From Cell to Capitol: Lorenzo Sewell's Inaugural Benediction

Rev. Lorenzo Sewell's journey from Detroit's east side to the presidential inauguration podium marks a transformative moment in American political and religious history, capped by a controversial crypto launch

Written By Rebecca Johnson // EEW Magazine Online

Pastor of ‘180 Church’ in Detroit, Lorenzo Sewell, delivers a benediction after President Donald Trump was sworn in during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb/Pool photo via AP)

The scene was almost too perfect to be scripted: A former convict leading the nation in prayer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025, at Donald Trump's second inauguration. But that's exactly what happened when Rev. Lorenzo Sewell stepped up to the microphone.

The Detroit-based pastor didn't just deliver a prayer – he orchestrated a moment. Standing before the packed National Mall, Sewell painted with broad strokes of history, pulling threads from King's legacy and weaving them into America's current fabric. His voice, carrying traces of both pulpit and street, commanded attention.

Lorenzo Sewell embraces President Donald Trump at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb/Pool photo via AP)

When he echoed King's immortal "Let freedom ring" and "Free at last" refrains, the crowd fell silent. This wasn't just another inauguration prayer; this was theater of the soul.

Sewell, still fresh-faced at 43, didn't dance around controversy either. He referenced the July attempt on Trump's life – what his congregation had dubbed the "millimeter miracle" – with the confidence of someone who's seen a few close calls himself.

The Rise of a Different Kind of Preacher

Step into 180 Church today and you might miss its humble beginnings. What started as a basement ministry has exploded into a 700-seat powerhouse with satellite locations scattered across Michigan's urban landscape like seeds of hope – from Pontiac to Flint to Saginaw.

Lorenzo Sewell’s spirited prayer at President Donald Trump at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, caused quite the stir online. (Saul Loeb/Pool photo via AP)

Last June, when Trump's visit turned his sanctuary into standing room only, Sewell emerged as more than just another pastor. His bold declaration that "The gospel message is a political message" raised eyebrows and opened doors, including an invitation to pray at the inauguration – news he shared at the Black Conservative Federation's Legacy of Freedom Ball with characteristic flair.

Faith Meets the Future

Then came the twist nobody saw coming: $Lorenzo, Sewell's personal cryptocurrency, launched in the afterglow of the inauguration. The timing was either brilliant or brazen, depending on who you ask.

His pitch on Instagram was pure Sewell: part preacher, part entrepreneur, all ambition. The vision? Using crypto gains to fuel community programs in housing, education, and healthcare. But critics like MSNBC's Joy Reid weren't buying it, calling his approach more performance than prayer.

A Nation Divided, Again

The reaction was predictably split. While some saw divine inspiration in action, others questioned whether political prayer belonged at a presidential ceremony at all. The Black conservative community rallied behind him, but his crypto venture left even some supporters scratching their heads.

Back in Detroit, Sewell keeps pushing boundaries, challenging what it means to be a religious leader in the digital age. His story reads like a modern parable – part redemption tale, part cautionary tale, all American dream.

Love him or doubt him, Sewell's got everyone talking about faith, politics, and the future of ministry. And in 2025's America, that might be exactly what we need.