Amanda Cheatwood
Mar 1, 2025
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell's life story is nothing short of extraordinary—a testament to the boundless power of redemption and the transformative love of God. From his roots on the tough east side of Detroit, where he was deeply entrenched in street culture, to his role as the pastor of 180 Church and his profound moment of praying for President Donald Trump at his second inauguration, Sewell’s journey has been marked by extraordinary encounters with God and a commitment to bringing change, not only to individuals’ lives but to the very fabric of society.
A Life Transformed: From the Streets to the Altar
Sewell’s early years were steeped in hardship. Born on the east side of Detroit, he was raised in a community plagued by violence, poverty, and crime. His father was incarcerated, and he lost his younger brother to a tragic accident at a young age. These losses, coupled with a lack of positive role models, led Sewell to the streets, where he became involved in a life of drugs, violence, and self-destruction. Yet, it was in the midst of this darkness that his life would be radically changed.
“I had drugs in my pocket, I was self-mutilating, and I was broken inside. But that day, I heard the gospel in a way I never had before. I gave my life to Jesus Christ, was baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit. That moment marked a shift from being a dope dealer to a hope dealer.”
On April 18, 1999, while in Daytona Beach, Florida, Sewell attended his grandmother’s church, a decision that would alter the course of his entire life. “I had drugs in my pocket, I was self-mutilating, and I was broken inside,” Sewell recalls. “But that day, I heard the gospel in a way I never had before. I gave my life to Jesus Christ, was baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit.” For Sewell, that moment marked a shift from being a “dope dealer” to a “hope dealer.” The next day, he made the bold decision to go to his drug distributor and tell him he was leaving the life of crime behind.
Sewell feared for his life, but to his surprise, his distributor respected him for his decision. “He said, ‘I respect you.’ I couldn’t believe it,” Sewell reflects. “I was cut off from my supply of resources, but instead of anger or violence, I received respect. It was a powerful moment that reinforced the drastic change I was experiencing in my life.”
This moment, one that so many would call a miracle, was the beginning of Sewell's new life, and he would never look back. His dramatic transformation became the foundation of his calling into ministry and set the stage for what would become a powerful, life-changing mission to serve his community and the nation.
This moment, one that so many would call a miracle, was the beginning of Sewell's new life, and he would never look back.
The Birth of 180 Church: A Place of Life Change
Sewell’s encounter with Christ set him on a path to leadership within the church. In 2018, he became the senior pastor of Evangel Church in Detroit, a church founded in 1955 that had faithfully served the community for decades. However, Sewell recognized that the name “Evangel” was not widely understood and felt that it was time for the church to take on a new identity—one that was unmistakably tied to transformation.
In 2020, the church underwent a major re-branding and became 180 Church. The name change was symbolic of a deeper mission: a church dedicated to complete life change, where people could encounter God and experience a radical shift in their lives. “We wanted a church where in one sentence, you could say, ‘I go to 180 Church,’ and people would immediately know that it’s a place where lives are changed,” Sewell explains. “It’s not just a place to go, it’s a place to grow.”
“We believe that a true turnaround involves the whole person," Sewell says. “This isn’t just about spiritual renewal—it’s about addressing the physical, emotional, and mental needs of the community.
The church’s outreach became an embodiment of this vision, with Sewell leading efforts to provide wraparound services, including housing, education, transportation, and health care. “We believe that a true turnaround involves the whole person," Sewell says. “This isn’t just about spiritual renewal—it’s about addressing the physical, emotional, and mental needs of the community."
The COVID-19 pandemic forced churches everywhere to rethink their mission, and 180 Church was no exception. Sewell saw the pandemic not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for the church to dig deeper into its mission. “We were forced to rethink everything—how we serve, how we reach out to people, and how we address the needs of our community,” Sewell reflects. “We wanted 180 Church to be a place where people can come and experience a complete turnaround, a transformation not just in their hearts but in their entire lives.”
A Prophetic Call: Praying for President Trump
As Pastor Sewell’s influence grew, so did his platform. He quickly became known for his unwavering faith and commitment to not only preach the gospel but also to influence the world for good. This commitment led him to an unprecedented moment in 2020 when President Donald Trump visited 180 Church for a roundtable discussion. This meeting was more than just a political visit—it was a prophetic moment for Sewell’s ministry and his personal journey.
Sewell had long believed that God had called him to be a voice in politics, but it wasn’t until a powerful sermon by Reverend Franklin Graham in 2000 that Sewell began to understand the depth of his calling. “I remember hearing Reverend Graham preach about the sanctity of life and the importance of biblical values in politics,” Sewell shares. “That was when I first felt the calling to engage in political issues—not just as a pastor but as a voice for righteousness in the public square.”
“When President Trump came to my church, I felt like the Holy Spirit released a mantle on me, much like the one Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wore,” Sewell says. “It was as if God was saying, ‘You are called to use your platform to preach the Word and influence policies.’”
That calling was fulfilled when Sewell was invited to pray at President Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. It was a moment Sewell had never expected, but he saw it as the fulfillment of a prophecy spoken over him years before. “When President Trump came to my church, I felt like the Holy Spirit released a mantle on me, much like the one Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wore,” Sewell says. “It was as if God was saying, ‘You are called to use your platform to preach the Word and influence policies.’”
