TV Interviews
QUESTIONS:
1. Reverend Dr Robert Christopher Wade, can you share with us your personal journey and what inspired you to follow the path of ministry and service?
a. Historically Grounded & Spiritually Uplifting:
“As a proud servant in the African Methodist Episcopal Church—a church born from struggle, resistance, and a deep love for God—I see my journey as part of a legacy that began with Bishop Richard Allen in 1816. My call to ministry was not only a personal calling but a continuation of a sacred mission: to preach the liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ and to uplift our people through education, empowerment, and service. Growing up in the AME tradition, I was surrounded by powerful preaching, deep compassion, and commitment to justice. That spirit shaped me. And when I heard God’s voice telling me to serve, I knew I had to say yes—not just for myself, but for those who came before and those who will come after.”
b. Formal with Theological and Historical Emphasis:
My call to ministry within the African Methodist Episcopal Church is deeply intertwined with the history and mission laid down by our founder, Bishop Richard Allen. From its inception in 1816, the AME Church has stood as a beacon of spiritual authority, social justice, and community upliftment. I was inspired by that legacy—the idea that faith must not only save souls but also transform societies. As I grew in my own understanding of Scripture and justice, I felt compelled to serve in a tradition that affirms the dignity of Black lives and empowers individuals to rise above oppression through faith, education, and organized ministry. It is an honor to walk this path.
c. Passionate and Personal:
My journey to ministry started in the pews of an AME Church, where I watched elders lead with power, grace, and a deep sense of purpose. I was inspired by the legacy of Bishop Richard Allen, who founded this church as a place where our people could worship freely, serve boldly, and rise unapologetically. That spirit lives in me. Over time, God began to stir something in my heart—a desire not just to be a member, but to lead, to preach, to advocate, and to shepherd others through both trials and triumphs. Ministry, for me, is about continuing the work of liberation—spiritual, emotional, and social.
d. Concise with Impact:
Like Bishop Richard Allen, I saw a need—and I felt a call. The AME Church taught me that ministry is more than a pulpit—it’s protest, it’s healing, it’s hope. I was called to carry that mantle forward. To preach truth. To stand for justice. And to love God’s people with everything I have.
2. As a faith leader, you’ve undoubtedly encountered many challenges. What’s one challenge you faced that profoundly shaped your outlook on life and ministry?
a. Personal & Reflective (Heart-Centered):
One of the most profound challenges I faced was the sudden loss of a beloved church member who had been a pillar in our congregation. Walking with the family through grief and then having to stand in the pulpit and offer words of hope while my own heart was heavy, taught me the true weight of pastoral responsibility. It reminded me that ministry is not about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, being present, and trusting that God will give strength even in the valley. That experience deepened my empathy and reshaped how I minister to those who are hurting.
b. Historically Conscious (Rooted in AME Legacy):
Leading in a time of racial unrest—particularly during the height of the George Floyd protests—was a defining moment in my ministry. The cries for justice echoed the very foundations of the AME Church, birthed under Bishop Richard Allen as a response to racism in the house of God. I was reminded then that ministry can never be separated from the struggle of our people. That challenge pushed me to be more vocal, more active, and more committed to justice-centered faith leadership. It reaffirmed that the pulpit is not just a sacred space—it’s a platform for liberation.
c. Theologically Grounded (Faith in Action):
There was an early season in my ministry when I was pastoring a small congregation struggling with deep division. I prayed, I preached, I tried everything I knew—but it seemed the more I pushed for unity, the more fragmented things became. That season humbled me. It taught me that reconciliation is God’s work, not mine alone. It forced me to trust in the slow, sometimes painful process of transformation. What I learned is that ministry is not about fixing people—it’s about walking with them in love, even when the road is long and uncertain.
d. Short & Powerful:
One challenge that shaped me was learning to lead through silence—when prayers seemed unanswered, and progress felt impossible. It was in those quiet, frustrating moments that I discovered God was shaping me—not just as a preacher, but as a servant. That experience taught me patience, resilience, and the sacredness of perseverance.
e. Community-Focused (AME Church Vision):
In one of my early appointments, I was sent to a church in a community hit hard by poverty and violence. I remember thinking, ‘Lord, how do I bring hope here?’ But what I learned was that ministry isn’t always about bringing something—it’s about uncovering what’s already there. I saw beauty in broken places. I witnessed God move into homes that had lost everything but faith. That challenge reshaped my entire theology—it showed me that resurrection doesn’t just happen on Easter Sunday; it happens every day in the lives of God’s people.
