Rev. Veronica Johnson
answering the call to ministry & speaking the inconvenient truth
Rev. Veronica Johnson worked in the engineering field for 20 years when she answered the call to ministry. In 2013, Rev. Johnson became the first woman ordained in Greater Bethesda’s 131 year history.
Currently, Rev. Johnson is Co-Pastor at Hyde Park Union Church. Through her work at the church, she continues to connect with the community and engages clergy in the forefront of social justice. She also started the anti-violence taskforce after the last murder of the University of Chicago student.
To be a social justice preacher is to stand up for the voiceless and the oppressed. It is to have the courage to speak truth to power, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. It means working towards a more just and equitable world for all. For Rev. Johnson, Jesus is the ultimate social justice preacher, and refers to one of her favorite Bible verses- Luke 4:18 - as a prime example. Hear more about what being a social justice preacHER means to her.
“To be a social justice preacher is to continue the work that Jesus was doing.”
Women have always been at the forefront of social justice movements. And yet, women have often been overlooked, especially when it comes to leadership positions in social justice ministries. Rev. Johnson expresses fearlessly championing for women in social justice ministry and inspiring others to do the same.
“Learn to love who God created you to be. We all suffer from some form of self-hatred. We have to get comfortable with ourselves to do social justice work.”
To have conviction in your cause, it’s important to study your craft and educate yourself.
This is just the beginning of Rev. Johnson’s powerful message to aspiring social justice preacHERs. Listen more to her words of wisdom to the future women in social justice ministry.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pushing boundaries. Taking ourselves to new limits can be a bit scary, but we learn more about who we are, what we’re capable of, and grow in confidence and vigor. Rev. Johnson shares an inspiring story on pushing boundaries in social justice ministry, even when others are unprepared and uncomfortable.
Speaking truth to power can be terrifying - but not for Rev. Johnson. She continues to exemplifies the power of standing in our truth and recognizing the power in our voice.
“I have to keep it real. I have to tell the truth - the inconvenient truth”