EP’s Corner

Rev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson Executive Presbyter

Rev. Dr. Aisha Brooks-Johnson
Executive Presbyter

Welcome to the EP’s Corner

I bring you greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It brings me great joy to serve as a leader among the members of this presbytery and in connection with our ecumenical siblings, community partners and institutions of higher learning.

I hope you find this corner to be a place where you might find a book that inspires, a podcast link that peaks your interest, or quote that offers encouragement and hope. I have also made available sermon links, which you can also find as a playlist on our Presbytery of Greater Atlanta YouTube Channel.

It is my prayer that all within our presbytery continue to grow closer to God, to be in unity with one another as believers, and to be a reflection of God’s love, justice, and mercy to all. Thank you for stopping by!  

With much love and deep peace,
ABJ

2026 Sabbatical report

I offer my deepest gratitude to the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, the staff, the committees, and the commissions who supported the work of the presbytery during my sabbatical from March 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. I also want to recognize the powerful presence of Rev. Julie Ferguson, who served as the Bridge Executive Presbyter during my absence. Her presence was appreciated and valued by all on our team.

The goal of my sabbatical before I left was to Write, Rest, and Play. Early on in my sabbatical journey, I learned that I suffered from a strained hamstring in my left leg. This required me to participate in physical therapy for eight of the twelve weeks of my sabbatical. Therefore, I changed my theme of the sabbatical to Write, Rest, Play, and Heal.  The addition to this theme was a reminder that this sabbatical marked the first time in over twenty years that I was able to offer my body, mind, and soul a reset. It was a much-needed break.

I fulfilled my goal of writing in a few ways. I successfully completed my Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Direction at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. My project was titled “As You Love Yourself: Exploring the Practice of Self-Compassion through Group Spiritual Direction, A Critical Participatory Action Research.” It was a gift to work with a small group of clergywomen in our presbytery, learning and growing together through these practices. (Click here if you would like to read my doctoral project in its entirety.) In addition to completing this process, I have reengaged with a small group of writers who motivate each other to stay inspired and create. I made space to collaborate with some of my favorite independent artists and singer/songwriters to continue my own practice of songwriting and arranging.

I fulfilled my commitment to Play and Rest by taking time to slow down and schedule my day within the natural patterns of my body’s rhythm. I took the time to play in the garden, plant a tree, enjoy time with my family, and to create delicious dishes in the kitchen. Alonzo and I enjoyed traveling, celebrating our five-year wedding anniversary, and making music with our bandmates, The NETTLETONS, at the Presbyterian Foundation’s Luminosity Conference in Orlando, Florida. Our family celebrated the baptism of our grannybaby, Kalani Nicole, and we give thanks for all who joined us on that day, and for the family of faith at Hillside Presbyterian Church who have created a church home for her, our family, and close friends.

Finally, a word about healing. Healing is a journey. It is not something you can simply check off your to-do list. From the end of my sabbatical until now, I have learned a lot about my hamstrings and knees. Due to my chronic conditions, I have lost cartilage in my left knee. So, what does that mean? I must say goodbye to my vast collection of color-coordinated Converse sneakers. I must wear shoes, like the new HOKA sneakers on my feet, that are comfortable and good for arch support. I must continue to move well and rest deeply. I must follow this commandment to love God, others, and myself, which requires me to attend to my own needs as I seek to care for others. I hope to discover new ways to be a healthy and innovative leader, as I invite my colleagues in ministry to do the same.

Again, I thank each one of you for your prayerful support and partnership as members of the presbytery. It is an honor and joy to serve you. And it is good to be back!

Much love and deep peace,

ABJ

#FaithLikeAChild #Discovery

August 2026

It’s Good to be Back!

Friends, it is good to be back serving the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. I am grateful for the time away and look forward to sharing my sabbatical report at the Summer Stated Meeting in August. Upon my return, I was reminded that change is part of life as I began unpacking my books and settling into my new office on the third floor of the Richards Center at Columbia Theological Seminary. In our new surroundings, I was also reminded that God took care of all the details by using the gifts and talents of the staff, volunteers, and community partners who work so hard to support this presbytery's mission and vision. We are truly blessed.