3. How do you maintain your passion for your work, and what spiritual practices keep you grounded and connected with your purpose?
a. Devotional & Personal:
I maintain my passion for ministry by staying close to the Source. Daily prayer and time in the Word keep me grounded—not just as a preacher, but as a child of God. There are days when the weight of leadership is heavy, but in those moments, I return to my private altar, where I cry out to God, listen deeply, and remember why I said ‘yes’ to this calling. My purpose is renewed every time I see life changed, burdens lifted, and hope restored. That’s what keeps the fire burning.
b. Rooted in AME Tradition:
In the AME Church, we stand on the shoulders of giants—Bishop Richard Allen and so many others who led with unwavering faith and conviction. I draw strength from that legacy. I stay grounded by regularly engaging in spiritual disciplines like fasting, journaling, and meditating on Scripture. But I also find renewal in the rhythm of worship—the hymns, the liturgy, the preaching moment. Those sacred practices connect me to God and to the community I serve. They remind me that this work is not just a profession—it’s a divine assignment.
c. Practical & Honest:
To be honest, ministry isn’t always easy. But what keeps me going is knowing I’m doing something that matters. I stay passionate by taking time to rest, to reflect, and to pour into my own soul. That means spiritual retreats, reading outside of theology, and spending time with people who pour back into me. Most importantly, I never stop talking to God—not just in formal prayer, but in everyday moments. That ongoing relationship keeps me centered and helps me show up authentically for others.
d. Brief and Powerful:
My passion is fueled by purpose. I pray daily, study the Word, and surround myself with wise counsel. But above all, I stay close to the people. Every testimony, every breakthrough, every life touched—it reminds me why I serve. That’s what keeps me grounded and grateful.
e. Spiritually Reflective with a Touch of Preaching:
I’ve learned that staying connected to purpose means staying connected to God. I begin each day in prayer, not out of routine but out of necessity. I ask God not just for strength, but for clarity, compassion, and wisdom. I meditate on the Scriptures—not just to prepare sermons, but to nourish my own soul. And I stay close to the community because it’s in the faces of the people that I see the face of Christ. Ministry is not a solo journey—it’s a sacred partnership between God and God’s people. That truth keeps me fired up and faithful.
4. In your experience, what role does community support play in both personal growth and in spreading your faith message to others?
a. Community as Foundation – Uplifting & Personal:
Community is everything. I would not be the man, the minister, or the servant I am today without the community that believed in me, prayed for me, and walked with me. In the AME tradition, we understand that faith is not a solo endeavor—it’s something we live out together. When the people around you hold you accountable, lift you up, and challenge you to grow, it pushes you to become the best version of yourself. And when we share the Gospel in community, it’s not just words—it becomes lived, tangible, and transformative.
b. Historically Rooted – AME Legacy Focus:
From its birth, the AME Church was about building community in the face of exclusion. Bishop Richard Allen didn’t just start a church—he started a movement grounded in collective strength. That same spirit drives us today. Community support is what allows the message of Christ to take root. It’s one thing to preach from a pulpit, but it’s another when people see the Gospel in action—neighbors feeding neighbors, elders mentoring youth, congregations standing for justice. That’s how faith becomes real. That’s how lives are changed.
c. Practical & Relatable:
You can’t grow in isolation. Whether it’s personal growth or spreading the message of Christ, we need people. We need encouragement when we’re tired, correction when we drift, and celebration when we succeed. And we need witnesses—people who not only hear the Word but live it out with us. The beauty of faith is that it grows stronger when shared, and that’s only possible through community.
d. Spiritually Reflective – With a Pastor’s Heart:
God designed us to grow in the relationship—with Him and with one another. Community support is one of the greatest tools God uses to shape us. When we walk in fellowship, we sharpen one another, comfort one another, and build together. And when the community is healthy, the message of faith spreads not just through sermons, but through love, service, and witness. I’ve seen people come to Christ not because of a powerful message alone, but because they experienced the love of a faithful community.
e. Short and Impactful:
Community is the soil where faith grows. Without it, the message may be heard—but with it, the message is lived. And that’s what makes all the difference.
