Our Vision
making disciples who make disciples
We are actively and rapidly adjusting our focus to be not just about making and developing disciples but also multiplying believers in our community into a deeper and more passionate relationship with Jesus. We hope to see the world changed for the sake of Christ, with each person not living idly but proactively.
Our Mission
to make Christ-followers who change the world
We are on a mission to expand and equip Christ-followers to live a life committed to the pursuit of Jesus, and who change the world around them by being an example to others in their relationship with Christ.
BELIEFS
In essentials, we have agreement.
In non-essentials, we have liberty.
In all our beliefs, we show love.
Items marked with an ** are central to our Arminian theology and Free Methodist practices. See our Free Methodist Distinctives below.
GOD
The Father
There is but one living and true God, the maker and preserver of all things. In the unity of Godhead, there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are one in purpose for all eternity. They are diety with infinite power, wisdom, and goodness.
The Son
We believe Jesus took humanity’s nature by being born of the virgin Mary. He is both human and divine. He lived sinlessly, was crucified for our sins, died, was buried, and three days later was raised from the dead. He ascended into heaven, where he reigns until he returns to judge everyone on the last day.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus. He provides Christians with teachings for living, reminders of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. When people are saved, he unlocks spiritual gifts. As Christians, we seek to live under his daily control.
There is but one living and true God, the maker and preserver of all things. In the unity of Godhead, there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are one in purpose for all eternity. They are diety with infinite power, wisdom, and goodness.
The Son
We believe Jesus took humanity’s nature by being born of the virgin Mary. He is both human and divine. He lived sinlessly, was crucified for our sins, died, was buried, and three days later was raised from the dead. He ascended into heaven, where he reigns until he returns to judge everyone on the last day.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus. He provides Christians with teachings for living, reminders of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. When people are saved, he unlocks spiritual gifts. As Christians, we seek to live under his daily control.
THE SCRIPTURES
Scripture contains all teachings necessary for salvation. Human authors wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Bible is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. The “Word” of God is not found on the printed page; he is found only when the words from the pages are breathed to life in the individual’s heart by the Holy Spirit.
HUMANITY**
People are made in God's image to be like him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, we are all marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates people from God and causes problems in life.
Free Moral Persons**
God created humans in His image, innocent, morally free, and responsible for choosing between good and evil, right and wrong. By the sin of Adam, humans are corrupted in their very nature, so from birth, they are inclined to sin. They are unable, by their strength and work, to restore themselves to right relationship with God and to merit eternal salvation. God alone makes it possible for humans to respond to His grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. By God’s grace and help, people are enabled by their free will to do good works.
Salvation**
Salvation is God’s free gift to all who accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. We can be saved only by trusting in Jesus as God’s offer of forgiveness when we turn to Jesus in faith from a self-ruled life. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus into our lives by faith.
Sanctification**
Sanctification is God’s work that begins with new life in Christ. It is the process where the Holy Spirit remakes us into God's likeness, gradually changing us and conforming us to Christ's image.
As we surrender to God in faith and die to ourselves, the Holy Spirit fills us with love and purifies us from sin. This sanctifying relationship with God remedies the divided mind, redirects the heart to God, and empowers us to please and serve God daily.
Thus, God sets us free to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Restoration**
At times, we will grieve the Holy Spirit without giving ourselves over to sin’s control. When we do, we must humbly accept the Holy Spirit's correction, trust in Jesus’ help, and repent of our failings.
There are other times when we sin willfully and walk away from our relationship with Christ. Even so, by repentance before God, we can receive forgiveness and let Christ restore our relationship with him. God’s grace is sufficient for those who truly repent and, by His power, change their lives. However, forgiveness does not give believers the freedom to sin and escape the consequences of sinning.
God has given the church responsibility and power to restore penitent believers through loving reproof, counsel, and acceptance.
Free Moral Persons**
God created humans in His image, innocent, morally free, and responsible for choosing between good and evil, right and wrong. By the sin of Adam, humans are corrupted in their very nature, so from birth, they are inclined to sin. They are unable, by their strength and work, to restore themselves to right relationship with God and to merit eternal salvation. God alone makes it possible for humans to respond to His grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. By God’s grace and help, people are enabled by their free will to do good works.
Salvation**
Salvation is God’s free gift to all who accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. We can be saved only by trusting in Jesus as God’s offer of forgiveness when we turn to Jesus in faith from a self-ruled life. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus into our lives by faith.
Sanctification**
Sanctification is God’s work that begins with new life in Christ. It is the process where the Holy Spirit remakes us into God's likeness, gradually changing us and conforming us to Christ's image.
As we surrender to God in faith and die to ourselves, the Holy Spirit fills us with love and purifies us from sin. This sanctifying relationship with God remedies the divided mind, redirects the heart to God, and empowers us to please and serve God daily.
Thus, God sets us free to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Restoration**
At times, we will grieve the Holy Spirit without giving ourselves over to sin’s control. When we do, we must humbly accept the Holy Spirit's correction, trust in Jesus’ help, and repent of our failings.
There are other times when we sin willfully and walk away from our relationship with Christ. Even so, by repentance before God, we can receive forgiveness and let Christ restore our relationship with him. God’s grace is sufficient for those who truly repent and, by His power, change their lives. However, forgiveness does not give believers the freedom to sin and escape the consequences of sinning.
God has given the church responsibility and power to restore penitent believers through loving reproof, counsel, and acceptance.
ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally with him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
THE CHURCH
The church is created by God. It is the people of God. Christ Jesus is its Lord and Head. The Holy Spirit is its life and power. It is divine and human, heavenly and earthly, ideal and imperfect. It is an organism, not an unchanging institution. It exists to fulfill the purposes of God in Christ. It redemptively ministers to persons. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it to be holy and without blemish. The church is a fellowship of the redeemed and the redeeming, preaching the Word of God and administering the sacraments according to Christ’s instruction. The Free Methodist Church strives to represent what the church of Jesus Christ should be on earth. It, therefore, requires specific commitments regarding the faith and life of its members. In its requirements, it seeks to honor Christ and obey the written Word of God.
BAPTISM
Water baptism is a sacrament of the church, commanded by our Lord, signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus Christ to be administered to believers as a declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Baptism symbolizes the new covenant of grace, as circumcision symbolized the old covenant. Since infants are recognized as being included in the atonement, they may be baptized upon the request of parents or guardians who commit to providing them with the necessary Christian training. They must affirm the vow before being accepted into church membership.
Baptism symbolizes the new covenant of grace, as circumcision symbolized the old covenant. Since infants are recognized as being included in the atonement, they may be baptized upon the request of parents or guardians who commit to providing them with the necessary Christian training. They must affirm the vow before being accepted into church membership.
THE LORD'S SUPPER (COMMUNION)
The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of redemption through Christ’s death. Sharing the bread is sharing in Christ’s body, and likewise, sharing the cup is partaking of Christ's blood. The supper is a sign of the love and unity among Christians.
Christ is present in the sacrament, but His body is given, taken, and eaten only in a spiritual manner. No change is effected in the elements; the bread and wine are not literally the body and blood of Christ. Nor is the body and blood of Christ literally present with the elements. The elements are never to be considered objects of worship. The body of Christ is received and eaten in faith.
Christ is present in the sacrament, but His body is given, taken, and eaten only in a spiritual manner. No change is effected in the elements; the bread and wine are not literally the body and blood of Christ. Nor is the body and blood of Christ literally present with the elements. The elements are never to be considered objects of worship. The body of Christ is received and eaten in faith.
LAST THINGS (END TIMES)
There are many views of the end times that some people hold firmly. At Lighthouse, we welcome people of various persuasions but strive not to let personal opinions hinder our unity. The one thing we hold dearly about the end times is that Jesus will one day return to claim his brothers and sisters to be united with Him for all eternity in our heavenly home.
The Kingdom of God
The kingdom is both a present and a future reality. It is realized now as God’s reign is established in the hearts and lives of believers. It’s promised in the future when Christ returns in judgment. The enemies of Christ will be subdued; the reign of God will be established; a total cosmic renewal, which is both material and moral, shall occur; and the hope of the redeemed will be fully realized.
The Return of Christ
The return of Christ is certain and may occur at any moment. At His return, He will fulfill all prophecies concerning His final triumph over all evil. The believer’s response is joyous expectation, watchfulness, readiness, and diligence.
Resurrection
There will be a bodily resurrection from the dead of both the just and the unjust, some destined for life and others for eternal death. The resurrected body will be spiritual, but the person will be whole and identifiable. Christ's resurrection guarantees resurrection for those who are in Him.
Judgment
God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by the gospel and our deeds in this life.
Final Destiny
Our eternal destiny is determined by God’s grace and our response, not by arbitrary decrees of God. For those who trust Him and obediently follow Jesus as Savior and Lord, there is a heaven of eternal glory and the blessedness of Christ’s presence. But for the unrepentant, there is a hell of eternal suffering and separation from God.
The Kingdom of God
The kingdom is both a present and a future reality. It is realized now as God’s reign is established in the hearts and lives of believers. It’s promised in the future when Christ returns in judgment. The enemies of Christ will be subdued; the reign of God will be established; a total cosmic renewal, which is both material and moral, shall occur; and the hope of the redeemed will be fully realized.
The Return of Christ
The return of Christ is certain and may occur at any moment. At His return, He will fulfill all prophecies concerning His final triumph over all evil. The believer’s response is joyous expectation, watchfulness, readiness, and diligence.
Resurrection
There will be a bodily resurrection from the dead of both the just and the unjust, some destined for life and others for eternal death. The resurrected body will be spiritual, but the person will be whole and identifiable. Christ's resurrection guarantees resurrection for those who are in Him.
Judgment
God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by the gospel and our deeds in this life.
Final Destiny
Our eternal destiny is determined by God’s grace and our response, not by arbitrary decrees of God. For those who trust Him and obediently follow Jesus as Savior and Lord, there is a heaven of eternal glory and the blessedness of Christ’s presence. But for the unrepentant, there is a hell of eternal suffering and separation from God.
Free Methodist Church
Lighthouse Fellowship is a part of the global Free Methodist Church denomination.
Lighthouse is part of the Free Methodist Church denomination. The FMC started in 1860 when Benjamin Titus Roberts, a pastor in the Methodist Episcopal Church, could no longer serve in harmony with certain church practices. B.T. Roberts observed that no church should support slaveholding, rent seats in the church, withhold women from full service in the church, and quench the movement of the Holy Spirit in public worship. Therefore, he promoted freedom for all people from slavery, free seats in every house of worship, freedom for women to serve in all roles in the church, including pastoral ministry, and freedom for the Holy Spirit to move in public worship.
While Free Methodist beliefs fit into the church's historical, orthodox, and evangelical beliefs, a few things make us distinctive. These interrelated distinctions include The Way of Salvation, our Arminian theology, and some of our practices. Read about those distinctions here.