Lighthouse International Church

Reimagining Ministry for Today

The phone rang just two weeks before Christmas, and a soft-spoken man with a West African accent exclaimed, “We need leadership training as soon as possible!” Pastor Calvin Birch of the Lighthouse International Church recalled the journey of starting the African Christian Community Church of the Richmond Baptist Association over 19 years ago (now Lighthouse International Church).

He more specifically noted that as the African immigrants came into Richmond they joined the church, were helped towards independence, and went on their way successfully into the larger society. Pastor Birch then began to reminisce of the once-strong children’s ministry at the church.

An assessment determined that training was needed in the areas of reaching children, doing evangelism, and providing separate leadership development opportunities for men and women. With the support of the Alma Hunt Offering, WMU of Virginia was able to put together a dynamic teaching team to equip and inspire church leaders.

Pray for Pastor Birch and Lighthouse International Church in Glen Allen, VA, as they reimagine ministry in today’s world.