Algonquin’s Light of Christ welcomes Pastor Eric Johnson as senior pastor elect

Light of Christ Church and Preschool in Algonquin recently announced that Pastor Eric Johnson officially began serving as senior pastor elect as of June 1, marking the beginning of an intentional leadership transition designed to provide continuity, mentorship, and shared leadership for the congregation.

Pastor Eric joins Light of Christ after serving nine years as pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Lake Orion, Michigan. During that time, he also founded Zoē Oakland, a nonprofit ministry serving students at Oakland University, Rochester Christian University, and Oakland Community College.

A graduate of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, Pastor Eric brings a diverse background in ministry, leadership development, coaching, consulting, and nonprofit fundraising. Prior to entering pastoral ministry, he worked in sales, management, and financial services. He is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive, author, leadership coach, and consultant.

Pastor Eric and his wife, Laura, have two daughters, Emma and Leah. Outside of ministry, he enjoys spending time on the water and cheering for Ohio State and the Detroit Lions.

As senior pastor elect, Pastor Eric will begin leading worship and serving the congregation immediately, while Pastor Kendall Koenig will continue faithfully in his role as senior pastor until his retirement from full-time ministry in December 2027. This intentional transition period will allow the two pastors to serve together as Light of Christ prepares for the future.

“I am excited to serve together with Pastor Eric over the next year and a half as he prepares to take over the mantle of leadership at Light of Christ,” said Kendall Koenig, senior pastor at Light of Christ. “This church has a bright future of ministry ahead, as we continue to live into our mission to Invite, Nurture, and Serve.”

Pastor Eric will preside at worship services beginning June 7, and he is scheduled to preach his first sermon at Light of Christ on June 21. Light of Christ Church and Preschool invites the community to join in welcoming Pastor Eric and his family as they begin this new season of ministry.

About Light of Christ Church and Preschool

Light of Christ Church and Preschool is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Northern Illinois Synod).

Located at 1700 Longmeadow Parkway in Algonquin, Light of Christ serves individuals and families throughout the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and offers worship both in-person and online at locchurch.com.