Rev. Robert L. Johnson ’91 – Albright College

Rev. Robert L. Johnson ’91

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Presented to an Albright alumnus/a or alumni couple for outstanding service and accomplishments in at least one of the following areas: community, state, nation, church, profession, academic and/or service organizations.

Robert L. Johnson, M.Div. ’91 is a native of Philadelphia, Pa. He is a graduate of Bok Technical High School in South Philadelphia and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Morristown College in Morristown, Tenn., in 1988. Johnson’s drive for excellence took him to Albright College in Reading, Pa., where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991. From Albright, God led him to the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio where, in 1995, he was blessed to receive his Master of Divinity degree. While in Dayton, he also served as pastor to Residence Park United Methodist Church (1992-1995).

After completion of his Seminary education, Johnson was appointed to SimpsonFletcher United Methodist Church in West Philadelphia. Under his leadership, God blessed the church with outstanding growth, both spiritually and in membership. Johnson served as pastor of Simpson – Fletcher for 14 years (1995-2009) and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in North Philadelphia for 5 years (2009-2014). He is currently the senior pastor of historic Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in South Philadelphia.

Johnson’s ministry has focused on at risk youth in the Philadelphia area. He helped to create low cost summer camps, choirs, drama ministries, after school programs, community partnerships to help at risk youth gain employment and many other programs that have helped inner city youth to reach their full potential.

Johnson was recently appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf to serve on the PA Commission on Redistricting. He also serves on the governor’s Committee for Nonprofit and Community Partnerships. In addition to his work for the commonwealth, Johnson is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Black United Methodist Preachers, The Black Empowerment Group, the NAACP and The Interdenominational Pastors Alliance.

As a student at Albright, Johnson was involved in the Domino Players, Albright Unity, and the African-American Society. He served as Baccalaureate speaker in 2018.

Johnson is married to Charnita M. Zeigler-Johnson, Ph.D. ’92, who is a vital part of his ministry. They have two wonderful children, Chareina Carrie and Robert James. Johnson’s favorite scripture is “I can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens Me.” -Phil 4: 13.