5. Over the years, you've witnessed and been a part of many spiritual journeys. What’s one of the most memorable transformations you’ve seen in someone’s life through faith?
a. Emotionally Powerful & Testimonial Style:
One of the most unforgettable transformations I’ve witnessed was a young man who came to our church straight from the streets—battling addiction, anger, and abandonment. He sat in the back pews for months, silent, arms folded, just watching. But the Spirit was working on him. Through love, mentorship, and consistent prayer, he opened up, gave his life to Christ, and eventually became one of our strongest lay leaders. Today, he leads our men’s ministry and mentors young boys who are walking the same road he once did. That’s the power of faith—and that’s the power of community.
b. Reflective & Pastoral:
There was a woman in our congregation who had been deeply wounded—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. She came to us withdrawn, skeptical, and unsure if God even saw her. But over time, through the ministry of presence, Scripture, and unconditional love, she began to heal. I remember the Sunday she stood and gave her testimony—it brought the entire sanctuary to tears. That moment reminded me that we don’t just preach transformation—we witness it, live it, and celebrate it together.
c. Historically Rooted – AME Focused:
I’ve had the privilege of watching many lives be transformed through faith, but one that stands out is a former inmate who was introduced to the AME Church through our prison ministry. When he was released, he came to worship, and over time, became a faithful steward and a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform. Watching someone go from being seen as a statistic to standing tall as a child of God and a leader in our church reminded me of the work Bishop Richard Allen started—creating spaces where the overlooked are embraced and empowered.
d. Short and Powerful:
I watched a man who had given up on life find purpose in Christ. He came in broken, unsure, and left standing tall as a leader, father, and servant. That kind of change can’t be explained—it can only be experienced through faith.
e. Conversational & Relatable:
One transformation that stays with me is a woman who once told me, ‘Pastor, I don’t believe God has anything left for me.’ She had lost everything—her job, her health, her hope. But through prayer, counseling, and the support of her church family, she found her strength again. Today, she runs our outreach ministry, serving people who are where she once was. That kind of turnaround reminds me why we do this work.
6. You’ve seen firsthand how life’s struggles can sometimes feel overwhelming. How do you guide others in finding hope and strength during tough times?
a. Pastoral & Empathetic:
When someone is going through deep pain, I never try to minimize it. I sit with them in the valley. I listen. I pray. And I remind them that even in their darkest hour, God is still present. Sometimes hope isn’t loud—it’s a whisper. It’s a handheld. It’s a scripture read late at night. I point them to the God who never leaves nor forsakes us and to a community that will walk with them every step of the way. My job isn’t to fix everything but to help them see that with God, they don’t have to go through it alone.
b. Biblically Anchored:
I often remind people of the words in Isaiah 40:31: ‘But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…’ Life’s struggles are real, but God’s strength is greater. I encourage people to be honest with their pain, but also to trust the process of spiritual restoration. Prayer, Scripture, and community care are lifelines. We serve a God who specializes in resurrection—who turns graves into gardens. And I’ve seen it happen time and time again.
c. Strong and Inspirational (Call-to-Action Style):
I guide people through struggle by reminding them that pain is not the end of their story. We serve a God who uses brokenness to build testimonies. I tell them, ‘You might be in the fire, but you’re not alone—and you won’t come out smelling like smoke.’ We lean on prayer, we press into God’s Word, and we lean on one another. Sometimes, the most radical act of faith is just holding on. And when you do, you’ll see God bring you through stronger than before.
d. Historically Grounded – AME Lens:
Our people have always known struggle. From the founding of the AME Church in response to racism and exclusion, to the everyday battles our communities face, we’ve learned how to find hope in the hardest places. I guide others by reminding them of that legacy—we are not people who give up. We are people who rise. And our faith isn’t just about endurance; it’s about transformation. Through prayer, worship, counseling, and community action, we walk with people until they can walk on their own again—then they walk with someone else.
e. Brief and Poignant:
When life is hard, I remind folks that God is still God—even in the storm. I don’t offer quick fixes. I offer presence, prayer, and the promise that pain has a purpose, and joy will come again.
