Call for Lighthouse Congregations

Currently, over 500 names are on lists across the state. Those names are members whose churches are now something other than United Methodist, and who are left without a home church.

Forty churches have stepped up to serve as Lighthouse congregations since the disaffiliation process began. Those churches serve as a beacon of light for members whose churches disaffiliated, but who wish to remain with the UMC.

Lighthouse congregations are faith communities dedicated to offering safe havens during and after the season of disafffiliations.

The process to become a Lighthouse congregation is:

• Review Lighthouse description.
• Watch the video here on how to become a Lighthouse Congregation.
• Present the Lighthouse Church Resolution to the Church Council. It can be passed by simple majority. Record this action in the official minutes.
• Register online as a Lighthouse Congregation.
• Receive confirmation from the appropriate district superintendent.
• Notify the affected congregation and community.
• Begin living into the responsibilities as a Lighthouse Congregation.

According to Roger Parker, Conference Connections lead pastor, “Each one of those forty churches has had visitors from disaffiliated churches.”

This is important, because the trauma of a disaffiliated church can have a lasting impact on individuals, groups, and even entire congregations.

Congregations trained as Lighthouse communities are equipped to welcome and restore members left churchless after disaffiliations.

The Gathering, an online Sunday worship service, is a place where members can go to heal; however, “it’s really meant to be a waiting room,” said Parker. “We don’t expect it to be people’s final destinations. We want them to have healthy new church homes.”

For more information or to become a Lighthouse congregation, reach out to Roger Parker at rparker@okumc.org or call 405-530-2083.