Walk the Neighborhood

How does a congregation begin to discern a new vision? 

Walk the neighborhood. 

That’s what the Rev. Lelar Hodges Johnson has been doing since her arrival last fall at Greater Blair Street AME Zion Church in the Farish Street Historic District in Jackson, Mississippi.

I got to walk the neighborhood last week with the pastor and lay leader Howard Williams. They see a future in this once thriving commercial and residential district that has struggled for decades. 

How do you know if the vision is from the Spirit?

Other people dream the same dream. (If you’re curious about this pattern, check out the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.)

Prophetess Gwendolyn Richardson of Nu Vision Worship Center joined our conversation and shared her dream to build housing on the church’s property in another part of Jackson. 

And there are others dreaming of a more just, equitable, and sustainable city. Pastor Johnson is going out into the community to meet them.