7. In today’s world, many are seeking answers to deeper spiritual questions. What advice would you give to those searching for meaning in their lives?
a. Pastoral & Reassuring:
To anyone searching for meaning, I would first say—your questions are valid, and you’re not alone. We all go through seasons of seeking. My advice is simple: start where you are, and be honest with God. Ask the hard questions. God isn’t intimidated by our doubt or our longing. Read the Word, talk to people you trust, and open yourself up to God’s presence in everyday life. Meaning doesn’t always come in a flash—it often unfolds, step by step. But if you keep walking, God will meet you along the way.
b. Rooted in the AME Legacy:
Our founder, Bishop Richard Allen, found his purpose in the face of rejection and injustice. He didn’t wait for life to hand him meaning—he built it on faith, action, and service. I tell people today: if you’re searching for meaning, look at where your pain meets your passion. Look at what breaks your heart—and ask how God might want to use you to bring healing. True purpose is found at the intersection of faith and service. And in the AME Church, we believe in faith that works—faith that transforms both lives and systems.
c. Spiritually Reflective & Encouraging:
The world is noisy, and it’s easy to feel lost in the shuffle. But I’ve found that the deeper answers come when we get quiet before God. If you’re searching for meaning, don’t look for a quick fix—seek a relationship with the One who created you. Spend time in prayer. Read Scripture. Reflect on your life—not just where you’ve been, but where God might be calling you to go. Meaning isn’t something we find—it’s something we grow into.
d. Practical & Empowering:
If you’re feeling lost, my advice is this: don’t search for meaning in isolation. Join a faith community. Talk to people who’ve walked through storms and come out stronger. Learn from their stories. The journey to purpose is not meant to be taken alone. And remember—your life already has value. You were created with intention. Meaning isn’t something far off—it’s often right in front of us, waiting to be seen through the lens of faith.
e. Short and Powerful:
Meaning isn’t found in success or status—it’s found in knowing who you are in God. Start there, and everything else will follow.
8. What’s one important message or lesson from your ministry that you feel is especially relevant for people right now?
a. Timely and Inspirational:
One message I believe is especially relevant right now is this: God still sees you, and you still matter. In a world that moves fast and often overlooks the hurting, people need to know that they are not forgotten. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, identity, loss, or purpose, God is still present. And more than that—God still has a plan for your life. No matter how broken things may seem, healing is possible. Hope is real. And your story isn’t over yet.
b. Rooted in the AME Church’s Mission:
If there’s one lesson from my ministry that speaks to today’s world, it’s that faith must be active. Bishop Richard Allen didn’t just preach—he built, he organized, he fought for dignity. In this moment of social unrest, economic struggle, and spiritual confusion, people need to see that the Gospel is not just about going to heaven—it’s about living with purpose on earth. My message is this: let your faith move your feet. Speak up. Serve someone. Love boldly. Because real ministry meets people where they are.
c. Compassionate and Pastoral:
One lesson that keeps rising to the surface in my ministry is this: grace is greater. It’s greater than your past, your pain, your guilt, or your fear. People are carrying so much—loss, regret, shame—and they think God can’t use them. But the truth is, grace rewrites stories. And I want people to know, especially right now, that God’s grace is not just enough—it’s overflowing.
d. Prophetic and Encouraging:
We are in a time where people are weary—spiritually, emotionally, even physically. My message is: Don’t quit. God still moves in the midnight hour. There is power in persistence. Sometimes we look for miracles in the spectacular, but most often, they show up in quiet endurance, in daily faithfulness, in community love. If you keep showing up, God will too.
e. Short, Bold, and Memorable:
The most important message I have right now is this: Hope is holy, and healing is possible. No matter what the world looks like—keep believing, keep building, keep becoming.
9. Looking forward, how do you envision the future of your ministry and the role it will play in addressing the challenges of today’s world?
My hope for the future is that my ministry becomes a training ground for others—to raise up preachers, teachers, activists, and community builders who aren’t afraid to lead with integrity and compassion. The world is changing fast, and we need leaders who are rooted in both tradition and vision. I see my role evolving into that of a builder—investing in people, empowering voices, and preparing the Church to thrive in a complex world.
As a son of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, I stand on the shoulders of a tradition that was born in protest and sustained by purpose. Looking ahead, I see my ministry continuing that legacy—standing on the front lines where faith meets action. I want to see the Church become even more relevant in addressing the issues that plague our communities—racism, poverty, mental health, and injustice. My ministry’s future is about being present in the places where the pain is and proclaiming a Gospel that liberates the soul and uplifts the people.
