A third-generation educator, F. Willis Johnson is a spiritual entrepreneur and an elder in  the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Johnson previously served as  senior minister of Living Tree Church in Columbus and Wellspring Church in Ferguson,  Missouri, both urban parachute church plants. His prophetic, faith-filled reflections and  strategies on social justice and racial understanding influenced thousands. 

Johnson's leadership and strategies around social and racial justice issues are widely  respected. Recognized as a scholar-practitioner, Johnson authored Holding Up Your  Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community. Additionally, he has published works  across various media. For example, The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2018 and 2019,  Preaching Black Lives (Matter), I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist., Submissions to  the Dean: Gardner C. Taylor anthologies, USA Today and TIME Magazine. Johnson is a  sought-after thought leader and facilitator who empowers individuals and communities  toward prophetic response— equity, justice, and transformation.  

With more than 20 years of professional ministry experience in Indiana, North Carolina,  Missouri, and Ohio, Johnson's skills extend far beyond the pulpit. Trained in education  and nonprofit management, he serves in volunteer and paid leadership positions for  multiple nonprofit organizations. He counsels ecclesial leaders, annual conferences,  churches, and nonprofits nationwide.  

Johnson, in 2017, was the Vosburgh Visiting Professor of Ministry and Social  Engagement at Drew University's Theological School. He is a Walker Leadership  Institute Senior Fellow housed at Eden Theological Seminary and is adjunct faculty at the  Methodist Theological School of Ohio. His wife, Kristina, and children, Julian, Kamryn,  and Kendall, support him in life and ministry.