Building Communities of Learning and Faith: Welcoming Tony Johnston to the LSTC Board
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is proud to welcome Tony Johnston to its Board of Directors. A longtime educator, union leader, and active member of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, Johnston brings with him decades of experience in higher education, a deep commitment to community, and a heart for service.
Johnston’s connection to LSTC began organically—through conversations and relationships formed in his home congregation. “I didn’t walk the halls of LSTC as a student,” he shares, “but I’ve learned a great deal about its work from people I deeply respect.” These include several LSTC faculty and staff members, past and present, as well as his pastor, the Rev. Jennie English, and current Board Chair Greg Lewis—all of whom have shaped his understanding of LSTC’s mission.
Professionally, Johnston’s path has been rooted in education and advocacy. He began his career teaching English as a Second Language before moving into faculty and leadership roles at Harry S. Truman College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. Over the years, he served as coordinator of tutoring, taught Latin American and U.S. history, and became a full-time faculty member. In tandem, he became increasingly involved in union leadership. Today, Johnston serves as president of the Cook County College Teachers Union, representing faculty and staff across all of Cook County’s community colleges.
This dual lens—of educator and advocate—shapes the perspective Johnston brings to theological education. “[At its core], education is about creating the most dynamic, effective learning environment possible,” he explains. “Whether you’re teaching at a community college or a seminary, it’s about equipping students [for what comes next].” For Johnston, it is also about doing so with care and intention.
Values are central to Johnston’s leadership—whether in classrooms, union halls, or church pews. “It’s simple, really,” he says. “Everything I do—teaching, advocacy, service—is about helping someone else succeed. It’s about supporting people and strengthening institutions so they can thrive.” That sense of solidarity and institutional care has defined his service both professionally and spiritually.
In his congregation, Johnston helped lead an initiative that birthed Bethlehem Peace Center, a restorative justice ministry serving youth and families in the community. “We asked: What does it look like to live out our values boldly? Not only trying to get people in the door on Sundays, but [also by demonstrating our] Christian commitment in tangible ways.” From peace camps to school partnerships, this work has become a visible expression of faith in action.
As he looks ahead to his service on the LSTC Board, Johnston is particularly interested in questions of student life and formation. “A strong educational experience is about more than just the classroom,” he says, noting that the experience is also about the relationships, the community, and the support that surrounds students as they grow.
Johnston also brings experience with accreditation and remote learning—tools increasingly vital for theological schools navigating changing educational landscapes. “There are a lot of parallels between what’s happening in seminaries and in community colleges,” he reflects, noting that the questions we ask are the same: How do we reach new people? How do we welcome them in? And once they’re here, how do we serve them well?Johnston is grounded by a verse from Luke 17:20–21: “The kingdom of God is not something that can be observed… because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” For him, this verse is a call to action—an invitation to build Christian community here and now.