From Pastor's Desk for November 2025

Dear Lighthouse Church:

We are now in the initial phase of evangelism to meet the Church Vision we set last year to double our attendance and membership. Our mission is to grow by the grace of God. To achieve our goal each must become a minister for Christ. Reach out to others to join us and to maintain regular church attendance.

Biblically there are guidelines for the types of ministries in the church. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 lists the leaders of the church: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.”

The laity comprises most of the church, but according to our doctrine everyone is a “minister.” We are united as stated in Philippians 2:1-2 “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

A model form of ministry is unity of effort. Together the lay and clerical leaders minister to the congregation in pastoral care, mission, and outreach. The definition of ministry should be as broad as possible. Grace must not be constrained to the sphere of “religion;” disciples must seek to embody economic, social, and political practices of grace. If an attribute of ministry is grace, it should be evident in all our endeavors for the church.

Laity understand Christianity and its principles as well, if not better, than many clergy and theologians. Classic Christian teaching holds fast to what has been believed and consented to around the world by Christians of all times and places. It is constantly being tested out by a fair-minded, comparative, deliberative process under contrary challenge – by all the faithful (not clergy alone, but laity as well!). Laity should never be underestimated in comprehending Scripture. In my experience the most well-versed Christians in Scripture are devoted lay members of faith. The level of their knowledge comes from a continual devotion to studying the Word. Knowing the story of the death and resurrection of Christ will equip you to be an effective evangelist.

God Bless,

Pastor Eric and Debbie