CHURCH HISTORY
Light of the World Church of Christ (LWCC) was founded on August 1, 1999. On that date, we established and solidified our dedication to, and belief in, "church and community cooperating to bring glory to Christ."
LWCC strives to bring a 1st Century message to a 21st Century world. We are a non-denominational, non-instrumental, revolutionary New Testament community working to connect God's message to those around us. We welcome humanity from all walks of life into the body of Christ. Here at Light of the World, we believe in dynamic worship and concentrate on the idea of "same message, different method." We take the Word of God and apply it to the day and times we live in.
LWCC is committed to reaching the un-churched—defined as being disillusioned with the traditional church—as well as the pre-churched, those who do not yet enjoy a relationship with Christ. And we create a non-threatening welcoming environment for those who have stopped attending or never attended church.
Before Light of the World Church of Christ was ever established, its founder, Dr. E. D. Seamster, Jr. was inspired by the spiritual vision placed on his heart and a desire for a more inclusive worship experience. LWCC parishioners, to this day, fondly recall their inaugural worship service at the Bronco Bowl Entertainment Center in Southern Dallas County. In this humble, holy place, 200 members worshipped God in spirit and in truth with a stirring celebration that begged comparisons to an enthusiastic group of thousands.
Understanding the responsibility of the church to minister to the masses that have yet to know Jesus Christ for themselves, Dr. Seamster first presented his proposal for an urban ministry to the elders at Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ, where he had served the previous nine years as an intern, Associate Minister and, ultimately, Senior Minister.
After blessing the new church mission, leaders at Marsalis Avenue encouraged members who wished to be part of supporting Dr. Seamster to go with him. Not one person, not one family, was ever solicited to follow or help. Initially, only four people took the leap of faith to become planters for the new church. Clifford Mills, Kenneth Robinson, Erika Stevens and Sharon Adams will never be forgotten or erased from a history that could not have been written without them. The four morphed into 125.
Prior to that Bronco Bowl service—the first for Light of the World—there was a hunger present in the 60 days and 60 nights charter members spent together anticipating their new home. For two months, Dr. Seamster studied and prayed with the families and individuals who pledged to do this great work with him. God heard those faithful prayers. Without the support and loyalty humbly demonstrated by this core group, LWCC would never have enjoyed the family atmosphere still present today in these same members.
Before Dr. Seamster delivered the first sermon, for new LWCC members, 10 ministries had already been organized, including Music, Women's, Power Tuesday for Men and Youth. Blessed with a love for children and seniors in the midst, Dr. Seamster's compassionate heart, intellectual gifts and sincere zeal are evident throughout his church planning. The fruits of his labor, and those of vineyard workers, speak to the level of commitment and care.
In its first year, LWCC baptized 25 precious souls into Christ, received more than 200 membership transfers, implemented a total of 23 ministries, and participated in the various Christian Athletic leagues across the city. The church sent 10 teenagers and three counselors to the National Youth Conference and established a holiday program, Friends & Family Day, the ordination of the Senior Minister and a celebratory musical honoring the first anniversary of LWCC.
Historians, theologians and culture commentators have noted LWCC is the first African American church of Christ to institute a Music Ministry that is responsible for opening worship services with a praise team of men and women singing together in harmony. It is an a cappella style designed to edify and inspire members who join in and celebrate how deeply rooted LWCC is in its belief that melodious voices serve as instruments of worship. A cappella means "in the manner of the church."
There have been many critiques and questions on the origins of the name 'Light of the World.' As a thoughtful church planter, Dr. Seamster has always researched each and every decision made for, and about, LWCC to ensure the answers are grounded and based on spiritual, ontological truths. The name, 'Light of the World, is intended to make a profound statement about who we are (ontology) and not where we are (geography).
While many churches of Christ hold dear to traditions of naming congregations after locations, Dr. Seamster preferred to use scripture to honor the mission of reaching the un-churched of this world, wherever they may reside. Great theologians agree and offer food for thought with one question: "What would Christ name His church today?"
Since the registered and whole legal name is LWCC of Dallas, this church is very closely structured, in name, to the first of those designated like "the Church at Ephesus." Light of the World is the first black church of Christ in America to choose a non-geographical street destination for its name. Members are truly committed to being the "light of the world" at Dallas.
LWCC will continue to be a conduit of change throughout the city of Dallas and global communities the church is committed to serving. Every year, the members identify seniors in the congregation who need their homes renovated. 'Habitat for Christianity' is free of charge. During November and December, LWCC distributes turkeys at the Martin Luther King Center in Fair Park and from its church pantry. Last year, LWCC fed 150 families and another 300 families were provided gifts, clothes and school supplies.
Dozens of civic and religious leaders, based in North Texas, have visited the church and applauded its programs and ministries, including LWCC voter registration workshops, community forums, health/job fairs, sheltering for hurricane Katrina and Rita survivors, after school reading programs and the outreach hunger initiatives for victims of HIV/AIDS at the Hillcrest House.
Not only do LWCC members celebrate the wisdom of elders, the church strongly believes in the power of youth while understanding the value of making an investment in the high-tech now generation. LWCC has also established scholarships to send the young men and women of our church to school so they will be equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in this world and pay it forward. To achieve LWCC goals of helping all young people equate their worth, there are two mentoring programs: Sons of Samuel for boys and Women of Worship for girls. There is something for everyone at LWCC, including two exciting youth services each Sunday and a newsletter specifically designed to address their concerns. On Saturdays (as needed), personal tutors work to help students strengthen their math and reading skills.
At Light of the World, we support and applaud the contributions of women in the ministry. These strong sisters serve in many capacities at LWCC, including one who is Secretary of the Board and chief financial officer. Others serve as ministry leader for special events, music directors for singing groups, children's programs, the church clerk and broadcast ministry.
LWCC is dedicated to serving its membership with three ordained deacons: Fred Allen, Curtis Holland and Dwayne Pugh. Twice a month, on Saturdays, the church will include a casual "seeker sensitive" service. Light of the World is committed to creating more affordable housing for seniors, safe havens for battered women, and a model prison ministry for incarcerated men and women that will design solutions to issues outlined in Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow.
With the word of God to guide us, we will continue to serve everyone in the community around us and inspire even greater humility in worship. The enthusiasm for our goals, as we proudly celebrate 15 years and hope in a great future, our devotion shall not ever waver. Light of the World Church of Christ has truly been blessed and we pray that we are blessed with many more years to serve the Lord.