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#f7d40f” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”3px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”35%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Ministry in West Africa<\/h6>\n

\n

The Baptist family in Togo received the Rev. Johnson into their beautiful country with great excitement and love in January 2026.<\/p>\n

The first meeting point was the residence of Pastor Elias Apetogbo, Continental President of All Africa Baptist Fellowship (AABF) and Regional Secretary of the BWA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KarlJohnson_Togo1.jpg” title_text=”KarlJohnson_Togo1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KarlJohnson_Togo_3.jpg” title_text=”KarlJohnson_Togo_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Thereafter, the team proceeded to Eglise Baptiste Le Rocher<\/em> (led by Pastor Rev. Adjenou Joseph), one of the biggest Baptist Churches in Togo with approximately 500 representatives in attendance. The meeting was glorious and impactful.<\/p>\n

The Chair shared with the Baptist family that they belonged to a global Baptist family that truly cared for and continued to pray for them. Gifts were given and lots of connections were initiated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Rev. Johnson and his host, Pastor Elias, visited four Baptist Churches in Lome:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \u00a0Eglise Baptiste J\u00e9hovah Shammah d’Amadenta<\/li>\n
  2. \u00a0Eglise Baptiste la Vraie Vie de Vakpossito<\/li>\n
  3. \u00a0Eglise Baptiste la Foi de Gblinkome<\/li>\n
  4. \u00a0Premi\u00e8re \u00c9glise Baptiste Boulevard<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Churches were full of God\u2019s love and the services fully attended. In fact, the first Church in Amadenta area is a pure local Church with traditional drums and the people sang and prayed wholeheartedly. They were so happy to know that beyond the local church, the convention and continent, there is a global family that continues to pray with them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KarlJohnson_Togo_Koffi.jpg” title_text=”KarlJohnson_Togo_Koffi” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Togo1.jpg” title_text=”Togo1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Togo2.jpg” title_text=”Togo2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Togo3.jpg” title_text=”Togo3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Rev. Johnson visited two other churches and finally was received at First Baptist Church, Lome (Premi\u00e8re \u00c9glise Baptiste Boulevard) where he preached. The Church showed appreciation through an award of recognition and gift of a traditional Yoruba attire called Agbada with a Buba (for his wife).<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Karl_Africa_1.jpg” title_text=”Karl_Africa_1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Karl_Africa_2.jpg” title_text=”Karl_Africa_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Karl_Africa_3.jpg” title_text=”Karl_Africa_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    The executive of Togo Baptist Convention later hosted BWA Chair Johnson and the AABF President at their headquarter in Lome. It was a time of learning more about what God is doing with the youthful leaders and their projections for the future. Indeed, the future of Baptist witness in Togo is very bright.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/TogoLeadership.jpg” title_text=”TogoLeadership” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Togo4.jpg” title_text=”Togo4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Togo5.jpg” title_text=”Togo5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    The Church in Togo is truly a living Church. This can be affirmed through the gathering of young people on Sunday evening, with everyone in white, praising and praying their way into the new year. BWA Chair Johnson and his host shared words of encouragement with them, prayed, and acknowledged their commitment to God at a time when young people are often distracted by technology. They found joy worshipping God in his temple.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”98%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n

    On January 26, while the team was headed to Benin Republic, the group stopped at a \u00a0<\/span>slave house where underground slave tunnels used by the slave masters were seen and the BWA Chair was fully engaged in the experience by entering the tunnels with AABF Elias Apeotgbo, BWA Horizons Director for Africa Koffi Sok\u00e9 Kpomgbe, and other team members.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KarlJohnson_Benin_2.jpg” title_text=”KarlJohnson_Benin_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”69%” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Karl_Benin.jpg” title_text=”Karl_Benin” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n

    He was deeply pained at another visible reminder of the atrocities and evil meted out to God\u2019s people and expressed the hope that one day justice for the sin of slavery will become a full reality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”98%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    To cap the visit to Togo, the team returned to Lome while traveling to Ghana on January 27, and the BWA Chair and his national and continental hosts paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Urbanization, Housing, and Land Reform in Togo (Immediate Past President of the Parliament), Mr. Kodjo Sevon-Tepe Adedze. <\/span>The BWA Chair was well received by the Minister who is also a devoted Christian leader and a strong advocate for the Church.<\/span><\/div>\n
    <\/span><\/div>\n
    \n

    \n

    The host shared about the activities of the government, how the Church in Togo has been a watchman for the country, and about the introduction of National Thanksgiving Day with a commemorative service to affirm the reign of God in the country. The minister apologized for the inability to meet with the President during the visit and asked that a letter be sent which he will deliver to the President of the Council of the Republic of Togo. <\/span><\/p>\n

    BWA Chair Johnson personally thanked the leadership of the country and asked for more to be done to promote Religious Freedom. After a shared photo opportunity, the minister graciously bid our delegation farewell and Godspeed.<\/p>\n

    We give thanks for this fruitful time of ministry in West Africa and pray for God’s continued work across the region.<\/p>\n

    \n<\/div>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Togo6.jpg” title_text=”Togo6″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Togo7.jpg” title_text=”Togo7″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Rev. Karl B. Johnson (Jamaica) was elected as BWA Chair in 2025, beginning his 5-year term of service in July 2025 at the Baptist World Congress. He has a long history with the BWA, having served as First Vice President of the BWA from 2020-2025 and Chair of the Membership Committee as well as a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"years":[],"class_list":["post-257019","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/257019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=257019"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/257019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":257263,"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/257019\/revisions\/257263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=257019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"years","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baptistworld.org\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/years?post=257019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}