A Lighthouse Church

My mother used to love lighthouses.  Growing up, I remember seeing several pictures of lighthouses on our walls at home.  I never questioned it as a little boy, it was just something all of us kids accepted.  Now that I am older, I often wonder what part about them she liked so much.  Was it the serene ocean coastline that appealed to her?  Was it just the fact that there are so many photos and paintings of lighthouses out there in general?  

Most of us know the purpose behind these magnificent buildings.  They exist to help guide ships into safe harbor during inclement weather or the dark of night.  They help pilots navigate to safety; they are literally a beacon for ships in the night.  I do wonder if my mother was a beacon herself, or if she was searching for guidance.  Maybe neither one - or maybe I'm reading too much into it.

At any rate, it spurs in me another fond memory about my family.  I attended my sister's graduation from college years ago.  It just so happened to be during the winter term, and there was a large snowstorm forecast for later that day.  After the ceremony and ensuing celebration dinner finished up, my parents and I started out on the journey home (it was a two hour drive).  Alas, we ended up caught in the blizzard.  You literally couldn't see more than about fifteen feet or so in front of the vehicle, and less than that on either side.  We even debated pulling off into a small town and seeking a hotel room for the night at one point.  

Finally, however, we ended up behind another vehicle at one point in the trip.  The tail lights from this car helped guide us all the way through the snowstorm.  Almost magically, shortly after the heavy snow abated, the car turned off onto an exit and disappeared from sight.  We got what we needed though - it was safe to drive again.  I sometimes wonder if this was a God thing - like some type of spiritual Good Samaritan placed in our path to help us navigate home when we needed it.  Just like a beacon … just like a lighthouse.

Pastor R. Loren Sandford from New Song Church talks about something called a 'lighthouse church.'  In his opinion, these churches represent a healthy connection between God and His people, and they are a rare thing in this day and age.  There are four points that compose these churches.

First, a lighthouse church is presence-based.  In other words, the church convenes each Sunday for the purpose of glorifying and worshipping God - not just to listen to the pastor talk or for mere entertainment value.  If your church has an awesome sound system and large screen TV's, that is great.  But remember, all of this isn't a requirement to give thanks to a Holy God.  The parishioners should be more interested in Him than the presentation.  

Second, a lighthouse church has freedom to move.  This means that if the Holy Spirit shows up during service, it need not necessarily stick to the bulletin.  Real Christianity is sometimes messy, as opposed to polished or refined.  The leaders in one of these churches can get out of their own way, and let God do His thing.  They espouse purpose over preference whenever possible. 

Third, these churches tend to have a culture of honor.  This means that all people are welcome, regardless of background.  This doesn't mean that a church must affirm all viewpoints - Biblical sin must still be recognized as such.  But I think it does mean that a lighthouse church understands all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  As such, they welcome the opportunity to share God's Word with anyone He sends their way.  

Finally, a lighthouse church promotes a healing atmosphere.  On any given Sunday morning, you won't hear a sermon designed to incite hate or divisiveness.  Instead, you will hear about God's saving grace through faith, and Jesus' offer of salvation.  Jesus healed people both physically and psychologically; churches must understand how to create a loving environment like this each week.  

John 8:12 is one of my favorite pieces of Scripture.  It says, "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"   We need modern day lighthouses to shine bright in the darkness.  Strive to create a lighthouse church atmosphere in your own congregation.  Look around each Sunday: does your house of worship have all four of these things in place?  If not, is it at least a work in progress?  

Jesus helps us to navigate our way through this world.  I firmly believe that most problems stem from the fact that people have forgotten how to relate to God.  So much of our lives are spent searching for meaning in complex and difficult ways.  A lighthouse church should remind people that what they are really looking for is God.  And once they acquire this knowledge, to pass it on and share it with others.  

Be the beacon in a snowstorm for other people.  Live a lighthouse type of life whenever possible.

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