I want to take a moment to thank members of the planning team, including Rev. Donna Wells, Rev. Jan Tolbert, Rev. Betsy Turner, and Rev. Julie Ferguson, who put together a beautiful Service of Blessing and Gratitude to honor the conclusion of the presbytery’s use of the 1024 Ponce de Leon Avenue building on the campus of Druid Hills Presbyterian Church. We gathered for food, fellowship, reflections, a litany, and prayer as we remembered the leaders in this presbytery, such as John and Miriam Conant, who helped raise funds for the presbytery office and for missional projects throughout the presbytery. We stand on the shoulders of spiritual leaders who have paved the way for us all to be courageous and committed as we live to reflect Christ's goodness and mercy. And we will continue to walk with our siblings at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, who will move forward with their dreams and determination to offer affordable housing at the 1024 location.

Coming back to work in a new space has also been a reminder that with each and every change, it is important to name the grief and loss. It is hard to let go of old ways, practices, and places. We find comfort in the things that become familiar to us. But it is in the letting go that we can imagine new realities, new ways, and new possibilities. While it is not easy, if we walk together, dream together, grieve together, and work together, we can discover new ways to be the church God has called us to be.

~ ABJ

#Discovery #FaithLikeAChild
photo: Service of Blessing and Gratitude for 1024 Ponce de Leon, June 16, 2026

July 2026

It’s Good to be Back!

Spring has arrived with its beauty, renewal, warmth, and, yes, pollen. Trees are now full of blooms and leaves. The sounds of birds chirping can be heard all around. It is a perfect season to spend time outdoors enjoying God’s creation.

As a presbytery, we will have the opportunity to do just that on May 12th when we will gather for our spring presbytery meeting on the beautiful grounds of Calvin Center. The Center sits on 536 acres and is a year-round retreat and conference center that offers opportunities for summer camps for children and youth, program opportunities for adults, as well as times of retreat and rest for others. And it is located just 20 miles from Atlanta. For over 60 years, the Center (originally named Camp Calvin) has been a place for rest, fun, and adventure for all of God’s children. Since 2001, the Calvin Center’s Therapeutic Riding Program has offered therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted services (EAS) to the residents of SW Atlanta. 

Children and adults have found the beauty in God’s creation at the Center and have strengthened their faith while spending time on the grounds. In play, song, study, and fun, the imaginations of so many children have been allowed to flourish amidst the beautiful grounds of Calvin Center. Just recently I was reminded of its beauty as I sat in a planning meeting at the Center for the upcoming May Presbytery meeting. The large windows in our room provided views of the beauty of nature as I looked out on the lake. It was the end of February, and it was sunny with just enough wind to create small ripples on the water. The leaves that were left on the bare trees fluttered. As I looked out on the beautiful sight outside those windows, I thought of all the people over the years who had found rest and play on the grounds. 

I look forward to this May meeting in the beauty of nature as we consider our theme “Faith Like A Child: Exploring the Gifts of Play, Wonder, Discovery, and Vulnerability” and the “imagination” portion of our ordination vow (“Will you pray for and seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love?”). We continue reimagining who we are as presbytery by embracing childlike wonder in our worship, missions and ministries. If you are attending the meeting, bring your childlike wonder and imaginations to Calvin Center. At this meeting, we will explore the gift of imagination and how God invites us to use our imaginations to live, work, and play in childlike wonder. We will also have opportunities to experience camp activities before and after the meeting. So, plan to come early before the 10 a.m. meeting start time and stay after the meeting to enjoy all that Calvin Center has to offer.

Friends, I hope we will take time to observe the beauty of spring and God’s creation all around us. With childlike wonder and imagination, may we embrace that beauty that God has so lovingly given to us.

Blessings,

Julie

May 2026

Living Out Joy and Wonder

“People were bringing children to him in order that he might touch them, and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.”(Mark 10:13-16) 

The picture by this article is of a piece of stained glass artwork a dear friend made for me for my ordination examination and service. A few months before that event, she asked me what my favorite Bible scripture was and I replied with the above scripture. I didn’t know why she was asking me for my favorite scripture, but she also asked me, “What is it about that scripture that makes it your favorite?” I don’t remember my exact words, but they were something along the line of, “Well, Jesus took time for children and he told people to stop trying to keep them away. They saw love and joy and acceptance in Jesus. He saw love, laughter, hope and promise in them. So, I guess I love this passage because I see love, joy, hope and acceptance in Jesus and I hope he sees the same in me.”

