REv. khayla g. johnson Hey, thanks for visiting. I would like to share a little of my story with you. Take some time to read about who I am and explore the site to see what I have been up to. With my background in graphic design and photography I love to talk about art. Here's a fun fact for you, every image on this website was taken by me with the exception of one or two.
I was born in raised in Charleston, SC. I am the oldest of three with a younger sister and brother. I have been on three continents and to seven countries in total, with goals to visit so many more. |
Spiritual Practices
My main spiritual practice that I engage in daily is prayer and time spent with the Word. I attempt to start all days with a time of devotional and a specific time for prayer. This has been a challenge to myself to stay committed to this time and an even greater challenge to make this a priority in my everyday life. Also, this practice has been essential for my peace of mind in the midst of the busy life.
Vocation
My faith is leading me to ministry in different areas; however, I have yet to discover the main area of focus. Not because of lack of looking, but instead because I am passionate about so many things. I am passionate about work with social justice, racial and ethnic diversity, and family ministries. I fell in love with ministry through my experiences I’ve had as a youth group leader, and I understand the importance of specified ministries at every level or stage in life. As an African American, I am committed to the work required to continue the fight for social and racial justice in this world. Now I am reflecting on my experiences to learn more about myself as a leader and how that will translate in my ministry. I have engaged different outlets in my church body to continue learning outside of the classroom and to continue to gain more experience in ministry. I have been a part of multiple conferences on social justice and racial diversity. Additionally, I currently work as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church.
Social Justice
I think that my faith and current ministry stems from the mission of the church in many ways. The ways that I view evangelism and discipleship come from my understanding of what God calls us to do, also in line with the mission of the church. Everything that I do is shaped by love of God and neighbor, even things as simple as helping others. The commitment to the work of becoming the beloved community is to push yourself to do the work no one wants to do and to never stop even when you think you have achieved it. Working for justice is not a one-time thing nor is it an easy process. You have to be willing to be vulnerable in the work, willing to continually do this work and understand that many people will not know why you are doing this. I have learned that even in a place that preaches about working for justice, racial equality and loving our neighbors, it is just as hard to create that atmosphere. Additionally, this work is too big for just one person, instead it takes many people working together to make the slightest bit of progress.
Faith Statement
I believe in the one Triune God: God the Creator, Jesus Christ the Redeemer, and the
Holy Spirit the Sustainer. I believe that they are three persons in one. I believe that God is the creator of the heavens, the earth, and everything in between. I believe that God has the ultimate authority. I believe that God loves, cares for, and creates everything on the earth. I believe that humans are created in various aspects of God’s likeness. I believe that the understanding of God is far beyond human understanding.
I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is both fully human and fully divine. I believe He was born of the virgin Mary, suffered, died on the cross, was dead and buried. Then He rose on the third day. I believe that God loved the world so much, that Jesus Christ was sent to earth to testify about God and save humanity from their own evil. I believe that Jesus died to redeem the world by atoning for the sins of humanity. I believe that Christ was sent to earth to seek and save the lost; to transform hearts; and, to give hope to a dark world. I believe that we do not have to fear death because there is a place in heaven where we will be reunited with God. I believe that humanity has been set free by the redemptive power of God through Jesus Christ to live fully on earth.
I believe the Holy Spirit is the spirit of God that dwells among us. I believe the Holy Spirit dwells in us all our life and is received when we accept Christ. I believe the Holy Spirit is God within us - convicting, encouraging and listening to us. I believe in the power of the Word and that scripture has authority. I believe that the Bible is a witness to the work of God.
I believe the church is a place where people can gather and worship God together. I believe that Christ is the head of the church and we are the body. The church is made up of this Body of believers and is welcoming to all. I believe the church is a place for us to be comforted, healed, and feel whole. I believe that through the church we are able to nurture our faith and build relationships. I believe that the church is not just a building, rather it is anywhere two or more are gathered in the name of God.
I believe the sacraments are an outward sign of inward grace. I believe in welcoming all to the table and understanding that our baptisms are sufficient to do the work we are called to do. I believe that humanity is called to do the work of liberation, reconciliation, and community building. I believe that we are called to care for the marginalized and the oppressed, to fight for justice and peace, and to love God with our whole being.
