THE LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH STRIVES TO BE THE BEACON OF HOPE FOR BARNESVILLE
YOU ARE WELCOME HERE
We are just a bunch of people, just like you, seeking comfort, healing, and direction from God. We, lovingly, think of The Lighthouse as being a hospital for the broken, hurting and weary. The Church is a hospital, not a courtroom to be judged (John 3:16-17). All are welcome, loved and accepted.
OUR CORE VALUES
At The Lighthouse Church, faith is the core of our hearts’ desires, and community is the foundation that strengthens us. We believe that faith has the power to transform lives and accelerate the growth of our community. Our church stands as a beacon of hope and diversity, offering vibrant worship services, impactful outreach programs, and uplifting sermons. We are built on a foundation of love and inclusivity, creating a space where everyone is valued for their unique identity. Join us as we embark on a journey of spiritual growth, meaningful relationships, and a shared commitment to positive change in our world, moving forward with purpose and unity.
Mission
Home is where the heart is. This is why we refer to each other as brother or sister. We are all part of the family of God. At The Lighthouse Church, we are a place of praise, a beacon of hope, a refuge of love, and a congregation of believers joined together in the union of faith. Our philosophy is based on the Christ’s commandments to (1) love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and to (2) love your neighbor as yourself. (Matt 22:37-40). With this philosophy we can ensure that everyone has a sense of belonging, compassion and finding spiritual growth.
This is where hearts are illuminated, and lives are transformed. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our church community is a place where people from all walks of life feel welcomed and accepted. Our congregation embraces everyone with open arms, creates a space where we can share our personal stories and inspires each other.
VISION & BELIEFS
Here is a vision for the community based on people’s demonstrated faith that goes beyond sincere compassion and mercy but brings about change that will last a lifetime. Together, we can help each other to develop a Christ-like heart and attitude so we can minister to other people who struggle with real life issues such as depression, anxiety, addictions, and other world strongholds. We exist to be the voices of hope, compassion, repair and change for those who come to our fellowship. Join us in sharing God’s Word and carrying His light and love into every corner of our community and beyond.
Our denomination is Non-Denominational meaning that we are open or acceptable to people of any Christian denomination. We lean a little toward Pentacostal which churches and Believers who in the post-salvation experience know as the baptism in the Holy Spirit. John 3:5 states, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.“ Some believe when you are water baptized in must be In Jesus’ Name not the traditional Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We have a mixture of Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Holiness, even former Catholics, but what we ALL believe is God is the one and only God. Jesus is the Son of God and it is only through his shed blood that your sins can be forgiven and be saved, when Jesus returned to heaven He sent a comforter, the Holy Spirit/Ghost, to guide us, and one day, Jesus will return to take His followers to Heaven.
Where most denominations concentrate on the “of water” part, there is more. When you receive the baptism “of Spirit”, there is evidence of the reception of the supernatural gifts that are given by the Holy Spirit/Ghost such as speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing ( Corinthians 12:28: 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.)
Q & A
Our congregation truly spans the ages, from newborns to folks in their 80s. You’ll find just about every type of person here – married, single, divorced, widowed – professionals, workers, retired. Though we are mostly formed from Lamar County residents, we do have members and former members in many other places. We focus not on the kinds of people who go here but the kind of people that are welcome here – everyone!
Our church started in the living room of Bishop and Mother Callaway’s house. Over the years it has grown into a healthy congregation. Since Covid, we have an average attendance of 40-60 on Sunday mornings.
Not at all! In fact, our congregation is made up of many different church backgrounds. We have many former Pentecostal, Holiness, Baptist, and others. We are a “potluck” church – multigenerational group of real people from different backgrounds stirred together and seasoned by the Holy Spirit/Ghost and God’s grace.
If you want to learn more about the gospel and fellowship with brothers and sisters, you can attend one of the worship services or small group Bible studies, participate in outreach activities, or volunteer in various forms. You are most welcome in any capacity.
