When Dr. Fred Liggin became the pastor of Williamsburg Christian Church (WCC), the congregation numbered about 120 and was seeking renewal. Instead of pursuing rapid growth strategies or flashy programs, the church turned outward—to the people often overlooked in their own community. Under Liggin’s leadership, WCC reimagined what it meant to be the church–not just a place to gather, but a people sent to love.
The turning point came when the congregation began intentionally serving its marginalized neighbors—those struggling with poverty, homelessness, addictions, and all forms of trauma. Instead of starting with charity, they began with relationship. Over the years, WCC members have learned the language of trauma-informed care and created spaces where people felt seen, safe, and valued. Meals became shared tables. Outreach events turned into friendships. Neighbors without homes became permanently housed and employed members of WCC. Worship shifted to reflect the community’s diversity.
This deeply relational, embodied love reshaped the church’s identity and mission. As people experienced healing and belonging, both longtime members and new participants began to see the gospel come alive in tangible ways. Growth followed—not as a result of marketing, but as a movement of grace. Over several years, attendance grew from around 120 to more than 400, with many new members coming from the very neighborhoods the church serves.
Dr. Fred Liggin often says WCC’s story is not about becoming a “larger” church but a “loving” church. The church’s growth has not so much been measured by numbers but by reconciliation, shared meals, community partnerships, and transformed lives. In a world fragmented by fear and division, Williamsburg Christian Church offers a living example of how love, practiced with humility and consistency, has the quiet power to build a flourishing community.
Dr. Liggin will lead Mission Alive’s Trauma-Responsive Ministry Workshop on Friday and Saturday, May 1-2, at the Southeast Irving Community Center in Irving, Texas. To register for this unique opportunity, CLICK HERE.