The streets were filled with tear gas and the shouts of protesters. Inside Wellspring Church in Ferguson, Missouri, the Rev. Dr. F. Willis Johnson found himself facing a pivotal moment. The death of Michael Brown had ignited racial tensions, and suddenly, the church’s aspirations of being a welcoming, multicultural congregation were put to the test in ways they never imagined.
“We had this idea of church that was idyllic,” Willis recalls. “But we had not fully readied ourselves for what it would mean if the doors had to swing open or when the doors had to come closed to provide refuge from the events of tear gas and the challenge of what it means to be safe in a situation of need.”
This experience would reshape Willis’s understanding of ministry and community engagement, offering valuable lessons for church leaders navigating the complexities of race, justice, and faith in today’s world.
Relearning Church
For Willis, the events in Ferguson forced a profound reimagining of what it means to be church. “We had to reimagine that church was not about Sunday anymore, or just Sunday,” he explains. “Most of our work and much of our benefit and much of what we learned and were able to offer did not require liturgy printed on a bulletin. It did not need a format. It knew no timestamp.”
This shift in perspective led to a powerful realization: sometimes, the most impactful ministry is simply about being present and available. It’s about leveraging the church’s unique position and relationships to advocate for those who may not have a voice.
“Holding Up Your Corner”
Central to Willis’s approach is the concept of “holding up your corner,” inspired by the gospel story of the friends who bring a paralyzed man to Jesus by lowering him through a roof. This metaphor emphasizes the power of taking responsibility for what’s within our reach.
“We can’t fix [the entire] problem. The problem is not ours to fix,” Willis says. “But there’s a piece of something we can do that may be part of a greater exercise or collective work.”
For church leaders grappling with racial issues in their communities, Willis offers these key takeaways:
Start with Self-Reflection
Before attempting to address larger societal issues, Willis urges leaders to look inward. “Acknowledge whatever is not right in your space or community,” he advises. This means examining our own biases, blind spots, and areas where we may be failing to create truly inclusive spaces.
This self-reflection isn’t just about identifying personal biases; it’s about critically evaluating the culture and practices of your church as a whole. Are your leadership teams diverse? Does your worship style and messaging resonate with different cultural groups? Are there unspoken norms or expectations that might make some people feel unwelcome?
Willis emphasizes that this process can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for authentic change. “I had to get past the fear of if I do this differently, who will be mad?” he says. Vulnerability and willingness to confront difficult truths set the stage for meaningful transformation.
Make it Relevant and Local
Too often, discussions about race and other thorny social issues remain abstract or focused on distant events. Willis challenges leaders to bring these conversations home. “Every issue of race is not just black and white,” he reminds us. Consider the specific ways racial diversity (or a lack thereof) manifests in your congregation and community.
This localization of the issue requires a deep understanding of your specific context. What are the demographic trends in your area? What historical events or ongoing issues shape racial dynamics in your community? By grounding your approach in local realities, you can move beyond generalities to address the unique challenges and opportunities in your midst.
Move from Understanding to Action
Once we’ve identified areas for improvement, the next step is to act. “When you know better, you do better,” Willis says. This might mean changes to church policies, intentional efforts to diversify leadership, or new initiatives to engage with underrepresented communities.
However, Willis cautions against action for action’s sake. Effective change requires thoughtful, strategic steps rooted in genuine understanding and relationships. He encourages leaders to involve diverse voices in the planning and implementation of new initiatives, ensuring that efforts at inclusion are truly collaborative rather than top-down.
Moreover, Willis stresses the importance of persistence and patience in this work. “Change is hard,” he acknowledges. “But it’s necessary as it relates to maturing and becoming.” This perspective reminds us that creating a more just and inclusive church is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix. It requires sustained commitment and a willingness to learn and adjust along the way.
The Power of Curiosity
In an age where churches often feel pressure to have all the answers, Willis advocates for a different approach: curiosity. “Dare to be curious,” he says. This curiosity extends beyond the church walls, inviting leaders to explore where people are finding community, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment outside traditional religious spaces.
For Willis, this meant joining running clubs, cycling teams, and spending time in coffee shops and gyms. “I’m curious to know what’s being said or what’s happening,” he explains. Being open to learning and experiencing different perspectives can lead to fresh insights for ministry.
Embracing the Mixed Ecology
Ultimately, Willis’s experiences and insights point toward reimagining a church that goes beyond buildings and traditional structures. He envisions a “mixed ecology” of faith communities, where each believer embodies and shares the gospel in unique ways.
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of ministry in the 21st century, Willis’s call to curiosity, local engagement, and reimagining church offers a compelling vision for the future. By holding up our corners, embracing diversity, and remaining open to new possibilities, we can continue to be faithful witnesses to the transformative power of the gospel in our changing world.
