Our Rector
The Rev. Dr. Jay Emerson Johnson
Meet Fr. Jay
Pastor, Theologian, Teacher
An Episcopal priest, theologian, teacher, and writer, Fr. Jay brings deep theological wisdom, a generous pastoral heart, and a steady belief that the Gospel can still heal and transform the world.
His preaching and teaching connect the richness of Christian tradition to the questions people carry — about faith, belonging, justice, grief, hope, Scripture, creation, and what it means to live with love in a complicated world.
Ordained in 1988, Fr. Jay has spent decades serving the Church as a priest, scholar, and educator. Before moving to Saugatuck in 2020 to serve as the 22nd rector of All Saints’ Parish, he served in parish ministry in the Diocese of Chicago and later in Berkeley, California, where he taught theology and culture at Pacific School of Religion and the Graduate Theological Union.
His work has long explored the transforming power of the Gospel, including Anglican Christianity, the practice of hope, ecological renewal, and the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the life of the Church. At All Saints’, that work becomes deeply pastoral: helping shape a community rooted in worship, bold hospitality, and reconciling love.
Fr. Jay happily shares his life with River, his Australian shepherd dog.
Background & Ministry
A Life of Faith in a Complex World
Fr. Jay’s ministry brings together the heart of a pastor, the mind of a theologian, and the steady presence of someone who believes the Gospel can change the world.
- B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Wheaton College.
- M.Div. from Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary.
- Ph.D. in philosophical theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley.
- Served in parish ministry in the Diocese of Chicago.
- Taught theology and culture at Pacific School of Religion and the Graduate Theological Union.
- Author of books, articles, and essays on theology, hope, Anglican Christianity, ecology, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Committed to nurturing communities of reconciling love, spiritual depth, and Gospel-shaped action.
Hear Fr. Jay Preach
Sermons at All Saints’ connect Christian teaching to the needs of the world today. Listen to recent sermons and hear how faith, justice, healing, and hope come together.