About
Dr. Terry
Nelson-Johnson, D.Min.
Street Theologian
Educator
Storyteller
Terry’s art is the written and spoken word. His passion for narrative theology expresses the yearning of 2,000 years to connect our life stories with The Story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Through storytelling, poetry, and humor, Terry challenges us to enter more deeply into the mystery of grace, the mystery of spirit, the mystery of God.
Author and leader of the acclaimed Beloved retreat, Dr. Nelson-Johnson works with parents, teachers, pastoral staff and members of faith communities across the country to design and conduct formation programs that encourage, affirm, and inspire. A prolific writer, his reflections and essays have been widely published in local and national publications.
Dr. Nelson-Johnson served on the faculty of the Loyola Academy Jesuit High School for eighteen years and is Founder and Executive Director of Soul-Play, LLC, an experiential, theological, educational enterprise serving congregations, families, schools, and adult retreats. He is Dean of Faith Formation at Old St. Patrick’s Church, holds a master’s degree from the Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University; and a Doctorate of Ministry from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. He and his wife Holly are the parents of two children, Ian and Clare.
One Area of Expertise: Adolescent Sexuality
A nationally-acclaimed speaker on adolescent sexuality, Dr. Nelson-Johnson has designed and conducted programming at hundreds of middle schools and high schools in the Chicago metropolitan area that help students to understand the critical distinction between sex and sexuality, including: Francis W. Parker School, New Trier Township High School, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, and the United States Air Force Young Adult Symposium.
Dr. Nelson Johnson has presented at the First Friday Club of Chicago, The Career Transitions Center, Crossroads Center, Mercyhurst College, Carroll College, Loyola University, Call To Action National Conference, Inner City Teaching Corps, and the Illinois Drug Education Alliance’s annual prevention conference. He is recipient the 2008 Bernadine Medal from Amate House, a young adult volunteer and leadership program in Chicago.
Hello Brother,
I was one of the Youth Ministers at ND Vision last week and I just want to say, “thank- you,” again. “Like taking a drink from the fire hydrant” was an excellent way you described how your ministry was going to be that day. God bless you for all you do and for your passion of Baptism. I will never forget that day you spoke to us. I bought your CD’s that day and plan to hear them again this week. Again, Dr. N. J…..thank you….here’s a big hug for you (((( ))))