The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC (MCC-DC) is singing “hallelujah” following the election Sunday of Rev. Dwayne Johnson to become its new senior pastor.
During a special congregational meeting, Rev. Johnson was approved by 98 percent of 109 members present. The vote followed a nine-month discernment and search process featuring congregational forums and surveys to gather input; consideration of numerous candidates by an 11-member search committee; and a 10-day candidacy visit, during which Johnson met with congregants, staff, and community leaders including DC Council Members David Catania and Jim Graham. His pastorate will begin on January 3.
“We are truly blessed and grateful that Rev. Johnson answered our call and that God has prepared him well to be the leader we need,” said John Dewey, chairman of the Pastoral Search Committee. “With God’s help, we are poised to move forward into a new era of spiritual renewal and community service.”
MCC-DC is a Christian church with a special ministry to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered people. Its vibrant worship services and long history of community involvement have earned it the title of “Best House of Worship” several years running by readers of the Washington Blade.
Rev. Johnson will become the fifth senior pastor in the parish’s 39-year history, succeeding Rev. Candace Shultis, who took a position at King of Peace MCC in St. Petersburg, Florida in January 2008. Rev. Elder Charlie Arehart has been serving as Interim Pastor since June 2008. Minister of Music Shirli Hughes will continue in that role.
Johnson has served as the senior pastor of Resurrection MCC in Houston, Texas since 1996. During his service there, the Houston congregation has grown from approximately 300 to 600 members, moved to a 10-acre campus, and survived massive hurricane damage to the church facility. He is known as a leader in community outreach with a passion for justice and equality issues.
Johnson also has ties to the Mid-Atlantic region. His first pastorate was at MCC Richmond from 1992 to 1996, and his first MCC staff position was at MCC-DC from 1989 to 1992. Born in Lubbock, Texas, he has also lived in California, Kansas, Missouri, and Washington state. He is a graduate of Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, and earned his M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
MCC-DC worship services are held every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. More information is available by visiting www.mccdc.com or calling 202-638-7373.
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