Last night I received a message about another church in the Harbor District becoming a Lighthouse Congregation. Thanks be to God! If you haven’t heard, these congregations are making intentional efforts to welcome and invite everyone into worship, with a special emphasis on those who may have been displaced by disaffiliation. The great thing about becoming a Lighthouse Congregation is while we are all welcoming, the simple process and the name remind us of Whose we are and Whose light we reflect!
I did a little research on lighthouses recently. The metaphor of ‘lighthouse’ is a great way to describe churches and one we may have all used long before this latest effort here in NCC. Of course, we go back to scriptural reflections of being light as Christ was light and being a light on a hill. It sounds like one of the first lighthouses was a house on a hill – and was built really high.
The earliest tower built with a light source on top was constructed on the island of Pharos, Egypt, in 280 BC. It became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World because of its 450 ft height with a huge open fire at the summit. Others followed with lighthouses constructed near rocky coastlines to protect the ships, people, and cargo and aid navigation.
When we stop to think about it, our congregations are called to this role as well. Members of churches have often shared with me how their buildings are local landmarks, their beauty and serene sanctuaries causing people to stop and come in or take a picture. We think of the building as a place of respite and a place to hear the voice of God, a place where they may see the light. And yet, our congregations are called to be lighthouses as well. The people are the ones who take Christ’s light into the world: on their faces, in their lives, and through their words and actions in the community. I hear about wonderful congregants who share their lives willingly with others and who are always looking for ways to connect and live in a Christ-like way. Thanks be to God!
I wonder if intentionally talking about our role as a lighthouse, whether it’s an official meeting or a small group having a conversation, would assist us in living into this role even more fully? It seems that each congregation that has this conversation comes away rejuvenated, excited, and coming together as one body in a renewed and energized way! I hear this over and over from clergy and laity alike. These conversations have given churches a renewed understanding of our mission to make disciples and have re-ignited in us a desire to BeUMC!
It occurs to me that lighthouses don’t just have light sources in them. They also often have (or had, before lights became as powerful as they are today) a reflective type of material in them. The constructors took the next step, from installing a light to enhancing the light with a mirror-type material. The light could shine farther, brighter with these mirrors, reaching ships earlier to help them turn away from rocky shores and to make their way safely along the coastlines to their intended harbor. With all our congregations have endured over the past few years, I pray we will offer one another a measure of grace and give ourselves every opportunity to re-engage with the mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world. (When we hold a mirror up, who do we see? Who do we strive to be? How might we magnify this intent?) My great hope is that we would, as congregations and individuals, be the lights that help folks navigate this world, find their way to Christ, and reflect this light so all may see their way to a life of faith. May we shine brighter and farther even as we encourage one another by reflecting the Light into the world!
Photo Credit: Tara Lain – ‘Everett and Maine Lighthouse’ (2016)