Dr. David A. Hampton
Rev. David A. Hampton, Senior Pastor of Light of the World Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Indianapolis, IN, was overwhelmingly and with great enthusiasm elected to the helm of one of the Disciples leading congregations in the United States in November, 2011. He is only the 5th Senior Pastor of the 145-year old Light of the World Christian Church. In December 2012, he will follow the 43 year pastorate of Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., D.Min.
Dr. Hampton became the 10th Pastor of the historic Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn, New York, in January 2008. He hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he successfully served as a Senior Pastor from 2000 to 2007, prior to his call to the Bethany Baptist Church.
Pastor Hampton served as Executive Director of Celebration of Hope in 1999, serving under his father in ministry, Bishop Tom Benjamin of Light of the World Christian Church. He also served as a Field Education Supervisor at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2005.
Upon his arrival in New York City, Dr. Hampton took seriously the prophetic call of social justice as he participated in a May, 2008, protest of the Sean Bell verdict. He
was arrested and jailed for civil disobedience. He is also committed to global missions, particularly in Africa, having traveled to Kenya and Egypt. Additionally, he worked with the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council) of New York and has traveled to Israel.
Dr. Hampton earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Indianapolis in 1994, his Master of Theological Studies degree in 2000 from Christian Theological Seminary and his D.Min. in Practical Theology (Summa Cum Laude) from Christian Theological Seminary in 2006.
Dr. Hampton has received numerous awards and recognition for his faithful service and leadership.
As an Adjunct Professor at New York Theological Seminary, Dr. Hampton also served on various Board of Directors in New York, among them, the National Action Network New York, New York, and the Brooklyn City Prep Charter High School in Brooklyn. Among other recognition Pastor Hampton has received is the Presidential Call To Service Award 2011 which was recognized by President Barack Obama and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award in Religion in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2007.
Dr. Hampton has authored the book, Narrative Theology As A Hermeneutic Approach, and has published several articles.
Dr. Hampton is married to First Lady Hope and the father of two children, Taylor and Gabriel. First Lady Hope is a graduate of Indiana University, a member of AKA, and a social worker by trade. Dr. Hampton is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity & Prince Hall F&AM.
