Concordia’s Highest Employee Honor
The Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award recognizes employees who exemplify the values of Concordia’s mission through their everyday lives. These individuals embody characteristics of compassion, patience, kindness and respect while selflessly serving others with a Christ-like heart.
The award is Concordia’s highest employee honor, given in memory of the late Stephen W. Johnson, who was a steward of compassion and spent countless hours supporting and preserving Concordia’s mission.
In Honor of Stephen W. Johnson’s Legacy
Stephen W. Johnson was a man of great faith, wisdom and character. A servant leader, he spent 19 years on the Concordia Lutheran Ministries Board of Directors, including 12 years as chairman. While still serving as Chairman of the Board, Steve passed into glory on June 11, 2020.
Steve believed in mission first and was dedicated to ensuring that Concordia remained faithful to its calling to serve God’s people. His actions and words were Christ-centered and mission-driven. To Steve, Concordia’s growth meant successfully fulfilling its mission and reaching more people with the love of God through the hands of our caregivers.
“For-profit companies grow to deliver results to investors. But great nonprofits grow to expand and develop their mission.”
— Stephen W. Johnson
Living Out Concordia’s Mission
The Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award honors employees whose commitment to Concordia’s mission extends beyond the responsibilities of their everyday work. Through their actions, nominees demonstrate what it means to put faith into action through compassion, service and a genuine commitment to others.
A nomination is an opportunity to share the story of how a Concordia employee serves our mission both within Concordia and throughout their community. This may include service through a church, community organization, school, food bank, veterans organization or another cause that makes a difference in the lives of others.