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Methodist
Official WebsiteAfrican Methodist Episcopal (AME)
Founded 1816
Nashville, TN
491 churches
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest independent Protestant denomination founded by Black Americans, established in 1816 by Richard Allen in Philadelphia in protest of racial segregation in Methodist worship. The AME Church combines Wesleyan theology with a prophetic commitment to racial justice, education, and liberation. It has historically been a center of African American community life, civil rights activism, and global missions in Africa and the Caribbean.
Doctrine
What We Believe
Salvation
Grace available to all; free will to accept Christ; emphasis on sanctification
Scripture
Bible as the inspired Word of God; interpreted through Wesleyan tradition
Baptism
Both infant and believer's baptism; sprinkling or immersion
Communion
Spiritual presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper
Worship Style
Vibrant and Spirit-filled; gospel music, call-and-response preaching, communal energy
Church Government
Episcopal; bishops govern episcopal districts; General Conference is highest authority
Women in Leadership
Women ordained as deacons, elders, and bishops
LGBTQ+ Stance
Traditional; marriage defined as between a man and woman (official position)
Geography
Where to Find African Methodist Episcopal (AME)
South Carolina89
Florida75
Georgia45
Texas29
Illinois26
Pennsylvania25
North Carolina25
491 African Methodist Episcopal (AME) churches
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Directory
Featured African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Churches
Frequently Asked Questions
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is a Methodist denomination founded by Richard Allen in 1816. It holds to Wesleyan theology emphasizing salvation by grace, sanctification, and social justice. The AME Church has a historic commitment to racial equality and community empowerment.
The AME Church shares Wesleyan theology with other Methodist bodies but was founded specifically as a response to racial discrimination in white Methodist churches. It has a strong tradition of social activism, community development, and African American cultural expression in worship.
AME worship blends traditional Methodist liturgy with African American worship traditions. Services include spirited hymn singing, responsive readings, heartfelt prayer, and dynamic preaching. Gospel music is prominent, and congregational participation is enthusiastic. Services often run 90 minutes or longer.
Search PewSearch's directory and filter by "African Methodist Episcopal" to find AME churches near you with service times, contact information, and directions.
Expect a vibrant, warm, and welcoming service with powerful music and preaching. The congregation is typically very engaged in worship. Dress tends to be on the formal side, especially for Sunday morning services. Visitors are warmly acknowledged and often invited to fellowship.
Yes. Like other Methodist traditions, the AME Church practices infant baptism, viewing it as a sign of God's grace at work before a person can respond in faith. Both infant baptism and believer's baptism are accepted.
The AME Church is episcopal in governance, led by bishops who oversee geographic districts. The General Conference is the highest legislative body, meeting every four years. Local churches are organized into annual conferences and districts, with pastors appointed by bishops.
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