Antioch, Tennessee— From helping plant the first Gospel-preaching church in a 500-year-old Spanish town to helping tell the stories of God at work around the world, Kristi Johnson’s ministry has always centered on sharing the Good News. After decades of faithful missionary service in Spain and later, four years of Stateside ministry as the Development Communications Manager, Kristi Johnson is stepping into another new season as she resigns from her role with IM.
Following their commissioning in 1997, Tim and Kristi Johnson served for more than 25 years as missionaries in Spain before transitioning to new roles in the U.S., where Tim accepted a position as Program Coordinator of the Missions Department at Welch College, while Kristi joined IM in development and communications. For the Johnsons, ministry has always been a shared calling, whether being a part of planting a church in Spain or inspiring others to find their global purpose in God’s story.
Over four years ago, as the Johnsons prepared to leave Spain, Kristi reflected on their ministry in their final “Good News from Spain” weekly email newsletter:
God gave us a front-row seat into His work in Spain. The Gospel was shared. A church was planted. New believers were discipled. People were shown the love of Christ. And lives were changed. Most of all…ours!
When she stepped into her new role with IM, Kristi carried that same heart for the Gospel to every aspect of her work —connecting with supporters, promoting the World Missions Offering, visiting Free Will Baptist churches across North America, and assisting missionaries in sharing their stories with clarity and purpose.
Don Matchett, Director of Development, reflects on Kristi’s impact:
Kristi’s faithfulness—both on the field and with IM—has shaped how we communicate, engage, and express gratitude to our partners. Her influence will continue to be felt, and we are deeply thankful for her service.
As Kristi steps into her next venture, her legacy in Spain remains evident. Longtime teammates, the Edgmons, continue to see the fruit of her ministry in both their lives and the ongoing work there. Lea Edgmon shares the impact she still sees from Kristi’s dedication to ministry in Spain.
Kristi’s work in Spain touched many areas—evangelism, discipleship of women and children, teaching, worship ministry, and leadership training. In each of these, she poured out her heart, soul, and energy, serving “heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Even since she has left Spain, we continue to see beautiful growth from the seeds she so faithfully planted.
To further express IM’s gratitude for Kristi’s service, IM General Director, Clint Morgan, reflects, “Kristi approaches every responsibility with excellence, integrity, and a deep sense of stewardship, viewing all she does as service rendered for His glory. She is a shining example of wholehearted faithfulness—giving her very best in every situation. As she steps into a new chapter, she will be greatly missed at IM, not only for what she has accomplished, but for who she is.”
As IM honors Kristi’s service, the words from Philippians 1:6 offer a fitting encouragement: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” IM extends heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Kristi as she follows God and as He continues to carry her into this next season of life and ministry.
IM labors with the Body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission.