When I was examined for ordination, this beautiful piece was at the back of the room where I could clearly see it. I had no idea she was creating it for that day. While my nerves leading up to that moment were on edge, once I saw this passage reflected in that stained glass piece made with such love, my childlike wonder took over and the image of Jesus welcoming modern-day children (including me) calmed those nerves. During that time, all I could do was smile when I looked at this stained glass artwork of Jesus holding a child in the air with other children in modern-day clothes around him. And, yes, the cat at his feet brought even more joy for me. Each time I have looked at this beautiful artwork since then, I smile. I simply see pure joy.

What does it look like to live out our faith with joy and childlike wonder? We will be considering this as a presbytery with our theme for the year “Faith Like a Child – Embracing the Gifts of Play, Wonder, Discovery and  Vulnerability.” How do we serve with joy and childlike wonder? When things seem complicated in our mission and ministry, do we take the time to pause and consider where the joy and wonder lie in what we are doing? How do we show joy in our words and actions to a world that so needs that joy? As our journey continues with our theme, I hope we will prayerfully consider every day how each of us is called to serve God’s people in this world with “energy, intelligence, imagination and love” so that others will see the love and joy of Jesus through us.

Julie Ferguson
April 2026

Write, Rest, & Play: My Sabbatical Plans for March, April, and May

I want to offer my deep gratitude to our presbytery, personnel committee, and staff for making it possible for me to take a three-month sabbatical beginning on March 1st. This is the first time in my vocational journey that I have been able to take a step back from ministry for a time of reflection and renewal. I give thanks for my colleagues, Joy and Cassandra, who have shown me what it means to wonder, explore, and grow during their time on sabbatical. It is my goal to do the same.

While I am away, I will use my time to write, rest, and play. I will be preparing to defend my doctoral project on the practice of self-compassion by clergy persons in the parish. If the way be made clear, I will be graduating with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in May 2026. I will also use my time for creative writing and composition as well. I look forward to a time of extended rest and for a chance to reset my body as I continue to navigate life with two autoimmune conditions, Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I look forward to incorporating more movement and discovering new and fun ways to continue management of my health. And finally, I look forward to finding ways to play in and around the Atlanta area. I have still yet to visit the Georgia Aquarium and the Coca-Cola museum. I have not had a chance to sing at a local karaoke venue. I want to visit the Centre for Puppetry Arts with my grannybaby, Kalani, and finally check out Stone Mountain. And as I embark on this sabbatical season, I give thanks for our Bridge Executive Presbyter, Julie Ferguson, and for the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta staff who continue to love and support this presbytery.

As we consider what it means to have faith like a child, we can learn a lot from the gifts of play as we live, work, and find our way in the world. In a book entitled, Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, Dr. Stuart Brown encourages us to be mindful of these gifts by reminding us of the following:

In the adult world, play continues to be woven into the fabric of our culture. In large part, play is our culture, in the form of music, drama, novels, dances, celebrations, and festivals. Play shows us our common humanity. It shows us how we can be free within the societal structures that allow us to live with others. It is the genesis of innovation, and allows us to deal with an ever-changing world.

May we continue to see God at work in our playful and wonder-filled mission to know Christ and to make Christ known in our world. May we listen to the Spirit as we live, move, and have our being. Please know that my prayers are with you and our presbytery in this season and I ask for yours in return.

~ ABJ

#FaithLikeAChild #PlayWonderDiscoveryVulnerability
March 2026

My Grandbaby and Play Expert, Kalani!

2026 Theme

…But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

~ Matthew 19:14-15

I have always loved the story of Jesus blessing and connecting with children. Using my Christian imagination, I often wonder what it was like for those kids to be seen, held, affirmed, and blessed by Jesus. In a culture and setting where children were most likely best seen and not heard, Jesus tells his disciples that we must become like children in order to embrace, embody, and inherit the kingdom of God.