I believe that humanity is called to live, serve, and love the way that God has. I believe that we are free to choose between good and evil. I believe humanity is tasked with the responsibility of respecting creation, protecting creation, and having some authority over creation. Additionally, I believe that this gives humankind a responsibility to take care of all that God has created, just as God would take care of creation.
My main spiritual practice that I engage in daily is prayer and time spent with the Word. I attempt to start all days with a time of devotional and a specific time for prayer. This has been a challenge to myself to stay committed to this time and an even greater challenge to make this a priority in my everyday life. Also, this practice has been essential for my peace of mind in the midst of the busy life.
Vocation
My faith is leading me to ministry in different areas; however, I have yet to discover the main area of focus. Not because of lack of looking, but instead because I am passionate about so many things. I am passionate about work with social justice, racial and ethnic diversity, and family ministries. I fell in love with ministry through my experiences I’ve had as a youth group leader, and I understand the importance of specified ministries at every level or stage in life. As an African American, I am committed to the work required to continue the fight for social and racial justice in this world. Now I am reflecting on my experiences to learn more about myself as a leader and how that will translate in my ministry. I have engaged different outlets in my church body to continue learning outside of the classroom and to continue to gain more experience in ministry. I have been a part of multiple conferences on social justice and racial diversity. Additionally, I currently work as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church.
Social Justice
I think that my faith and current ministry stems from the mission of the church in many ways. The ways that I view evangelism and discipleship come from my understanding of what God calls us to do, also in line with the mission of the church. Everything that I do is shaped by love of God and neighbor, even things as simple as helping others. The commitment to the work of becoming the beloved community is to push yourself to do the work no one wants to do and to never stop even when you think you have achieved it. Working for justice is not a one-time thing nor is it an easy process. You have to be willing to be vulnerable in the work, willing to continually do this work and understand that many people will not know why you are doing this. I have learned that even in a place that preaches about working for justice, racial equality and loving our neighbors, it is just as hard to create that atmosphere. Additionally, this work is too big for just one person, instead it takes many people working together to make the slightest bit of progress.
Faith Statement
I believe in the one Triune God: God the Creator, Jesus Christ the Redeemer, and the
Holy Spirit the Sustainer. I believe that they are three persons in one. I believe that God is the creator of the heavens, the earth, and everything in between. I believe that God has the ultimate authority. I believe that God loves, cares for, and creates everything on the earth. I believe that humans are created in various aspects of God’s likeness. I believe that the understanding of God is far beyond human understanding.
I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is both fully human and fully divine. I believe He was born of the virgin Mary, suffered, died on the cross, was dead and buried. Then He rose on the third day. I believe that God loved the world so much, that Jesus Christ was sent to earth to testify about God and save humanity from their own evil. I believe that Jesus died to redeem the world by atoning for the sins of humanity. I believe that Christ was sent to earth to seek and save the lost; to transform hearts; and, to give hope to a dark world. I believe that we do not have to fear death because there is a place in heaven where we will be reunited with God. I believe that humanity has been set free by the redemptive power of God through Jesus Christ to live fully on earth.
I believe the Holy Spirit is the spirit of God that dwells among us. I believe the Holy Spirit dwells in us all our life and is received when we accept Christ. I believe the Holy Spirit is God within us - convicting, encouraging and listening to us. I believe in the power of the Word and that scripture has authority. I believe that the Bible is a witness to the work of God.
I believe the church is a place where people can gather and worship God together. I believe that Christ is the head of the church and we are the body. The church is made up of this Body of believers and is welcoming to all. I believe the church is a place for us to be comforted, healed, and feel whole. I believe that through the church we are able to nurture our faith and build relationships. I believe that the church is not just a building, rather it is anywhere two or more are gathered in the name of God.
I believe the sacraments are an outward sign of inward grace. I believe in welcoming all to the table and understanding that our baptisms are sufficient to do the work we are called to do. I believe that humanity is called to do the work of liberation, reconciliation, and community building. I believe that we are called to care for the marginalized and the oppressed, to fight for justice and peace, and to love God with our whole being.
I believe that humanity is called to live, serve, and love the way that God has. I believe that we are free to choose between good and evil. I believe humanity is tasked with the responsibility of respecting creation, protecting creation, and having some authority over creation. Additionally, I believe that this gives humankind a responsibility to take care of all that God has created, just as God would take care of creation.