Volunteers are "VIPs" at Light of the World Christian Church

At Light of the World Christian Church (LWCC), Indianapolis, volunteers are "Very Important People!" They are servant leaders, the backbone of this 3,000-member African-American congregation. They volunteer for a variety of reasons, such as service, fellowship, request, need and love. Many spend three to five hours or more weekly doing the work of the church. They see a pressing need and fill it. They find a stressing hurt and heal it. They find a worthy cause and support it.

How has one congregation managed to produce and nurture an active and committed corps of hundreds of volunteers during its 138-year history? It's about building relationships and providing opportunities for meaningful ministry within the life of the church for all persons who want to serve. For this congregation, it starts with the pastoral leadership of Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin Jr., senior pastor. For example, some would liken Benjamin to Moses who anoints Aaron for leadership during the Hebrew people's journey in the wilderness. Moses passes on the anointing to Aaron and it just keeps passing on. Benjamin's commitment to leadership flows throughout the congregation.

Light of the World provides numerous opportunities for service within the congregation, community and social agencies. Individuals can serve as members or chairpersons of organizations, such as: prison ministry, ushers, choirs, drill team, liturgical dance, media, spiritual officers, teachers, scholarship, Indiana Girl's School, Project Impact-Indianapolis, New Direction Academy, Respect Academy, jail ministry, Indiana Boy's School, outreach ministries, praise teams, men of discipline (security), church council, stewardship, Boys to Men, Girls to Women, Celebration of Hope (ecumenical service to build unity across racial divide), banner ministry, mime ministry, drama, acolytes, scouts, new members, women's ministries, children's church, orchestra and others. Ongoing leadership training is available for all ages, including children, youth, young adults, adults, and senior adults who have been identified as church leaders. Learning avenues are offered for laity who wish to pursue ministry in the congregation and/or community. In addition, clergy and seminarians can regularly participate in a ministerial fellowship for hands-on practical education about local church ministry, community service, theological issues and biblical study.

Light of the World, a historic Disciples congregation, founded in 1866, was named and recognized as one of the "best of the best" among 300 excellent Protestant congregations across the United States by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. "Welcome to 'the Light' where the love shines bright," is the church motto. The mission statement is: "Jesus is our message, people are our mission, soul winning is our business, children are our focus and prayer is our priority". At LWCC, there is something for everyone. Volunteers are VIP's ~ "Very Important People!"

Several ways LWCC remembers and thanks church volunteers annually: Certificates of recognition and appreciation; Volunteer of the Year plaques and reserved church parking spaces; Celebratory receptions and meals; Special feature in church bulletin, newsletter and media promotion. Several ways LWCC recruits and nurtures church volunteers: Administer and implement the spiritual gifts inventory tool; Advertise for willing volunteers in any capacity of church work; Recruit for volunteers one-on-one, privately and "all call;" Have a Church Volunteer Ministry Fair, showcasing the various ministries; Host a yearly retreat for all church volunteers; Provide ongoing training, communication and interaction; Interview yearly all church volunteers, who serve in leadership roles. Why do members volunteer at "The Light?" "I volunteer because I love the Lord, my church home and my Bishop. I want to be able to give back to the community in a significant and real way. What better way than through the church?"  - Wilbert Buckner (adult) "I volunteer at LWCC, mostly, because I want to give back to a church that has given me so much. Attending LWCC has given me direction and counsel in many aspects of my life. I also volunteer because I want to be a leader and set an example for other youth. Hopefully other youth will learn, like I have, at a young age the importance of giving back to the community."  - Tiffany Burris (youth) "We are called as Christians to work in the vineyard so when I give of myself and my talent, I think it is what God would have me do. God deserves all the honor, glory and praise."  - Myron Richardson (adult) "I volunteer because of Bishop Benjamin's teaching on doing service. If you want to be great, you must serve. You must give of your tithe, talent, time and resources."  - Sean Weaver (young adult)

The Rev. Billye P. Bridges, director of Christian Education Ministries, is a native of Jackson, Miss., and, as you might have guessed, a member of Light of the World Christian Church, Indianapolis.