St Stephen AME Detroit

About this church

St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church worships Sundays at 10:00 a.m. on Detroit’s west side. Its welcome centers on three words—Word, prayer, and love—and describes worship and ministry as encouragement for life’s journey. The congregation’s mission is to demonstrate those commitments first within the church and then to others through outreach, hospitality, and excellence. A Friday prayer call at 1:00 p.m. adds a recurring smaller setting, while sermon excerpts, prayer requests, ministry photographs, and official social updates help visitors learn the church’s voice before arriving.

The church was organized in 1918 after Bishop Charles Spencer Smith recognized the need for an AME congregation on Detroit’s west side. Thirteen charter members signed the organizing document in a member’s home, and a Stanford-and-Cobb property was acquired in 1920. More than a century later, St. Stephen continues to describe fellowship, family, and community service as a defining tradition. Its vision reaches beyond the congregation toward transformative ministry across Detroit, and its teaching that every member is a minister invites people to use their spiritual gifts rather than remain spectators. Visitors can expect historically Black Methodist worship, strong prayer, multigenerational community, and an explicit call to serve.

Researched from the church’s official website and reviewed August 25, 2026. Sources: Sunday worship, Friday prayer, and pastoral welcome · Word, prayer, love, and Detroit outreach mission · 1918 founding and west-side Detroit history · Official ministries directory

Service times

Confirm current times directly with the church before visiting.

Location