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. 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 I'm reading too much into it.
Pastor R. Loren Sandford from New Song Church used to talk 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 or beacon 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, we 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. And 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 message 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 spiritually; 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 beacons 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? Be the beacon in the dark of night for other people. Live a lighthouse type of life whenever possible.
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