Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson

Rev. Dr. Karen Johnson is a lifelong Ohio resident. She grew up in Dayton, Ohio, attending both Dunbar

and Belmont High Schools. Her college degree is from the University of Cincinnati in Engineering (go

Bearcats!). She worked in manufacturing plants for about 10 years before she went to United

Theological Seminary and changed careers to follow her call from God to be a pastor.

Pastor Karen has served as Senior Pastor for Heritage Community Church in Cincinnati, and Dorothy

Lane American Baptist Church in Kettering, each for over 10 years. Karen also has close ties to

Middletown First Baptist. During seminary, she served as Youth Director as well as assisting in worship

leadership. Her ordination was held at First Baptist. 2026 will be her 27 th year as an ordained pastor with

the American Baptist Churches, USA. Karen received her doctorate in 2016, with a focus on church

leadership. She now serves in interim ministry, helping congregations continue to move forward as they

seek new pastoral leadership. She is pleased to be serving at First Baptist, and dedicated to helping the

congregation continue to be a positive presence in the community and world.

Karen lives in Kettering with her antique dog, Gracie. She hopes to soon find another dog to share her

house. She enjoys painting rocks and other craft projects. Karen is an avid Pokémon player, enjoys

eating out, and contemplating God’s great love for each of us.