Author

William H. Lamar IV

Pastor, Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Rev. William H. Lamar IV  is pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. He previously served Turner Memorial AME Church in Maryland and three churches in Florida: Monticello, Orlando and Jacksonville. He is a former managing director at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. Lamar is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Duke Divinity School. He is the co-host of "Can These Bones," the Faith & Leadership podcast, and can be reached on Twitter @WilliamHLamarIV

Sister Sarah and the bell

By William H. Lamar IV Pastor, Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church

Sister Sarah, age 100, had grown up at St. Phillip AME and remembered everyone who founded it. One day, the Rev. Bill Lamar writes, he asked her about the old bell. And then he listened.

Tim Soerens

Applications now open for Reflective Leadership Grants

“This was a game-changer for us. The chance to climb up from the ‘dance floor’ of our everyday activity and discern a clarified organization future from the ‘balcony’ was the gift we needed even more than we understood at the time.

If possible, please pursue this extraordinary opportunity.”

— Tim Soerens, Parish Collective

Christian leaders from a variety of roles are welcome to apply. The grants provide “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps. The application deadline is May 2, 2025.

Learn more