FOR NEARLY TWO hours, the arena-sized church on Primrose Avenue in Northwest Baltimore rocked with rhythmic fury. Its crowd of more than 2,000 danced, sang and clapped in cadence. Its charismatic young pastor and founder bellowed a powerful message that often brought the crowd to its feet.
Then it was time for the Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant to wrap up his sermon and extend invitation to Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal, the megachurch he founded six years ago with 43 members that has grown to more than 10,000.
Standing at the foot of the altar, scanning over a congregation still simmering with emotion, he stretched his arms and asks, "Would you come?"
This is the moment in African-American church worship when enflamed spirits often give way to cold feet. Pastors request visitors to come forward and join their flock, and some are fortunate to see one person approach the altar.
When Bryant finally closed the invitation, about 40 people stood before him -- young and old, dressed from Sunday best to casual to tattered. Undoubtedly, they were moved, beckoned by a message that seemed tailored just for them.
So what makes Bryant so special, his message so captivating? He quotes from rapper Jay-Z, blares music from rapper Kanye West. He speaks to women who are lacking a man in their lives. He mentions Prozac and talks openly about sex.
He insists that your life and faith are relevant no matter who you are. Then, he stresses ways for individuals to empower themselves by harnessing their uniqueness.
Empowerment Temple services also feature choreographed dance troupes, national recording artists, dazzling light displays and JumboTron speakers on both sides of a theme-decorated, basketball-court sized pulpit.
"The Gospel is ageless and empowerment is priceless," says Bryant during an interview, his voice trembling like that of a civil rights orator yet flowing like that of a smooth rapper. "Empowerment is something that you can't pay for; once someone finds it and finds their purpose, you can't put a price tag on it."
This type of talk has led to a huge surplus.
Bryant's church averages about 75 new members over three Sunday services. His attendees come from as far as New York City. He says 47 percent of his membership has never joined any other church.
