God's Nobody
                                                                          (By Joyce Richardson)

His middle initial is "D" and there are rumors in the religious circle that it stands for dynamic. Ervin Seamster, or Dr. E. D. Seamster, Jr. as listed on his resume, is in the process of building one of the most promising urban ministries up-and-coming in the Christian community on the scene today. "Give me another ten years," Seamster once promised, "and I'll really have it together then." But believers and non-believers who have seen "The Light"(Light of the World Church), say he's already got it together and can only get better. From all the glowing reviews and amens given Dr. Seamster, he's not by any means considered an overnight, religious sensation. Life, poetically stated by Langston Hughes, ain't been no crystal stair for the 35-year old minister. Seamster once called his own youthful head, as a kid growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, "hard as the wooden podium" he preaches from. What he credits with turning his life around comes as no surprise to many African-Americans with a strong, spiritual base. Dr. Seamster often relates stories to his parishioners of how his mother "turned him over to God". According to Dr. Seamster, Iona Calloway-Seamster had done all she could with him. And judging by the loyal following he seems to command everywhere he goes, Momma Seamster did the right thing. Dr. Seamster's parents, Iona and Ervin, Sr., also guided their son and urged him to pursue his educational opportunities. Seamster took this advice to heart, first attending Southwestern Christian College on a basketball scholarship, where he played swing guard, on-and-off the court, Ervin came to the attention of many. Because he was a non-member, several people encouraged him to study the Word and attend services. Friends like Steven Cook and William Smith were patient, but persistent with invitations that Ervin should visit the church. Finally, another friend, Alvin McCoy, gave Seamster a suit to wear, after learning he didn't have one. Religious history was made when Seamster wore that suit and stepped into God's house at the West End Church of Christ in Terrell, Texas. McCoy's suit is now a permanent fixture in Seamster's closet, as a reminder of the rough road, past present and future. That unpaved road is a long way from Southwestern's J.S. Winston Hall. William Smith, classmate, friend and colleague, says that Dr. Seamster has come a great distance in the 17 years he has known him. When asked what he thinks of his former classmate's style, Smith answered, "I think Dr. Seamster is one of the most gifted and upcoming preachers with in the churches of Christ. I think his style fits his personality. That's Ervin. It's no façade. You have Ervin." After five years at SWCC, Seamster went on to study at the prestigious Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Those studies led to a one-year internship at MACC, which in turn, led to a 1992 firm offer to stay. It's an offer that made Senior Minister, Dr. Grover C. Washington very proud, "I feel that the congregation is blessed to have Ervin D. Seamster serving in this capacity. His leadership will grow and have a national impact on the church in the future." Dr. Washington also called Seamster a very sharp and committed young man, self-made, in terms of his academic achievements. Dr. Seamster completed his Doctorate Degree at United Theological Seminary of Dayton, Ohio and graduated in the spring of 1997. In the future, Dr. Seamster would like to continue in the vein of doing more of what he's doing now, working with people. "God has called me to be the prophet of social justice, " Seamster explained. His sermons are peppered with religious philosophy and social commentary, probably shaped by the number one process theologian in the country, Dr. Schubert Ogden. Dr. Seamster says it was a, "dream come true", to study under Ogden. But there are others admired by the critical thinker. Consider his favorite teacher, Professor William Abraham, or his favorite philosopher, Dr. Cornell West, whose book, "Race Matters", is on the New York Times Bestseller List. Then consider Malcolm X, a man Dr. Seamster fondly embraces as hero. When asked why Malcolm, Dr. Seamster responded, "Because he critiqued the American government and religion with so much integrity, courage, and with so much clarity." Dr. Seamster is quick to point out he is an organic (growing) intellectual, not an academician, as his honor student status might lead one to believe. Members, always armed with their Bibles, would do well to also bring pocket dictionaries, as Dr. Seamster's expository and Bible-based sermons provide a unique balance of the scriptures with refreshing interpretations, new words and concepts and some distinctly different approaches to saving souls. Among the lessons that describe the many facets of Seamster's personality, he offers this insight, "Breaking Bread" best represents who I am, while "Faith In A Foreign Land" speaks for the activist in me." Dr. Seamster's hectic weekly schedule and life in the ministry is part of a divine plan he faithfully follows. Part of that plan includes a wife and family someday. Another part of the plan is to continue to inspire and teach those he compares himself to, a one-time nobody, whom God has made into somebody. If Dr. Seamster walked and talked with the President of the United States one day, most believe he would be at home the next talking to the homeless and oppressed of society. "God is the God of the oppressed," Seamster said, "Without hope life has no meaning, without meaning there is no struggle." With God's help and earthly encouragement, Dr. Seamster was able to change his life and is humbled and grateful for the many theological hats he must wear. To the average young man he serves as mentor. To the seniors, he's the son they can impart all life's wisdom and experiences to. To the sick, he is someone who they know will visit them. To the "The Light", he's their Jeremiah, an example to follow. To his late mother, he's a diamond in the rough, still being polished by God. And to the Almighty, he's a messenger, who will never, ever again, be a nobody.