As with other churches across the country, the past few years dropped a perfect storm on Resurrection, Longwood. In July of last year, the church was reeling from multiple hits, including the pandemic and resultant lockdown; the 2020 closure of Sweetwater Episcopal Academy, which met at the school; a downturn in membership and deep financial struggles. Amid all this, diocesan and church leadership brought in The Rev. Dave Johnson to assist.

And God has been at work to calm the storm. On Aug. 1, Johnson moved from his transitional role to an official designation as rector, with a Celebration of New Ministry service scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 18. However, he is careful to place credit solidly where it belongs: God’s amazing grace.

“I really looked at my role as coming to do what I’ve been doing the last 20-something years in parish ministry anyway, which is to preach about God’s grace and provide good pastoral care,” Johnson said. “God’s grace is the heart of the gospel. So every Sunday, people hear about God’s grace from the pulpit and in the scriptures, and they get to receive God’s grace in Communion.

“And then we take that grace that God gives us, which is always more than enough, and we give it away to one another,” he added. “We give it away to the world in different types of outreach; that’s the fun part. That’s where you just have the Holy Spirit lead you, and you just give God’s love away.”

But Johnson sees another key to the renewal now taking place at Resurrection. “I think one of the most important things that I do every day is that when I pull into the church parking lot, I stop and go into the church and I’m on my knees at the altar – every single workday, including Sunday,” he said. “And I just pray for God’s grace for the church, and for healing and protection and growth and provision. … We put so much pressure on ourselves in church, asking questions like, ‘Well, how are we going to grow the church?’

“And that’s never the right question,” he explained. “Jesus told Peter, ‘On this rock, I will build my church.’ And then we see in Psalms that if it’s not the Lord building the house, then we’re laboring in vain.”

Johnson points to some key elements that have also helped with the church’s turnaround, including a five-year lease of the church’s educational space by Champion Preparatory Academy, an area Christian school.

“They needed a new home,” he said. “So that’s been a huge blessing. We don’t have any vacant buildings anymore. … we’re glad to have them here. I think it’s a really positive partnership.”

Bishop Brewer with youth during his visit to Resurrection, Longwood in May, 2022

The new rector also says the easing of COVID restrictions has helped the church, which saw a number of new members confirmed or received into membership this May. Staff and volunteers have combined their efforts to bolster Resurrection’s children’s ministry, youth drama ministry and other avenues of service.

“Our whole staff, vestry and congregation have really worked hard, and they’ve all really stepped up,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of really kind and really generous people in the congregation who have given and are serving. We’re also thankful for the gracious and generous support of the Diocese of Central Florida.”

Although he remains grateful for the many who are supporting the work, he continues to point to God as the congregation’s true source and supply.

“People are really experiencing God’s grace at Resurrection,” Johnson said. “I think that’s what’s happening, and the Holy Spirit’s at work. … I’m working hard, the staff’s working hard, people are volunteering, but only God can bring healing and growth to churches.”