Sermons on Social Justice
“To Put the Protest Back in Protestantism”
“To Put the Protest Back in Protestantism” is inspired from church historian Diana Butler Bass’s provocative essay on the radical origins of the Reformation where she reminds us that Martin Luther and the early reformers were not necessarily polite; they were protesters who stood up against religious conventions in thrall to power, challenging systems of oppression and economic cruelty to embody God’s tangible bounty for all. Grounded in Matthew 22:34–46, our worship wrestles with the Great Commandment: to love God…
Not the Way Things Have to Be
Many of us grew up with the sentiment, “Well, that’s just the way things are.” Without realizing it, that phrase trained our unconscious minds to numb out, accept cruelty and injustice as normal, and stay silent. It forced us into hiding and fractured our sense of self. In the end, it resigned our society to the fatalistic lie that nothing can ever truly change. Through the parable in Matthew 22:1-14, Rev. Dries Coetzee invites us to pause, breathe together, and…
Nobody’s Fault But Mine
Inspired by the Blind Willie Johnson gospel blues classic Nobody’s Fault but Mine, this sermon by Minister Lea Gilmore reflects on God’s grace, personal discipleship, and the call to respond faithfully to Christ. Rooted in the African American gospel tradition and Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, the message reminds us that while God’s grace is freely given, we are invited to choose lives of justice, compassion, and hope.
Take Notice
Jesus warns of the great judgment awaiting those who ignore the poor and the suffering. Hear Christ’s challenge to open our eyes, act with compassion, and live with mercy.
The Seed, the Soil and the Soul; Mama’s Garden
Chaplain Anne Owens delivers a sermon and a song, reflecting on the sacred cycles of sowing and reaping—Our Creator’s promise woven into the very rhythm of creation and the hope of life renewed. – from September 14, 2025.
Nobody’s Fault But Mine
Let us remember that the fight for justice, peace, and love is not someone else’s responsibility; it is ours. We cannot afford to sit idly by while injustice prevails or hatred spreads. It is nobody’s fault but ours if we fail to act. Let us commit ourselves to pursuing justice, embracing peace, and cultivating love in every aspect of our lives.
It’s Personal
We welcomed Rev. Laura Ingersol to our pulpit on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The focus of her sermon is the idea that equity and justice are not just the work of leaders, it’s personal, and it takes all of us to help make our world what we want it to be. She used stories from her group pilgrimage to sites important to the Civil Rights Movement to illustrate the point. Laura was ordained in 1985 and over the course of…
Jubilant Justice, Powerful Peace & Radical Love
As we celebrate the dedication of the new sanctuary artwork, join Minister of Racial Justice and Multicultural Engagement, Lea Gilmore as she reflects on Jesus’ call to practice a powerful peace, seek jubilant justice and embrace a radical love! – Sermon from Sanctuary City Parts I & II dedication service on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Reparative Justice
Rev. David Harris’ sermon from February 2, 2025 about the need for Reparative Justice.
Pride Sunday Sermon
As a More Light Presbyterians Congregation, Govans is open, affirming, and celebrates all children of God. Although we celebrate this value every Sunday, we set aside this day to honor and remember the strives we’ve made and the work we are still called to do. We will do this through the lens of Queen Esther, a woman who had to hide her identity, change her name, and use her very limited power to save and protect her people. – Rev.…
The Anti-Occupation and Anti-Colonization Polemic Thinly Veiled in the Story of the Gerasenes Demoniac
It would be easy to hear the story of the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac as an ancient story about mental health. It can be that. And, if we pay attention to Mark’s clues we will hear that it is a strong message against violent occupation and colonization then and now. Further, it challenges us to consider what we are willing to pay in wealth and privilege in order to live in the Kin-dom of God.
The Rebellious Love of Jesus
Watch Govans’ own Akilah Atkinson’s sermon on the rebellious love of Jesus and how modeling this type of love can transform your world.