4 June 2025| Watford, UK [Catherine Anthony Boldeau with tedNEWS]
Mike Johnson, a long-serving member of the Milton Keynes church, South England Conference (SEC), died unexpectedly on Monday, 26 May. Johnson, a broadcaster, author, gospel music enthusiast, and worship leader with over 30 years of experience, was a pioneer in the development of the first local FM band Adventist radio station, broadcast from a side room of the Milton Keynes Church in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1998, Adventist Radio Milton Keynes (ARMK) was the only broadcast platform direct to the community in the UK for the NET’98 series.
Johnson formally served the Church in several capacities, first as Music Director in the SEC and most recently as Programme Director for Adventist Radio London before starting Life Radio, a 24/7 online Christian radio station, in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Gracious and Kind Host
In April, the BUC Stewardship department commissioned him to co-create a 12-part podcast series called Heartbeat and Hurdles, based on the 10 pillars of Stewardship, alongside Ian Sweeney, former BUC president and current Field Secretary for the Trans-European Division (TED).
Reflecting on his broadcasting talents, Sweeney echoed the words of the late British broadcaster Sir David Frost: “Mike didn’t chase success but simply did what he loved and believed in—and success followed naturally. He was a gracious and kind host,” continued Sweeney, “and someone who made guests feel entirely at ease in front of the mic, skillfully drawing out deeper insights through gentle yet probing questions. Being in conversation with him,” Sweeney concluded, “felt like being heard by someone who was genuinely and wholeheartedly interested.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Eglan Brooks, president of the British Union Conference, reflected on Mike’s life and legacy, describing him as a visionary who was innovative, groundbreaking, and deeply committed to modernising the Church. Brooks noted that Mike was a dedicated broadcaster who not only had a passion for worshipping God, often through alternative forms of congregational worship, but also generously mentored the upcoming generation. He added that Mike had a unique sense of humour and a desire to live unrestrained by limitations, leaving behind a legacy of service, worship, and a deep love for radio that would be remembered across the BUC territory and beyond.
Cathy Boldeau, BUC Stewardship Director, reflected on her working relationship with Mike: “I first worked with Mike on Camp Meeting radio under the leadership of Pastor Don McFarlane, the then President of the SEC. Our working relationship in radio and audio projects has spanned over two decades, including ‘Sabbath Breakfast’ on Adventist Radio London, hosting a special Royal Wedding radio show, and interviewing Princess Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela (Swati Mandela), granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela (listen to the full Sabbath Breakfast episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/swati-mandela-social-justice–16495811).
Content Creation a Matter of Prayer
“Our most recent project,” continued Boldeau, “was the ‘Heartbeat and Hurdles’ podcast series we’d just finished recording in April for release this coming September. We had a great deal of fun working on this project, and it was also thought-provoking. As usual, we spent many hours deliberating and debating over the content, scripture, illustrations, and pace, and also spent considerable time in prayer.” Boldeau concluded, “Mike was a brother and a friend. He will be deeply missed.”
Mike also supported the work of ADRA-UK by creating voice-overs for several of their promotional videos. He also produced interview podcasts from the 2023 Reflecting Hope Conference.
We remember Mike’s life of unwavering faith and dedication, knowing he “fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Feature Image:
Photos: Cathy Boldeau and Life Radio
An earlier version of this report was first published 29 May in BUC NEWS
