By Joe Edward Pormai
In a well-attended and spirit-filled Father’s Day service at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Beltsville, Maryland, Bishop Dr. James Boye-Caulker delivered a moving sermon titled “Who Am I?”, drawn from Psalm 8:1–9. The service, held on Sunday morning, was marked by joyful worship, reflective prayer, and a timely message that touched the hearts of many congregants. The theme centered on human worth, divine love, and the sacred role of fathers.
Bishop Boye-Caulker opened his message by referencing the popular Christian song “Who Am I?” by Casting Crowns. Using its lyrics as a springboard, he reflected on the immense value God places on each human life. “Not because of who I am, but because of what You’ve done,” the lyrics proclaim, “I am Yours.”
Drawing from Psalm 8, the bishop Boye-Caulker emphasized that the same God who created the vast universe also takes thought of humankind. “Who am I, that the Lord of all the Earth would care to know my name?” he asked the congregation rhetorically, echoing both the psalmist and the song.
Bishop Boye-Caulker shared a famous story involving Sir Isaac Newton, who once told an atheist friend that a model of the solar system appeared by accident—to highlight the absurdity of denying a Creator. “If a model must have a maker,” said Bishop Caulker, “how much more the real universe? Creation demands a Creator.” He affirmed that each person is uniquely designed by God, made in His image, and created with purpose—not by chance.
Referencing Rick Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life, the bishop reminded the congregation that God created humanity as a special object of His love. “Before we were born, He made the world inhabitable. Before we needed salvation, He provided it. Before we needed guidance, He gave us His Word.”
Ultimately, God’s greatest act of love was demonstrated on the cross through Jesus Christ.
“He chose the nails,” Bishop Boy-Caulker said. “Jesus didn’t die for the rainforest or the whales—He died for you and me.”
Psalm 8 doesn’t stop at God’s care—it goes further, declaring that humanity is “crowned with glory and honor” and entrusted with responsibility over creation.
“Only humans are made in the image of God,” said Bishop Caulker. “Only we can reflect His glory through creativity, morality, and spiritual understanding. “He emphasized that through Christ, believers reclaim their dignity and divine purpose.
Appropriately, Bishop Caulker turned his focus to fathers, urging them to fulfil their God-given role with intentionality, love, and spiritual leadership. Quoting Colossians 3:21, he warned against discouraging children and stressed the importance of raising them with hope in God, not worldly success.
“The most important thing a father can do is to be a man of God,” he said. “Lead your families with faith, model character, and provide the kind of nurturing environment where children can thrive.”
He reminded fathers that they were called for a purpose and challenged them to live up to their calling with integrity and grace.
The bishop James Boye- Caulker closed his message with a heartfelt invitation:“If you ever feel small or insignificant, remember: the Lord of all the Earth knows your name. He hears you when you call. He alone can tell you who you are.”
The service concluded with a blessing for all fathers and a resounding, heartfelt wish:
Happy Father’s Day. God bless you.
