Metropolitan AME Church Sermons

In a homecoming sermon marking Metropolitan AME Church’s 188-year legacy, Rev. Dr. William Marcus Small draws on Deuteronomy 6:4-12 to urge the congregation to remember God, their ancestors, and the people whose sacrifices made the present possible. Through stories from The Butler, family life, and civil rights history, the message challenges listeners to honor different journeys, recognize unexpe...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, President and CEO of Children's Defence Fund, explores the biblical and social implications of intergenerational justice, focusing on Ezekiel 18 and the myth of inherited guilt. It challenges listeners to reconsider how community, policy, and personal agency shape the lives of children and future generations. This week's text: Ezekiel 18:1-4 The word...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound lessons from Mark chapter 4, emphasizing the importance of rest, faith, and speaking to our storms amidst life's chaos. He challenges listeners to understand God's power and their own capacity to navigate storms with confidence and resilience. This week's text: Mark 4:35-41 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them,...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the provocative idea of 'cursing' as a spiritual act of calling out injustice, hypocrisy, and unfruitfulness within the church and society. He challenges listeners to embrace boldness and authenticity in confronting systemic evil and spiritual emptiness. This week's text: Mark 11:12-14, 20-22 12 On the following day, when they came from Beth...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Vanetta L. Brice explores the profound connection between faith, service, and social justice through a deep dive into Isaiah 58. Rev. Dr. Brice emphasizes the importance of genuine devotion, compassionate action, and the conditional promises of God that call believers to deeper commitment. This week's scripture - Isaiah 58:10 if you offer your food to the hungry    ...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Thomas Brakeen Jr. explores the vital role of Christian education in shaping future generations, emphasizing the importance of teaching history, faith, and identity beyond traditional settings. He highlights how the black church has historically been a space for life-long learning and cultural preservation. This weeks scripture, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 4 “Hear, O Israel: The...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Cozette Thomas preaches “Released to Release,” arguing that Jesus is not asking disciples to keep score but to stop counting and let mercy reshape relationships. She distinguishes forgiveness from pretending harm did not happen, stressing that forgiveness does not erase accountability, does not require unsafe access, and does not cancel the need for boundaries or justic...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of suffering, community, and the importance of recognizing the marginalized. He draws parallels between the crucified among us and the presence of God, emphasizing the need for solidarity with those who suffer. He also delves into the significance of Apostle Paul's message to the early church, the politics of maps and perception,...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Shively Smith engages Howard Thurman’s spiritual practice of centering down, and a sermon rooted in Mark 4:35-41. Rev. Dr. Smith explores a close reading of the storm on the sea, asking how stillness, courage, and faith shape the way believers respond when life feels unsteady. She shares how Thurman’s language of the “great silence” helps reframe the story: Jesus is...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Nichele Carter-Peterson explores themes of community engagement, stewardship, and identity within the church, particularly focusing on the African American experience. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's cultural heritage and the role of the church in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Rev. Carter-Peterson reflects on the significance of genero...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Kendal McBroom explores the profound message of Isaiah 55, challenging societal lies about worth, productivity, and abundance. This sermon invites us to trust God's economy of care, community, and divine sovereignty over the oppressive systems of empire. This week's scripture: Isaiah 55:1-5, 8-11 Hear, everyone who thirsts;     come to the waters; and you who have no mo...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Moya Harris shares a powerful message on becoming a good ancestor, emphasizing the importance of blessing the next generation, recognizing the Spirit in others, and the ongoing fight for justice and faithfulness in a challenging world. This week's text: Luke 1:26-45 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a vir...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of hunger, compassion, and community through the biblical stories of Herod, John the Baptist, and Jesus, emphasizing how faith and action can transform scarcity into abundance. This week's scripture - Matthew 14:13-21 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds...

In this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound meaning of the parable of the mustard seed, emphasizing that God's kingdom often manifests in small, everyday acts and humble beginnings. This reflection challenges us to see God's work in the small things and partner with divine purpose in our lives. This week's scripture Matthew 13:31-32 31 He put before them another parable: “...

In his week's sermon, Rev. Keila Mumphord explores the profound message of individual worth and collective unity through biblical insights and the story of Encanto, emphasizing that our true value lies in who we are, not just our gifts. This week's scripture 1 Corinthians 12:14-21 14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I...

This week celebrating our 188th anniversary, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Crumpton shares a powerful sermon on God's love, faithfulness, and the importance of building bridges of faith through prayer, reflection, and action. She explores how life's challenges and systemic injustices call us to trust in God's ability to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. This week's scripture: Eph...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV reflects on the power of words, tools, and collective action in shaping justice and community on the day after America's 250th celebration. This week's scripture: John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson explores the power of persistent faith and activism through the parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing the importance of bothering systems for justice and trusting God's power. This week's scripture - Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judg...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound message of Jesus in Matthew 10, emphasizing the internal work of spiritual surgery. He discusses how the 'sword' Jesus wields is a metaphor for internal transformation, cutting away self-deception, fear, and inadequacy to foster true peace and authenticity. This week's text: Matthew 10:34-36 34 “Do not think that I have come to...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Nicole Stratchan explores the power of rejoicing, inclusion, and faith through the lens of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts, emphasizing how faith and community can be more inclusive and joyful. She reflects on her personal journey, biblical insights, and the importance of metacognition in faith. This week's text: Acts 8:26-39 26 Then an angel of the Lord said to...

In this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the biblical story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well, emphasizing themes of divine initiation, boundary-breaking conversations, and God's inclusive love. It challenges us to recognize divine encounters in everyday life and to extend love beyond religious and cultural boundaries.  This weeks text: John 4:6-10 6 Jacob’s well was...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound metaphor of the well from John 4, emphasizing our collective and individual thirst for connection, peace, and spiritual renewal. He highlights the humanity of Jesus, the importance of seeking living water, and the divine thirst for human relationship. This week's scripture: John 4:6-14 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen, Jr. explores the significance of Pentecost in the context of contemporary social and political challenges, emphasizing community, diversity, and active faith. This week's text: Acts 2:1-8, 12-13 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and i...

This week Rev. Cozette Thomas explores the themes of gratitude, response to God's grace, and social responsibility through a sermon on Psalms 116, emphasizing community support and justice. This week's scripture: Psalm 116:1-2, 12- 19 I love the Lord because he has heard     my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he inclined his ear to me,     therefore I will call on him as long as I live. What...

This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the significance of the priestly benediction in navigating the wilderness of contemporary America, emphasizing divine blessing, protection, and peace as essential for facing societal challenges. This week's scripture - Numbers 6:22-27: 22 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You sh...