Our Team

Pastor Chris Johnson accepted the call to First Baptist Van Buren in July of 2013. He was born in Minnesota and moved to Northwest Arkansas, where he graduated from high school. Chris went to Liberty University, and it was there that he came to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ while simultaneously being called into the ministry. Chris graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. From there he went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he met his amazing and talented wife, Lauren. Both he and Lauren graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern. Seven years and four kids later, Chris earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in preaching from Southwestern Seminary. Chris and Lauren spent four years pastoring the First Baptist Church of Ozona, Texas, before being called to Van Buren. Chris' interests include working on old cars, hiking, baking cakes for his children's birthdays, dating Lauren, and keeping his Labrador out of trouble. Chris' passion is to see people won to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. He and his family, Lauren, Elijah, Gabriel, Abigail and Andrew, love Van Buren and are grateful to call the River Valley home.