In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, Pastor Richard Johnson shares his journey from a pastor’s kid to founding pastor of a vibrant, intentionally multiracial congregation in Columbus, Ohio. Rooted in Micah 6:8, Richard’s ministry embraces justice, mercy, and humility—not just in theory, but in the daily discipleship of a diverse church family navigating race, politics, and civic responsibility. He reflects on leading his church through polarizing moments like the Trayvon Martin shooting and the 2016 election, the vulnerability of political transparency from the pulpit, and how practices like active listening and contemplative worship have become tools of transformation.

Pastor Rich Johnson is the founding pastor of Sanctuary Columbus Church, an intentionally multiracial and justice-oriented congregation rooted in the Evangelical Covenant Church. A graduate of Morehouse College and a longtime advocate for racial reconciliation in the church, he leads with vulnerability, spiritual depth, and a commitment to civic discipleship.

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