Sewell's prayer at the inauguration was more than just a ceremonial gesture—it was a moment of spiritual significance. Sewell prayed not only for the president but for the nation as a whole, calling for unity and wisdom in leadership. “This is why God allowed all of this to happen,” Sewell declares. “It’s to show people that Jesus can give them a 180-degree transformation, no matter where they’ve been or what they’ve done.”
Faith, Politics, and the Church’s Role
Sewell’s journey has deeply intertwined faith and politics. He believes that revival and societal change go hand in hand, and that the church has a vital role in shaping the direction of the nation. "Every revival in the Bible had a political component,” Sewell says. “Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, Joseph, Nehemiah—these were all men who influenced the political systems of their time. God connects revival to politics because revival leads to societal transformation.”
To Sewell, this connection is more than just theoretical—it's rooted in the actions of biblical figures who were called not only to spread the gospel but to engage in the political and cultural systems of their day. These figures did not simply preach or teach in isolated spiritual spaces; they were deeply involved in the political world around them, shaping its course in alignment with God’s purposes.
For example, Jesus, the greatest revivalist of all, was not only a spiritual leader but also a king. While He came to establish God’s Kingdom, He frequently interacted with political figures, such as Pontius Pilate, and His ministry itself had a political edge as He confronted the corruption of the religious elite and spoke about the Kingdom of God that transcended earthly powers. Jesus made it clear that His Kingdom was not of this world, yet He actively engaged with the systems in place.
John the Baptist was a prophet who confronted King Herod for his immoral actions, specifically his unlawful marriage. John's confrontation was a direct challenge to the political powers of his time, calling for righteousness and repentance. His ministry shook the political establishment and led to his martyrdom, demonstrating that speaking truth to power often carries great cost.
The Apostle Paul used his position as a Roman citizen to challenge the authorities and spread the gospel across the Roman Empire. He appealed to political leaders, such as King Agrippa, and boldly declared his faith before rulers and officials, advocating for the rights of Christians while also urging the political leaders to align their policies with God's moral law.
Joseph in Egypt mentored Pharaoh, interpreting dreams that foretold the future and advised the king on how to prepare for a famine. Joseph’s wisdom and leadership not only saved Egypt but also positioned him as a powerful figure in political decision-making, showing how God's people can influence nations through wisdom and service.
Nehemiah, serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, used his political position to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Nehemiah's relationship with the king allowed him to secure the necessary resources and permission to rebuild the city, demonstrating how political favor can be used for God’s work.
And Daniel, in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar, served as a wise advisor who interpreted dreams and visions, navigating the political and spiritual landscape of Babylon. His influence on the king helped guide the Babylonian empire, and Daniel’s unwavering faith in God set an example of how believers can influence political systems, even in foreign lands.
These biblical figures show us that revival often intersects with politics. They did not separate their faith from their political actions; instead, they used their positions to affect change, promote justice, and lead people toward God’s plan.
These biblical figures show us that revival often intersects with politics. They did not separate their faith from their political actions; instead, they used their positions to affect change, promote justice, and lead people toward God’s plan. The church, according to Sewell, must follow this example, realizing that political engagement is not a distraction from spiritual work—it is integral to the work of transformation and revival.
Sewell advocates for the church’s active participation in political discourse, viewing it as part of fulfilling the Great Commission. “The Bible speaks to governance. It speaks to how we govern ourselves and interact with the world. We can’t separate our faith from the way we engage with the world,” he emphasizes. “The church must be a force in politics because the systems of this world need the light of Christ to guide them.”
The church, according to Sewell, must follow this example, realizing that political engagement is not a distraction from spiritual work—it is integral to the work of transformation and revival.
Balancing Ministry and Family Life
While Sewell’s ministry continues to grow, balancing his responsibilities as a pastor, husband, and father is not without its challenges. However, he believes that the key to managing it all is surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “Jesus taught us how to spend time with the Father, and the Holy Spirit is the greatest teacher,” Sewell says. “He teaches me how to balance my time, how to be a better husband, father, and leader. He’s teaching me every day how to do this.”
Sewell’s deep dependence on the Holy Spirit is foundational to his leadership. “The greatest thing you can say to the Holy Spirit is, ‘I don’t know. Use me,’” he adds. “That’s the foundation of discipleship—yielding to the Spirit and allowing Him to guide every area of your life.”
“The greatest thing you can say to the Holy Spirit is, ‘I don’t know. Use me,’” he adds. “That’s the foundation of discipleship—yielding to the Spirit and allowing Him to guide every area of your life.”
A Call to Embrace Revival
Sewell’s journey is a powerful reminder that revival is not just a personal experience—it is a movement that affects entire communities, cities, and nations. “Revival is about transforming the world around us,” Sewell says. “It’s not just about a personal spiritual awakening—it’s about using your faith to bring change in every area of life—politics, family, education, and more.”
As Sewell continues to lead 180 Church, his message is clear: God has the power to radically transform lives. Whether you are on the streets or in the highest echelons of power, God is able to turn anyone's life around. For those seeking hope and change, Sewell’s story offers a powerful testament to the work of Christ.
For more about Pastor Lorenzo Sewell and 180 Church, visit their website at https://180church.cc and connect with them on social media.
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