From the lived complexity of leading a multiracial, justice‑oriented church, Rich Johnson reflects on how the contemplative posture of slowing down becomes a radical act of spiritual formation.Pastor and spiritual director Rich Johnson joins Deb Gregory for a conversation at the intersection of contemplation and action — a place often misunderstood, oversimplified, or treated as two separate paths. Drawing on Howard Thurman, African American approaches to spiritual formation, pietistic roots, and his experience leading a multiracial, justice‑oriented congregation, Rich explores how slowing down, listening deeply, and grounding ourselves in the divine voice becomes the wellspring for courageous, sustained action. Rich shares stories from his journey — from Morehouse College to planting Sanctuary Church — and invites us into a rhythm of discernment that harmonizes active love and deep reflection. Rich Johnson is the founding pastor of Sanctuary Columbus Church, a multiracial, justice‑oriented, contemplative Christian community. He is a spiritual director and the Director of the Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction at North Park Seminary. He is a lover of coffee, long walks, and a student of Howard Thurman’s wisdom on the inner life and social action. Use code IVPOD25 for 25% off Spiritual Wayfinding: 33 Walking Meditations for Navigating Life with Embodied Wisdom KEY THEMES: Contemplation as Paying Attention Rich defines contemplation as noticing where God is at work— in memory, in the body, in habits, in resistance, and in desire. It’s not passive. It’s an active inward movement that naturally leads outward into relationship and action. Action Emerging from the Inner Voice Rich shares how he began to burn out when he was “listeningto every voice around me instead of the voice within.” Returning to the inner voice of God reshaped his leadership, his discernment, and his community’s justice work. Belovedness as Identity and Communion Drawing on Henri Nouwen’s Life of the Beloved, Rich reflects on belovedness as the core of human identity — not just for the self, but for the community. Belovedness becomes the ground for how we show up, act, and extend ourselves to others. Pietism: Head and Heart Together Rich describes his Swedish‑Lutheran pietistic roots, where faith is not performative or rigid but relational and lived. Two guiding questions shape this tradition: Where is it written? How goes your walk? Communal Discernment Rich shares how Sanctuary Church practices discernmenttogether — beginning with silence, naming interior movements, listening for the Spirit, and asking: What does the Lord require of us? This practice guides their justice work, including recent engagement with prison reform. The Missing Practice of Lament Rich names what many feel but rarely articulate: lament is missing from most spiritual‑discipline handbooks. In his community, lament is encouraged — shouting, grieving, protesting, naming what hurts. Lament becomes a way of gathering in grief and attuning to God’s heart. Coffee as Contemplative Practice Rich shares his morning ritual: a sensory grounding practice using the 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 method while holding a warm cup of coffee. It’s a way of awakening the senses to God before the day begins to pull them apart. Resources & Links: Howard Thurman: Essential Writings Henry Nouwen: Life of the Beloved Howard Thurman House — Visiting the sacred space Gethsemane Monastery in Kentucky, exploring silence, community, and contemplative practice Where to Find Rich Johnson: Rich Johnson on Instagram SanctuaryChurch Columbus NorthernSeminary - Weborg Center
