by Clarence W. Thomas, Jr.
MGI Contributor
thomasjr63@gmail.com
Three months ago the parishioners of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Macon’s Bellevue neighborhood received new leadership following the appointment of Reverend Dr. Lugenia Johnson by Right Reverend Michael Leon Mitchell, Presiding Prelate for the 6th Episcopal District (Georgia). She replaced former Pastor Marvin Colbert and she is exceptionally grateful.
Hailing from Augusta with 32 years in the ministry, Johnson says she’s excited about the chance given to her by God and the Bethel membership. The designation holds a special place in her heart, she pointed out since women haven’t traditionally been serious pastoral contenders in the AME church. “I thank God for my appointment to Bethel AME. This church has been very receptive to my being here,” added Johnson.
While Johnson was born in another Georgia city she’s no stranger to Macon. She is a 1977 graduate of Mercer University and holds a doctorate degree in education – her chosen profession until retirement. Johnson resides in Hampton, Georgia and leads a local church but quickly reminds people that miles ultimately don’t matter. “It’s not about the miles, but God and his people.”
Her methodology is unconventional but effective. Johnson walks the grounds of her new pastoral locations listening for God to lead her, she says. Bethel is no exception. “I do that to see what my purpose is at my new church. So far I’m being led to focus on building lives and less on buildings,” Johnson shared.
This assessment phase has revealed to her that some administrative tweaks are also needed including being more visible in the community. Johnson is advocating direct outreach, and she suggests that Bethel AME needs to put more boots on the ground in order to cast the nets needed to save more souls. “While I’m assessing where we should be heading I’m saying to the membership ‘if the doors of the church closed and no one is affected except our members, then we have not fulfilled our purpose,”’ she said.
Getting more done is desired by Johnson too through collaborations with fellow congregations and the community. She is advocating increasing Bethel’s reach through partnerships since much more can be done together she noted. “I would love to get together with the other pastors to see what Bethel can do to strengthen existing efforts. There’s great potential as a collective,” said Johnson. “We have strength together. Why would we not want to come together?”
Two other areas that Johnson is keying in on are spiritual growth and youth development. Focusing on worship is where she’s taking parishioners to increase their ability to summon God and his power. Placing emphasis on studying God’s word and getting members ready for spiritual warfare is a must, says Johnson. “Some don’t believe. But if I can show them themselves in the scripture, then it helps,” she said.
Helping youth to find a place of comfort, convenience, and creativity within the congregation is important to Johnson as well and will help to take the church to the next level as it moves into the future. In addition emphasis is being placed on making guests feel welcomed at a place they can experience the love of The Lord through the encounters with members. “We want to embrace them. I want visitors to feel like we’re so glad they came,” Johnson stated.
She admits that her predecessor was a powerful servant of God and the Bethel family, and that he earned and deserved his appointment as a new Presiding Elder within the AME church. But drawing from his remaining energy, building on his successes, and learning from his experiences at Bethel, as she charts her own course for the church should prove a good combination. “We are here for Bellevue and beyond,” Johnson said. “I believe the community will be better because of us being here.”
