The Lightbearers, a nondenominational Christian organization at Mississippi State University, weaves discipleship and missions throughout its ministry.
The group began in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and has been in Starkville for about two years. The organization’s missions statement is, “We aim to glorify Jesus Christ by spreading His gospel (Matt 28:18-20), equipping students under our care (Eph 4:11-14) and funding Gospel-centered work in Asia and Northern Africa (3 John 5-8).” 
According to Tyson Lee, recently named the development coordinator of Lightbearers at MSU, being involved as a student in Lightbearers has four main aspects.
First, there is an emphasis on community. Lee said Lightbearers wants its students to constantly be in community with each other. Ideally, this happens by living together in the same apartment complex.
At MSU, the group is raising funds to build a facility for students involved in the ministry. It is the group’s hope that by 2020, its students will live in this complex.
Secondly, a core part of being a Lightbearer is being paired with a mentor. Preferably, Lee said the mentor and student will attend the same church.
Hans Melbranche, a member of Pinelake Church, spoke about what it is like to be a mentor. He and his wife, Taylor Melbranche, have been involved with Lightbearers community for two years. Hans is a student mentor and Taylor is the female student discipleship coordinator.
Mentors are paired with one student who they will meet with once a week for the course of the year. During this year, mentor pairs work toward spiritual growth in the life of the student.
“Lightbearers are always trying to work alongside the local church, not replace it,” Hans said.
By forming a close relationship with a member of their church, students feel a stronger sense of belonging to the community with which they worship, Hans said.
Lightbearers also value involvement in the community of Starkville. The apartments they will build are not strictly for students, Hans said. Living with members of the community provides students the opportunity to put into practice the emphasis on missions.
Thirdly, another part of student involvement involves attending Institute every week. This weekly training in the Old and New Testament is a two-year program. As of now, the meetings take place on Tuesday mornings from 6:30 to 8 a.m. at the Sanderson Center.
According to Lee, they are looking at the possibility of changing the time to accommodate more students.
At these weekly sessions, pastors from local churches in Starkville come to teach students. Kelson Bohna, a senior industrial engineering major, has been involved with Lightbearers for two years.
Bohna said he appreciates the sessions at Institute because they are a great way to be familiar with all 16 churches in Starkville.
Bohna also said he enjoys the unique perspectives different pastors bring to the Lightbearers’ curriculum.
“Institute is great because it gives a comprehensive approach to spiritual growth,” Hans said.
Lastly, involvement with Lightbearers means missions work.
“The goal of Lightbearers is to disciple in community and fund missions,” Hans said. “Students are exposed to missions and what missions is like.”
One way Lightbearers does this is through financial support. When students pay rent for their apartment, the money will go to fund missions. Students also can have the opportunity to go on missions trips themselves.
As a whole, Lightbearers are focused on working alongside the community they live in, and the more broad global community of missionaries they support.