Metropolitan AME Church Sermons

This week guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and remembrance. She reflects on personal testimony and the collective journey of the church, urging listeners to 'go back and get' the stories, memories, and legacies that shape their identity. Drawing on the concept of Sankofa, she highlights the need to reclaim narratives and build a future rooted...

In this Epiphany sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound themes of the Word of God, the necessity for a larger narrative in 2026, and the importance of songs in expressing grief and hope. He emphasizes that God is not only a distant figure but is present in our lives, embodying flesh and living among us. The message calls for a recognition of God's glory amidst the struggles of life...

In this first Sunday after Christmas, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of grace, control, and the enduring light of hope represented by stars. He reflects on the biblical story of Herod and the Magi, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the forces of oppression in our world while also celebrating the grace that sustains us. The message encourages listeners to seek the light of tru...

In this powerful sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of Christmas, literacy, and the importance of making room for the marginalized in our communities. He emphasizes the need to understand the deeper meanings behind the Christmas story and challenges listeners to reflect on their responsibilities to others. The message calls for a welcoming spirit that embraces all, especially tho...

In this powerful sermon, Bro. Alex Blocker emphasizes the importance of children in the church and society, advocating for their voices to be heard and their needs to be met. He discusses the current state of childhood in America, the necessity of adult advocacy, and the call for young people to be included in decision-making processes. Drawing parallels to Jesus' teachings, he highlights the need...

This Second Sunday of Advent, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of repentance and the cultural strangeness embodied by John the Baptist. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the unconventional and the transformative nature of true repentance, which extends beyond personal feelings to encompass political and social dimensions. Rev. Lamar calls for a return to the wilderness, where t...

This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of Advent, the uncertainty of the coming of the Lord, and the importance of staying awake and prepared for God's presence in our lives. He emphasizes that Advent is not merely a preparation for Christmas but a time to recognize the continuous coming of the Son of Man. Rev. Lamar highlights the interruptions God brings into our lives, the neces...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of gratitude, God's goodness, and the complexities of mercy through the lens of the Prodigal Son parable. He challenges the audience to reflect on their relationship with God, especially when faced with feelings of anger or resentment towards divine mercy. The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing God's love and the need t...

Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of oppression, community, and liberation through the lens of biblical parables. He draws parallels between the sharecroppers in the vineyard and sheepdogs, emphasizing the need for unity and the rejection of divisive mentalities that perpetuate systemic oppression. The sermon calls for a collective awakening to the shared struggles of marginalized commu...

This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the identity of Jesus through the lens of his mother, Miriam. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' context and the rebellious nature of Miriam, who defies societal norms. Rev. Lamar discusses the significance of the 'womb song' as a metaphor for the nurturing and rebellious spirit that shapes identity and faith. He calls for social upheav...

This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound significance of dreams in the context of spirituality, community, and liberation. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, understanding Jesus' purpose, and the role of dreams in guiding individuals and communities toward freedom. Rev. Lamar highlights the biblical figure Joseph as a dreamer who played a crucial role in protecting Jesus, a...

This week's guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson, explores the themes of community, faith, and homecoming in a fractured world. She emphasizes the importance of returning to our roots and embracing our ancestral wisdom as a means of healing and restoration. Rev. Dr. Sampson calls for collective action and imagination to navigate the challenges of contemporary society, reminding us that we alr...

This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the multifaceted nature of Jesus through the lens of various traditions, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding the Messiah. He discusses the need to unearth the true essence of Jesus, which is rooted in liberation and justice, and critiques the commercialization of faith. The sermon culminates in a call to recognize the anointed one as a...

In this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound significance of the Great Shema and its implications for understanding the identity of Jesus. He emphasizes that Jesus emerges from the Exodus tradition, advocating for liberation and resistance against oppression. The sermon highlights the importance of living out the Exodus tradition in daily life, standing firm in faith, and n...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of divinity, community, and the radical nature of Jesus as a warrior figure. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus's roots in the tradition of the oppressed and challenges the audience to take action in their own deliverance. The conversation delves into historical injustices, the legacy of emancipation, and the nece...

Rev. William H. Lamar IV delivers a powerful sermon that challenges the congregation to reconsider their understanding of Jesus and faith. He emphasizes the need for liberation from oppressive systems and the importance of choosing sides in the ongoing battle against injustice. Rev. Lamar calls for a divorce from a false image of Jesus that supports oppression and advocates for a return to the tru...

In this week's sermon guest preacher, Rev. Nichele Carter-Peterson explores the themes of dreams, personal struggles, and the evolving nature of Christian education. She reflects on her own journey of faith, the impact of depression, and the importance of acknowledging and nurturing dreams within the community. Rev. Carter-Peterson emphasizes the need for a compassionate and inclusive understandin...

This week guest preacher, Dr. Deborah Taylor-King emphasizes the importance of faith in action, urging listeners to restore their faith through service and advocacy. She addresses the pressing social injustices of our time and calls for unity and empowerment among believers to combat these issues. Dr. Taylor-King inspires those listening and worshiping to take action, reminding them that their fai...

This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV returns to explore the theme of doing ministry under occupation, drawing parallels between the historical context of Jesus' ministry and contemporary issues faced by marginalized communities. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, global awareness, and the need for social change through repentance. Rev. Lamar calls for continued action and leadership in the f...

In this week's sermon, guest preacher Rev. A. Kazimir Brown explores the theme of searching for God, emphasizing the importance of community, prayer, and the continuous nature of this search. Drawing from scripture, personal anecdotes, and historical figures, she invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys of faith and the various ways they can seek the divine presence in their lives. The m...

In this week's sermon, Rev. Nicole Stratchan explores the biblical story of Moses and the concept of 'Children of the Nile.' She reflects on themes of oppression, resilience, and the importance of community in overcoming challenges. Rev. Stratchan emphasizes the role of women in resisting Pharaoh's decrees and highlights the modern-day struggles faced by children in society. She calls for collecti...

This week guest preacher, Rev. Brandon Cox, delivers a powerful message centered around the themes of justice, faith, and the role of prophets in society. He shares the story of Andre, a young man seeking asylum, to illustrate the struggles faced by many in the current socio-political climate. The sermon explores the concept of theodicy, questioning God's presence in times of suffering, and emphas...

Rev. Jon Robinson's sermon emphasizes the importance of social justice and the church's role in addressing the needs of the marginalized. Drawing from Matthew 25, he challenges the congregation to reflect on their actions towards those in need and to actively engage in advocacy for social change. The message calls for a collective effort to ensure that the church is a place of compassion and actio...

In this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV continues to explore the complexities and suffering of life through the lens of Job. He challenges the notion that everything happens for a reason, sharing personal stories and theological insights that emphasize the importance of resilience and support from one another. Through the lens of the prosperity gospel and the story of his friend Kate Bowler...

This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV continues to explore the themes of suffering, resilience, and the nature of God through the lens of the biblical figure Job. He emphasizes the importance of questioning God and using imagination and creativity as a means to process pain and rage. The sermon highlights the need for a new understanding of, and a new name for, God - one that acknowledges human suffe...