Metropolitan AME Church Sermons
Sermons from the historic Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, DC where speakers such as Frederick Douglass, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joel Elias Spingarn, E.E. Just, Alain Locke, Mordecai W. Johnson, Hubert H. Humphrey, Charles H. Wesley, James E. Clyburn, Jesse Jackson and Bishop Desmond Tutu spoke. Hear the weekly sermon from the current ministerial staff, led by Rev. William H. Lamar IV.Find more information about Metropolitan AME here.
Third Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IV
This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of peace, suffering, and the role of community in addressing pain. He emphasizes the importance of allowing suffering to be voiced and challenges the misconceptions surrounding the reasons for suffering. Through the lens of the biblical figure Job, he discusses the complexities of friendship during times of hardship and the need for solidarity in the face of injustice. The sermon calls for a re-examination of theological beliefs that blame individuals for their suffering and advocates for a compassionate response to those in pain.
You can experience the full...
Second Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IV
In this powerful sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the story of Job and his wife, focusing on the often-overlooked voice of "Mrs. Job." He discusses themes of anonymity, identity, and the collateral damage of suffering, particularly in relation to women. The sermon challenges traditional interpretations of faith and suffering, urging listeners to confront the realities of their beliefs and the God they worship. Rev. Lamar emphasizes the need for a faith that evolves through tragedy and calls for the dismantling of harmful theological constructs and misogyny.
Scripture - Job 2:9
Then his wife...
Trinity Sunday and Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine - Rev. William H. Lamar IV
This week Pastor William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of tradition in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, joy, and the complexities of faith through the lens of the Book of Job. He challenges conventional theological interpretations, emphasizing the role of Satan, the accuser, or Ha-Satan and the nature of God as one who is not easily manipulated. Rev. Lamar emphasizes the need for mature theological reflection to understand the complexities of God. Nonetheless, he calls heares to trust in God amidst life's uncertainties, urging all to find strength in their faith and community.
Job 2:1...
Youth Day Service - Rev. Khristi Lauren Adams
On this Youth Day Service, Rev. Khristi Lauren Adams preaches the importance of kindness in a world often filled with unkindness. She shares personal anecdotes and biblical teachings that emphasize the need for love and compassion in our daily interactions. The conversation highlights the challenges of being kind, especially in difficult situations, and calls for a collective commitment to kindness within the community and the church.
Scripture Text:
Matthew 7:12
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading an...
Seventh Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IV
This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV challenges all who would hear to confront the injustices within society and the church. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the need to hold up a mirror to America, urging individuals to come out of the oppressive systems that perpetuate inequality. Through biblical references and personal anecdotes, he calls for a collective awakening to the realities of our world and the necessity for change within the system. He urges that we not shy away from the cracks in our foundation, for the system will indeed crack at the foundation.
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Sixth Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. Dr. Dianne Malcolm
This week guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Dianne Malcolm emphasizes the importance of cultivating hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges. She discusses the power of creativity, the dangers of hopelessness, and the need for community support. Through self-reflection and understanding one's identity, individuals can harness hope as a form of resistance against despair. She highlights the significance of healing, both personally and collectively, and encourages listeners to remember their roots and the strength that comes from their heritage.
John 14: 23 - 29 NRSVue
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my...
Fifth Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IV
This week sermon Rev. William Lamar IV explores the themes of resurrection, the importance of reading for preachers, the various forms of literacy, the role of imagination in faith, and the call to build a new Jerusalem. He emphasizes that God dwells among mortals and challenges the notion of escapism in theology, urging a commitment to understanding and engaging with the world.
"The home of God is among mortals."
John 13: 31-35 NRSVue
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in...
Fourth Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IV
In this powerful sermon, Rev. William Lamar IV addresses the themes of community, faith, and resilience in the face of societal challenges. He reflects on the Gospel of John, emphasizing the concept of the Good Shepherd and the idea of 'snatching'—the forces that seek to take away individuals and communities. The sermon calls for a shift from individualistic theology to a collective understanding of faith, urging the congregation to prioritize the well-being of the flock over individual desires. Rev. Lamar highlights the importance of recognizing the realities of the world while maintaining hope and solidarity within the community.
Third Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IV
This week Rev. William Lamar IV explores the themes of imagination, service, and community through the lens of faith. He emphasizes the importance of feeding the hungry, both physically and spiritually, and challenges traditional views of Jesus by presenting Him as a cook who serves and nurtures. The discussion highlights the role of imagination in shaping our understanding of God and the world, urging listeners to embrace a resurrection imagination that fosters hope and justice.
This week's text:
John 21: 1-12 NRSVue
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea...
Second Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. Michael Jefferson, II
This week Rev. Michael Jefferson, II explores the themes of faith, trauma, and the journey of trusting God again after experiencing doubt and grief. He reflects on the story of Thomas, often labeled as 'Doubting Thomas,' and challenges the audience to reconsider this characterization in light of the trauma and fear that Thomas experienced. Rev. Jefferson emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our doubts and fears as part of the faith journey and encourages listeners to meet Jesus in their own scars and struggles.
This week's scripture reading:
John 20: 19-31 (NRSVue)
19 When it was evening o...
Easter Sunday 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IV
Who Got The Body?
In this powerful Easter sermon, Rev. Lamar explores the themes of resurrection, memory, and the significance of the body of Christ. He reflects on the empty tomb, the trauma of witnessing death, and the role of women in the resurrection narrative. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering Christ's promises and recognizing that we, as a community, are the body of Christ, called to action in the world.
Luke 24:1-3
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that...
