Dr. Alesia “Lisa” Johnson
Richmond, VA – On January 1, 2021, Dr. Alesia “Lisa” Johnson began her official role as Co-Pastoral Director of Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill, an urban retreat center and community located in an historic monastery in Church Hill, has been actively seeking a co-pastor since the retirement of Rev. Janie Walker in May 2019.
In early 2020, Dr. Johnson stepped in as the interim-Co-Pastoral Director, when the Rev. Dr. Paula Parker stepped away from that role. Since that time and amidst the challenge of COVID-19, Rev. Johnson capably assisted with spiritual development, support of the residential community, and program development (including voter outreach and education); facilitated local and national virtual conferences; and led prayer and worship.
“Lisa has proven herself worthy of this [long-term] position time and time again,” explained Cathy Woodson, Richmond Hill’s Council President, in announcing the call and noting “the uniqueness of the gifts Lisa brings.” She’ll now move forward in this no-longer-interim role, lending her prophetic voice as a primary representative of Richmond Hill to the greater community and working alongside Rev. Joel Blunk, Richmond Hill’s other Co- Pastoral Director.
In reference to her new call to Richmond Hill, Lisa describes her mission and purpose as twofold: “Passion and People. It is my desire to pastor, counsel, teach, train, develop, empower, encourage, and pray for the people in residential, regional and global communities.”
Dr. Johnson’s formal training includes more than 30 years of teaching and service in the Richmond Public School system, earning an M.Div. from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University and earning her Doctorate in Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio.
She was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church before her current membership and ministry roles at First Shiloh Baptist Church. She also serves as chaplain of the Henrico County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and as a counselor with the Healing Place, specializing in counseling for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
Richmond Hill is eager for its guests and program participants to—post-COVID—meet Dr. Johnson and join her in the work of healing metropolitan Richmond, through Richmond Hill’s commitment to prayer, racial reconciliation, hospitality, and spiritual development.
