Ada, Mich. (December 5, 2024)—Gary Johnson, who served as President of Bethany House Publishers for nearly five decades (1960-2008) and was widely credited with establishing Christian fiction as a viable publishing category, has passed away.
After studying music at Bethany College and Augsburg University, Johnson along with his wife, Carol, pursued early careers as singers, but they found their true calling in Christian publishing, where they would go on to revolutionize the industry during their 48-year tenure.
Under Gary’s leadership as President and Carol’s guidance as VP/Editorial of Fiction, Bethany House became the premier publisher of Christian fiction, effectively creating the genre through groundbreaking works such as Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly and Beverly Lewis’ The Shunning. Their vision extended beyond fiction, publishing influential nonfiction works including Leonard Ravenhill’s Why Revival Tarries and Larry Christenson’s The Christian Family.
The Johnsons’ commitment to excellence was consistently recognized through numerous industry accolades, including ECPA’s Christian Book Awards, Gold Medallion Awards, Gold and Platinum Awards, and the prestigious Jordon Lifetime Achievement Award. At the ceremony, former ECPA President/CEO Mark Kuyper noted, “The Johnsons’ prescient vision for Christian fiction and their industry leadership have provided a driving force in the rise of the Christian fiction category to its current prominence.”
Andy McGuire, Editorial Director for Bethany House, stated, “Gary left an incredible legacy at Bethany House, and we’re so grateful for all that he and Carol did to build a biblical, God-honoring foundation for us as a publisher that we are continuing to build on to this day.”
Former president of Baker Publishing Group, Dwight Baker, added, “For many of his publishing colleagues and companions, Gary Johnson was a consistent model of professional grace and dignity. We have all been blessed by our association with him. During our final conversation as colleagues, Gary shared with me that he wished to “finish well” and I am certain that he accomplished precisely that.”
Following his retirement from Bethany House in 2008, Johnson continued to influence the industry as a publishing consultant, sharing his wealth of experience and wisdom with the next generation of Christian publishers.
Gary Johnson’s legacy lives on through the countless lives touched by the books he helped bring into the world, and through the continuing work of Bethany House Publishers in bringing quality Christian literature to readers everywhere.
Johnson is survived by Carol, his wife of 62 years and his two daughters, six grandchildren and soon four great-grandchildren.
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has been publishing high-quality books for more than 60 years, and has been recognized as the pioneer and leader in Christian fiction. They continue to publish in nonfiction categories as well, and are known for bringing outstanding Christian books to readers that inspire and uplift.
Contact: Karen Steele, (616)676-9185 x100, ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com
