Our Pastor
Rev. Theon Johnson III, Ph.D.
theon@downsoakland.org
Rev. Dr. Theon Johnson III came to the California-Nevada Conference from Mississippi. An Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church, Dr. Johnson has served as a campus minister and in local churches. Upon arriving in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2012, Dr. Johnson became the youngest person in history to serve on the pastoral team at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church . In addition to providing pastoral support for congregants, supporting thousands of clients, and interacting with community partners and elected officials, he considered serving as a cheerleader for the 150+ member GLIDE staff one of his primary roles.
Dr. Johnson was appointed to serve alongside the people of Downs Memorial United Methodist Church on July 1, 2018.
Dr. Johnson completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy-Religious Studies (Minors in Education and Faith & Work Initiative) from Millsaps College in 2006. He completed his theological studies at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. (M.Div., 2009). While in Washington, D.C., he served with the Education Leadership Formation division of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society on Capitol Hill. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University (2018). His research interests explore dynamics related to organizational leadership, culture, and strategy.
Dr. Johnson serves widely with civic, social, and ecumenical organizations. He currently serves in some of the following capacities with United Methodist related agencies and organizations:
California-Nevada Conference of The United Methodist Church
General/Jurisdictional Conference Delegation Member
Western Jurisdictional Conference Delegate