WARREN — First Ward Councilman and Pastor Todd Johnson announced Sunday that he plans to relocate to New York City for a new pastoral role.

Johnson, an independent, clarified that the pastoral change does not immediately impact his role on city council. Johnson said he intends to continue serving until he is fully relocated from the city of Warren.

City Council President John Brown congratulated Johnson on the new endeavor, saying he learned of it through social media but had not spoken directly with Johnson. Brown explained that the next steps would be following Ohio Revised Code for filling vacancies in city legislative seats.

Under the code, for a seat held by an independent like Johnson, the remaining council members have 30 days from the resignation date to appoint a successor. If they do not, the mayor makes the appointment.

In a video message shared on social media, Johnson talked about his deep affection for the church and community. “I love the Second Baptist Church with all of my heart,” he said, thanking members for their “loving care,” “wonderful fellowship” and “partnership and assistance in ministry” to him and his family.

Johnson described the announcement as “one of the hardest” of his life, but noted that “God is gracious and kind.”

Johnson will begin relocating to New York, where he will serve in a pastoral role at the New Jerusalem Worship Center, a Baptist congregation in Jamaica, Queens, New York, alongside Bishop Calvin Rice as part of a long-term transition into the senior pastor role when Rice retires. Johnson said he also will serve in an executive position at the Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School, a PK-8 school serving approximately 450 students, as part of a transition period into senior leadership there. The school is affiliated with the church.

Johnson said the departure would not happen right away. “I am not saying goodbye today,” Johnson said.

He said that details on the transition process would be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, he urged continued prayers for his family, the church and the community for the “wonderful blessings” he has experienced.

Johnson beat longtime incumbent Larry Larson for the 1st Ward seat in the November 2021 election by a margin of 57% to 43%. It is rumored that Larson is interested in being named to the council seat after Johnson leaves.

Johnson was just reelected in November, getting more than 60% of the vote over challenger Joseph Valimont.