In the years to come, I want to focus on deepening community connections. I believe the Church must be both a sanctuary and a solutional place where people come to be healed, and a force that goes out to bring healing to the streets, schools, prisons, and homes. I see my ministry expanding to include mentorship programs, mental health resources, and outreach initiatives that meet people exactly where they are. The Church must be more than a Sunday experience—we must be a 7-day-a-week presence.
“Loving. Leading. Lifting.”
As I look toward the future, my vision for ministry is rooted in a commitment to healing, justice, and spiritual empowerment. Guided by the enduring mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church—a movement birthed through the leadership of Bishop Richard Allen to confront oppression and uplift Black communities—I strive to carry that legacy forward with boldness and compassion. In today’s world, marked by uncertainty, division, and a growing hunger for purpose, I believe the Church must reclaim its role as both a sanctuary and a solution. My ministry is not confined to the pulpit—it is alive in the streets, the schools, the prison cells, and the heart of every hurting soul. It is my calling to be a bridge-builder between generations, between faith and action, between tradition and innovation.
I envision creating spaces where:
Faith is active, not passive—where justice and spiritual formation go hand in hand.
Young people are mentored, trained, and empowered to lead in their communities and in the Church.
Mental, emotional, and spiritual health are all addressed as sacred work.
Digital ministry and outreach extend the Gospel beyond walls and into homes.
The message of Jesus Christ is clear: You are seen, you are loved, and you have a purpose.
Through preaching, teaching, advocacy, and service, I will continue to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors—not just worshipping in freedom but working for freedom.
My ministry’s future is grounded in one promise: God is still at work. And as long as He is, so am I.
10. Finally, if you could leave the viewers with one key piece of wisdom or encouragement, what would it be?
a. Uplifting & Inspirational:
If I could leave you with one piece of wisdom, it would be this: You are not forgotten, and your story isn’t over. No matter what life looks like right now, God is still writing. Even in the silence, God is speaking. Even in the waiting, God is working. Keep showing up. Keep believing. You are loved beyond measure, and your life has purpose beyond what you can see.
b. Rooted in the AME Legacy:
If I could speak one truth into your heart, it would be: Stand strong, because you come from a people who’ve stood through storms. Our AME ancestors prayed, fought, built, and believed when the world tried to silence them. That same power lives in you. So walk in it. Don’t let the world tell you that your faith, your voice, or your life doesn’t matter. You are called. You are capable. And you are covered by God’s grace.
c. Gentle, Pastoral & Encouraging:
Here’s what I want you to remember: God has not brought you this far to leave you now. Life will bring challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. There’s a strength in you that comes from above. So breathe, trust, and keep moving forward. The same God who held you yesterday is holding you today—and will carry you into tomorrow.
d. Poetic & Memorable:
My encouragement is simple: Let your faith be louder than your fear. Let your love be stronger than your doubt. And let your hope be rooted not in what you see, but in what God has promised. Keep the faith, and walk boldly in the calling placed on your life.
Short & Powerful:
God sees you. God loves you. And God still has a plan for your life. Don’t give up—your breakthrough is on the way.
Scripture-Linked & Spirit-Filled:
If I could leave you with one word, it’s this: ‘Be not weary in well doing, for in due season, you shall reap if you faint not.’ (Galatians 6:9) Keep sowing, keep praying, and keep trusting. Your season is coming. “Would you like one of these expanded into a full closing statement for a
sermon, or shortened into a social media quote or video outro line? I can also personalize it
further with a favorite Scripture, hymn line, or motto that reflects Dr. Wade’s voice or ministry
theme.
Full Closing Statement:
Before we part ways, let me leave you with this one truth—one that I carry deep in my spirit and have seen proven time and time again: God has not brought you this far to leave you now. No matter what season you’re in—whether it’s joy or struggle, clarity or confusion—God is still present. Still speaking. Still working on your behalf.
You may feel unseen. You may feel tired. But don’t give up. Your life still has purpose. Your voice still matters. And your faith still works.
Our ancestors in the African Methodist Episcopal Church—Bishop Richard Allen and those who came after him—built something beautiful out of brokenness. And that same power, that same resilience, lives in you. So walk with your head held high, knowing that you are covered by grace, carried by faith, and called for more.
As Galatians 6:9 reminds us: ‘Be not weary in well doing, for in due season, you shall reap if you faint not.’
Stay faithful. Stay focused. And remember—your breakthrough is on the way. God bless you, and may peace go before you.
