In this installment of Next Steps Forward, host Chris Meek celebrates the 200th episode of the program! After first seeing Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Senior Pastor at 180 Church in Detroit, Michigan, on a news segment where he discussed his focus on the topics of faith, politics, human trafficking, race and mental health, Chris specifically invited Pastor Sewell to be the special guest as he encapsulates the focus of the program exceptionally well. Pastor Sewell was born and raised in Detroit and grew up in a physically and verbally abusive home. High school was a challenging time for him as his father went to prison and his younger brother was killed. He became heavily involved in drugs and drug-dealing and became a gang leader in east Detroit. His life ultimately took a dramatic turn when he had a “Damascus Road” encounter with Christ that set his heart on fire! Pastor Sewell serves as an example not only for how pastors should guide their congregations in matters of faith but also how faith leaders can play a role in guiding their congregations effectively and appropriately on the most pressing political issues of our time. He will surely leave a lasting impression on the Next Steps Forward audience, just as he has left a lasting legacy on his congregation and the wider community of the Motor City.
About the Author: Chris Meek
Dr. Chris Meek is an American philanthropist and finance officer. Meek is the co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong, a charitable organization which provides support for U.S. service members and veterans. He is also the co-founder and chairman of START Now!, a non-profit which provides foreclosure counseling to homeowners, as well as senior director of global relationship management at S&P Global and a member of the Maxwell Advisory Board at Syracuse University.