Black Christian History: Jarena Lee

Although Jarena Lee, an African American woman, was born free during a time when slavery defined the nation, her life journey was anything but easy. Her story is a powerful chapter in Black Christian history and offers much to learn from this courageous pioneer of faith.Recognized as the first woman authorized to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church—and later posthumously ordained as an elder—Jarena Lee also became the first African American woman to publish an autobiography. A self-taught scholar and preacher, she faced relentless opposition because of both her race and her gender. Even after convincing church leaders that her call to preach was genuine, her challenges did not cease.Lee traveled long distances—often on foot—and delivered hundreds of sermons each year. She preached wherever doors opened: churches, homes, schools, courthouses, revivals, camp meetings, prayer gatherings, and even steamships. Her life reflects the cultural struggles of her era and the unwavering conviction that when God calls, obedience must follow.Join us as we explore the faith, perseverance, and theology of Jarena Lee—an enduring voice in Black Church history whose legacy still speaks today.