Looking Back, Leaning Forward

This is the first in a four-part series from Pastor Brian—starting with reflection, then stepping into vision, moving to building connection, and finally embracing our outward focus.

by Brian Johnson on August 11, 2025

I can’t believe I’ve been here for more than a month already.

In some ways, it feels like I just arrived (I still have to use my GPS to get around town), but in other ways it feels like I’ve been here a long time – and it already feels like home. Even my dog has settled into a new routine for his daily walks through our neighborhood.

This church has welcomed me and Pastor Madison (and our families) so wonderfully. We have been embraced in love, celebrated and encouraged, and welcomed into this church community. We’ve experienced and participated in powerful worship, joined small groups where we’ve heard your stories, and gotten a taste of the amazing mission work this church does so well. You’ve prayed with us, shared with us, and invited us into your lives. For that, we are deeply thankful.

I’ve seen this church make an impact in ministry with youth and children – and people of all ages. I’ve witnessed wonderful music, impactful mission, and rich opportunities for faith formation. I’ve seen this church welcome new people and work to share faith and love with our community. I’ve seen folks give their time and resources to care for our building so it can nurture the next generation of disciples. I’ve seen planning for upcoming ministries, efforts to strengthen and sustain our church, and people showing up to care for each other in times of need.

As I think about these first weeks as one of your pastors, I can’t help but be excited about what’s next for Williamsburg United Methodist Church. There are so many talented and faithful people here—from church leaders to staff to those who quietly make ministry happen throughout the week - the people of this church bring so many amazing gifts to the table. I can see the passion and excitement our church has for following Jesus and joining in his work of love in the world.

I keep seeing signs of God’s grace, moments of God’s mercy, and experiences of God’s love wherever I turn. I’m profoundly thankful that I get to be your pastor. I’m blessed to have been welcomed into this church community. I’m excited about where God is going to lead us next. In upcoming newsletters, I will spend some time reflecting on the church's strategic plan, major goals, and how they will help us focus on how God is leading our church into the future.

God is up to something in, among, and through Williamsburg United Methodist Church. God is at work in our lives, in our community, and in our world. I’m thankful that we get to see what God is doing—and join in it—together.

About the Author

Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is the Lead Pastor at Williamsburg United Methodist Church. A lifelong United Methodist and Virginian, he brings extensive experience from rural and suburban settings—from a nearly 250-year-old congregation whose building felt as storied as its history to a newly planted church worshiping in an elementary school gym. Brian has served churches in Northern Virginia, the Richmond area, and Mathews County, leading worship in a variety of styles and guiding congregations of all sizes. His primary passion is proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ: telling the story of Christ’s death and resurrection and inviting people to encounter that story through worship, mission, service, and radical hospitality.

Brian also delights in helping churches connect with their local communities and welcoming new faces into God’s unfolding story. At WUMC, he collaborates with staff and lay leaders to deepen community outreach and invite skeptics, seekers, and longtime members alike to find their place in God’s work. Whether organizing a neighborhood service project or crafting a sermon series, Brian aims to make the gospel tangible through both words and actions.

He lives in Williamsburg with his wife, Kim, and their two sons—Jeremiah (in high school) and Ezekiel (in middle school). They are avid sports fans, Star Trek enthusiasts, and eager Busch Gardens explorers. As a family, they savor Tex-Mex nights, long walks on quiet neighborhood streets, and weekends spent discovering Williamsburg’s historic trails and hidden gems.

Above all, he considers it a privilege to shepherd the WUMC family, learning every day how God is at work in and through this congregation, and partnering in Christ’s mission throughout the Williamsburg area.