This year our 2026 theme for the presbytery is “Faith Like A Child: Exploring the Gifts of Play, Wonder, Discovery, and Vulnerability.” There is so much for us to learn as we reconnect with what it means to practice our faith with a sense of awe, curiosity, celebration, and unwavering trust in the One who has known us as we were being knit in our mother’s womb. One book that has shaped my own faith formation is a book entitled, Dangerous Wonder: The Adventures of Childlike Faith by the late Michael Yaconeli. In this work, he invites us to connect with God with courage and curiosity. He says, “Curiosity is the shape of our hunger for God. We question God without apology, we march into the presence of God bringing our armfuls of questions—without fear—because God is not afraid of them. People are afraid. Institutions are afraid. But God is not.”

At each of our meetings we will emphasize these gifts of the childlike characteristics of play, wonder, discovery, and vulnerability. We will also remember the vows that ministers and elders take at ordination and installation services that ask, "Will you serve with energy, imagination, intelligence, and love?" This question is one for us all to consider as we seek to serve the Lord with courage and curiosity, with playfulness and problem solving, with discovery and discernment, with wide-eyed wonder and with love.

ABJ

#FaithLikeAChild #PlayWonderDiscoveryVulnerability
February 2026

Our 2025 Theme for the presbytery is “Beyond the Building: Living as Grounded Disciples in the World.” As followers of Christ, we have the gift of being the church out in the world. Now, while our buildings are a gift, we have seen many people of faith facing the reality that the upkeep of our buildings has created stress among some congregations.  Caring for our buildings in an ever-changing world has led people to ask exploratory and creative questions concerning how we can use, share, and reimagine our use of space for the sake of the gospel.

Over the next year, we will walk through this theme with a focus on the stories of how the people of God journeyed with God, built with God in mind, faced the destruction of the temple, watched its rebuilding, and witnessed the invitation by Christ to reimagine life and faith in a brand-new way. Please take the time to check the books and devotional resources available as we imagine all that God can do in and through us!

ABJ #BeyondTheBuilding #Ephesian3v20

Beyond the Building Grants

  • This year the Presbytery is focusing on the gift of what it means to be the church beyond the walls of our local buildings. As part of this focus, the Presbytery and Peachtree Presbyterian Church are partnering to award grants to congregations and new worshiping communities to support changes to their property, personnel, or programming that will encourage them in making disciples and caring for those in need.

  • Congregations and new worshiping communities within the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta who can demonstrate need and share the story of how the funds can help them to think outside the box and connect to others. Applications must be approved by the session of the congregation or leadership team of the new worshiping community.

  • We have set aside $50,000 in partnership funds in order to award grants ranging in size from $2,500 to $10,000.

  • Within six months of the receipt of funds, each recipient will be asked to share a story with the wider presbytery on ways the funds opened pathways for your congregation or new worshiping community to think beyond the building. Be creative! We encourage story telling through testimony, videos, worship experiences, photography, and the arts. Our Fall Stated Meeting in November 2025 will include time for celebrating the work of our Beyond the Building Grant recipients as we begin sharing the stories from this partnership in this and other presbytery communication spaces.

  • Applications will open March 17, 2025, and will close on April 17, 2025. The review team will consider these applications together, with any additional funds made available to applications received after the deadline.

    Awardees will be named at the Spring Stated Meeting of the Presbytery on May 13. Please submit applications to grants@atlpcusa.org.

Download Application

Past Presbytery Themes

2022-23 Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Theme: “You Are Vital!” A Two Year Journey with the Vital Congregations Initiative

We are beginning our two-year journey with the Vital Congregations Initiative. As a Matthew 25 Presbytery, one aspect of the three-fold Matthew 25 invitation has an emphasis on “Building Healthy Vital Congregations.” The commitment to the health of our congregations and leaders in our presbytery has been important to us for quite some time. The Vital Congregations Initiative give all of us language and opportunities for learning and growing together. Over the next two years, our presbytery will lift up each of the seven marks of healthy vital congregations as an emphasis during our stated meetings. We will also offer town hall gatherings and learning opportunities around the seven marks. We have twelve churches who have signed on to the initiative! To learn more about the VCI journey, please visit www.atlpcusa.org/vital.

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