As pastor of Light of the World Christian Church (LWCC) over the last 42 years, Bishop Tom Benjamin has gained respect for leading his congregation to growth, preparing dozens of people to serve in ministry and being a voice for social empowerment and justice.
It was officially announced Wednesday that Benjamin will retire as senior pastor of LWCC at the end of the 2012.
“It’s very simple. I’m not sick, I’m not mad, I’m not in trouble, I’m not being put out,” Benjamin said. “I made a decision based on hearing the voice of God tell me I have another assignment, which is to invest more of my life and time with my grandchildren and family.”
To succeed Benjamin, a special succession search committee was formed to find a new senior pastor. The committee began with 10 candidates and after research and interviews chose Dr. David Hampton, an Indianapolis native who served as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. The congregation unanimously voted for Hampton.
“I’ve watched Bishop Benjamin all my life and he’s become a father in the ministry to me,” Hampton said. “I never imagined that I would pastor Light of the World, but I’ve always used Bishop Benjamin as my pastoral model. I felt like he was the greatest shepherd I had ever seen in the way he loves his (congregation) and the way he is patient. I never thought I would succeed him.”
Some observers thought Pastor Michael Drane, who had served as an associate pastor of youth and young adults at LWCC would eventually become senior pastor. Benjamin said, “He will probably want to pastor or start another church. Seminary is his next step. Once he gets that out the way, he will be the full package. He is a dynamic young man with a great future.”
LWCC, one of the city’s oldest predominantly African American congregations was established in 1866. Since assuming leadership of the historic church in 1969 at age 26, Benjamin immediately set a progressive agenda that would expand the church’s involvement in the community and transform thousands of lives through spiritual renewal.
Benjamin has established numerous ministries and programs that address many of the needs in the community, including a senior living complex and youth mentoring initiatives.
A spiritual and social leader with national acclaim, Benjamin has successfully led his congregation through some of the most intense times in the history of America and Indianapolis, from the Civil Rights era to the global Internet age.
Always ready to speak out against injustice and social dysfunction, Benjamin is known for his vocal efforts to combat street violence, fight against discrimination and police brutality as well as promote the stability of the African-American family unit.
Benjamin has also gained respect among individuals both in and outside of the ministerial community as someone who is down-to-earth, assessable and is passionate about ensuring that the church is meeting the needs of the community.
Benjamin added that he didn’t want to retire from his position like a defeated fighter who did not exit while he was still in his prime.
“I always prayed that I would not stay too long, nor finish to early,” Benjamin said. “It’s the right time. It’s time to pass the baton to a new generation.”
Hampton, 39, is a graduate of Lawrence Central High School, earned a bachelors degree in criminal justice from the University of Indianapolis, a master of theological studies degree, and a doctor of ministry degree in practical theology from Christian Theological Seminary.
Before serving as pastor at Bethany, Hampton was pastor of Zion Hope Baptist Church in Indianapolis. He also established Antioch Church, a non-denominational congregation.
Benjamin noted that he recommended Hampton to the search committee (although he did not participate in the interviews)because he was, “intelligent, seminary trained and social justice orientated.”
“That is very important, I believe, because a pastor should pastor, prophet and priest,” Benjamin said. “I think that’s a combination many ministers do not have. That’s been our way in which we’ve demonstrated our Christianity in this community.”
Hampton felt a spiritual calling after praying to God when Benjamin asked him to consider taking his place as senior pastor. Hampton, who has ministered in Kenya and Egypt, said he realized that the kingdom of God is global and hopes to use what he’s learned to help further the mission of LWCC.
“What I learned is that when you’re exposed to the world it helps broaden our vision for ministry,” he said. “It certainly broadened my understanding of people and I would like to take that mentality to Light of the World, which is a world-class church and is respected around the country.”
Hampton, who is married with two children, was extensively active in New York. He served as a founding board member of Brooklyn City Prep Charter High School, was on the advisory board of the Boys and Girls High School and worked with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.
He is author of the book Narrative of Theology As An Hermeneutic Approach and a 2011 recipient of the Presidential Call to Service Award, recognized by President Barack Obama.
Congressman Ed Towns of New York regrets that Hampton is leaving, but is certain he will do amazing things at LWCC.
“He is highly respected by members of the clergy and elected officials have great admiration and respect for him. He has so much to offer,” said Towns.
Dr. Gary Simpson of The Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn added that Hampton can bring passion to any cause.
“In a culture of church’s that don’t always commit themselves to the plight of the poor, he’s been on the frontlines of trying to make conditions better in Brooklyn and New York,” he said.
Hampton, who noted he is leaving Bethany on good terms, will be pastor-elect until his installation. His first sermon at LWCC will be on New Year’s Eve He will also preach during the church anniversary service on Nov. 13.
Benjamin said he will spend more time in California where his grandchildren live, but will still be active at the church and in the community.
“I see myself active with the Indianapolis Hunger initiative, the churches we have planted and anything that stands against injustice,” he said. “It is important to me that David becomes successful and the unfettered senior pastor of LWCC. My job will be to counsel, support and serve him. I might even see what it’s like to be an usher or be in the choir.”
