Guiding Faith

McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church welcomes new senior pastor

BY: Sharla Bardin

The Rev. Dr. Rockford Johnson envisioned a life of vocational ministry when he was a teen. He was at a summer camp and was inspired by a speaker talking about dedicating one’s life and work to God.

“That began a journey that was confirmed in the years ahead,” Johnson said.

That journey has included more than 30 years in ministry, including serving as a pastor for various churches in Oklahoma and working as a district superintendent in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church.

It’s also a journey that has now led him to Norman as the senior pastor of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church. Johnson started the position in July after Rev. Linda Harker retired as the senior pastor.

Johnson said he admires the compassion, talents and generosity of the congregation and the church’s legacy, its ministries and the vision for the future.

“Our mission is to change lives that change the world,” he said.

Johnson is settling into his new role during unique circumstances.

“It’s been a very different kind of transition,” he said, referring to safety measures and protocols in place because of the pandemic, which have included a combination of online-only services or onsite worship with attendees wearing masks and social distancing.

“We’re learning as we go and adapting as we go,” Johnson said. “The people here have been extremely patient and gracious knowing that we’re all going through this together.”

Stephen Mitchell, business administrator at the church, said Johnson’s leadership skills have stood out during these ever-changing circumstances.

“Going through a leadership transition, such as this in the midst of a global pandemic, is not an easy thing, especially when you aren’t able to connect with the membership in a traditional setting,” Mitchell said. “Rockford’s strength in assessing and analyzing all situations with a steady and calm approach in the midst of a pandemic has been impressive.”

Mitchell said he also looks forward to gaining more insight and wisdom from Johnson.

“In just the short time he has been here, I have learned a lot,” Mitchell said. “I also look forward to watching the church learn and grow from him, as well.”

Johnson also is learning more about the church, including its “robust and far-reaching and effective ministries” and the community outreach, as he described them. Some of those efforts include a food pantry and utilities assistance for those in need. Johnson said he’d like to see the church build upon the strengths of those programs and enhance discipleship efforts.

Johnson said he wants to give his utmost to guiding the congregation as they grow in their spiritual walk and live out their faith in the community and world.

He has honed his leadership and pastoral skills in a career that has spanned 33 years. Johnson grew up in Goltry, a small town in northwest Oklahoma. He earned his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma Baptist University and also met wife, Elizabeth, at the school.

They married in 1978 and have a son and daughter. Johnson attended seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and received a master’s degree in ministry and a doctorate in New Testament studies. Johnson later served as a pastor in churches throughout Oklahoma, including Tulsa, Shawnee and Chickasha.

He then spent seven years as district superintendent of the Crossroads District of the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church where he worked with 50 churches and more than 70 pastors and clergy. Johnson said a desire to pastor again led him to the position at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church.

“I love pastoring and preaching and caring for people and leading and strategizing,” he shared.

Johnson said he is honored to serve as the senior pastor and is excited to see what lies ahead for the church, which opened in 1924.

“There’s a great spirit here. There’s a great tradition,” he said. “I celebrate being here in Norman with this church.” – BSM