Faith, Vision, and the Call to Be a Lighthouse
As we begin a new year, it is right to reflect on vision. Nineteen years ago, it was someone else’s obedience to a God given vision that brought us to Navan and laid the foundations for what is now Lighthouse Church. Since that moment, our church and our lives have been shaped by a dependence on God to continue giving vision and direction.
Vision alone is not enough. Many people have vision. What makes the difference is faith. Faith and vision together form a powerful, divine partnership. Faith allows us to see what is not yet as it could one day be. This is true in creativity, in relationships, and most importantly, in our relationship with God. God saw something in us that we could not see in ourselves, and He loved us enough to send His Son for us.

Faith That Sees Beyond the Present
Scripture defines faith clearly in Hebrews 11:1. Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Biblical faith is not wishful thinking. It is solid, tested, and real. Though it may seem intangible, faith in God is more substantial and dependable than anything we can physically touch.
All of us sense that we were made for more than what we can see with our eyes. Vision calls us to see as God sees. It invites us to see ourselves, others, and the world not as they are, but as they can be through the love and power of the Holy Spirit.
Faith helps us see three things. Who we and others can become through the Holy Spirit. What we can do to impact the world through the good news of Jesus. And how we can bring hope, help, and healing into a broken and dark world.

The Vision Behind the Name Lighthouse
In the early days of the church, when we were praying about what to name it, I had a powerful vision. I saw the stormy west coast of Ireland at night. The sea was violent and people were drowning. Their hands reached out in desperation. Then a lighthouse appeared, standing firm against the storm, shining its light into the darkness. From that lighthouse, people launched boats into the waves to rescue those willing to be saved.
Shortly afterwards, a woman from the church arrived with a painting she felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to give me. It was a painting of a lighthouse at night. In that moment, it was clear. God was not just giving us a name. He was revealing our identity.
We are called to shine the light of God’s love boldly and relentlessly into the darkness. Not to stay safe inside the lighthouse, but to go out into the waves. To reach those who want to be rescued. To welcome every man, woman, and child into the family of God.

A Church That Reflects Heaven
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” and then He said, “You are the light of the world.” His light lives in us, and it shines through us. The church is meant to be like a city on a hill, visible and guiding people home.
Lighthouse Church is called to be faithful, full of faith, believing God for the impossible. Selfless in a self focused culture. Daring enough to risk comfort for the sake of others. Generous because generosity reflects the heart of God. And above all, a family.
We are more than a community. We are a family. Of Ireland, but for the world. A church that loves those who do not yet know Jesus. A church for a new Ireland. Multi generational, ethnically diverse, and rich in culture. Reflecting not only the Ireland that is, but the Ireland that will one day be.

Four Priorities That Shape Our Mission
Our vision is focused on four things. Reaching the nations through missions. Living in authentic community through groups. Planting life giving churches across Ireland. And seeing new people come to know, love, and follow Jesus.
We are ordinary people called to an extraordinary purpose in Christ. There is nothing special about us. But there is everything special about Him.