Rev. Brian and Morgan Mayfield pose with their children, Nathan, at left, and Libby. Brian Mayfield, lead pastor at The Brook, is serving as chairman of “The Station” information center at the Madison Street Festival. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Rev. Brian Mayfield, lead pastor at The Brook, is coordinating volunteers for the Madison Street Festival (MSF) and practicing what he preaches about service.

About four years ago, The Brook started encouraging members to volunteer at the festival. Mayfield helped one year, and a friend on the festival’s steering committee encouraged him to join.

“It’s a great way to not only serve your community but to connect with other people,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield will coordinate the information trailer, dubbed “The Station,” that is the hub for guest services and volunteers. The Station will be located by the Norfolk-Southern railroad tracks.

“The Station will answer any questions attendees have, coordinate information in an emergency and serve as checkpoint for all volunteers,” Mayfield said. All around the festival, volunteers serve as ‘runners’ and greet visitors at entrances and on the shuttle. They help vendors unload/load and assist in the Children’s Area.

By Labor Day, the MSF website (madisonstreetfestival.org) will have a sign-up link for volunteers. Organizations fill some volunteer areas, “but many are open to any individual that wants to help,” Mayfield said.

“One misperception many people have is that our spiritual life is somehow separate from the rest of our life,” Mayfield said. “I serve in my community and try to ‘love my neighbors’ not because I’m a pastor, but because I’m a follower of Jesus.”

That outlook affects how he views his role as pastor. “Jesus calls us to servant leadership,” Mayfield said.

The Brook’s address 8573 U.S. 72 W. For more information, call 256-837-6633 or visit thebrookchurch.com.

In Madison, Mayfield sees “a wealth of creativity, intelligence, service and teamwork. Our city is amazing … so many people from so many places. Madison Street Festival is not only a day to celebrate all that but to see it in motion.”

The festival “is a great day for families to shop, eat, laugh and even serve together,” he said. “We look forward to serving with you.”

For information, visit Facebook/Madison Street Festival.