Light of the World Church of Christ was officially established August
1, 1999. More than 200 people
worshipped God in spirit and truth
in the inaugural worship celebration at the Bronco Bowl Entertainment
Center in Dallas' southern sector.
Inspired by the spiritual vision placed in the heart of Dr. E. D.
Seamster, Jr., LWCC was organized to reach a diverse and complex group
of people-the unchurched. Understanding the responsibility of the
church to minister to the masses who have yet to know Jesus for themselves,
Dr. Seamster became committed to organizing an urban ministry whose
core belief system would involve dynamic worship and revolve around
the phrase-"Same Message, Different Method."
Knowing that he could not ignore the burning desire in his heart,
Dr. Seamster presented his proposal 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 ministry, the MACC leadership encouraged any of their
members to go with Dr. Seamster and establish he new work.
For two months prior to the initial worship service, Dr. Seamster
studied and prayed with those individuals
and families who had committed themselves to work with LWCC. Before
Dr. Seamster delivered
his
first sermon,
ten ministries had already been organized, including Music, Women's,
Power Tuesday for Men and Youth.
Blessed with spiritual insight, a compassionate heart, intellectual
gifts and zeal beyond measure, Dr. Seamster poured himself into the
organization of LWCC and the fruits of his labor are evidenced by
the level of commitment of the members.
In its first year, LWCC baptized 25 persons into Christ, received
more than 200 membership transfers, implemented 23 ministries, participated
in the various Christian Athletic leagues in the city, 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.
By the benediction of the first service in August 1999, LWCC had clearly
established herself as a model for urban ministry in the 21st century.