We believe that the youth and children are the church of the future. Our church encourages all ages and will prepare to present God’s teachings in a manner that can be adjusted for different age groups. Programs like Sunday School for children and youth groups will be formed and adapted as need arises. We believe “your need is our need”.
Your prayers, attendance at our church services and events, involvement in our charitable work, and donations all impact our work. Donations go directly to helping us keep sharing God’s love and making more changes across the community and even the world.
No! Dressing up is not a requirement to worship with us. Some do wear their “Sunday best” but you’re also likely to see someone in slacks and a casual shirt, or even jeans. Coming straight from work? Yes, you can wear your uniform. We believe the most important part about church service is showing up, ready to worship God.
Leadership
Bobby D. Callaway (Pastor)
Pastor Bobby grew up knowing God and being involved in his parent’s church, but he did not receive God’s calling until later in life. Through intense prayer, trial and tribulation, Pastor Bobby was finally ready to take on the responsibility as pastor. Pastor Bobby, along with his wife, Renee, has been pastoring The Lighthouse Church for since 2017.
Billy H. Callaway (Bishop)
Bishop Callaway began his training for ministry in Mississippi at the Jackson College of Ministry. Over the next few years, God called Bishop Callaway to have small group meetings in a trailer, a home garage and various other places. In April of 1993, Bishop & Mother Callaway had a large enough group of members to leave their “living room church” in their home and move into their first Church building in Barnesville on Atlanta Street (affectionately known as The Dog House). In 1999, the church grew even larger and soon they needed another building and Bishop Callaway has made The Lighthouse Church his home ever since. He genuinely loves pastoring people, preaching God’s word and spending time with people. No matter where in the world he is going to ask someone to come to church.
Mother Martha Callaway (Worship Leader)
Mother Callaway has always had a love for music and complete devotion to her husband. When Bishop Callaway said God told him to start a church, Mother Callaway jumped right in and provided song service and worship. She was so on fire for God that she became involved in forming the gospel singing group the Gospel Crusaders. Though traveling and spreading God’s love through song was a wonderful time, her love and passion was at home in The Lighthouse Church. Mother Callaway is an invaluable asset as she leads the service, sings and plays the piano.
Robin Mitchell (Administration)
Robin has been with The Lighthouse Church since 2018. She is a faithful member and volunteer. In 2019, she became the Administrator. Without her we would be chaos. 😊
Want some back story?
Humble Beginnings: Our Story starts HERE…
With a small group of people set out to honor and serve our Lord and Savior.
On April 20, 1993, Pastor Billy H. Callaway was chosen by God to shepherd this newly formed flock. He, First Lady Martha Callaway and fifteen charter members had prayer meeting every Sunday morning in the dining room of the Callaway family home located at 336 Forsyth St, Barnesville, Ga. 30204.
The sweet praise melody of “I Claimed the Blood” rang joyous throughout the house on this piano.
Along with the members of this flock came the singing group The Gospel Crusaders.
The group included the harmonious vocals of Martha Callaway, Patricia Goins, Nathan Royals & Glenda Taylor. Later they were joined by David Bottoms (drums), Johnny Bottoms (piano) & Edward Atkinson (bass). Together they would travel all over the state “Spreading the Word In Song”.
They released their first tape, No Greater Love, for everyone to enjoy in 1992.
¨ Sister Martha’s favorite song was “No Greater Love”
¨ Sister Glenda (The Dancing Tenor) would bring the house down with “It’s Real”.
¨ Sister Patricia would bring tears to every eye as she sang “Where Roses Never Fade”
The Crusaders enjoyed singing in churches all over Georgia but they felt the most hearts were touched performing at the Auction & Buckner’s Restaurant in Jackson, Ga.
After several months, that small group of members became The Lighthouse of Barnesville congregation. They grew in number and finally outgrew the Callaway dining room. After praying and seeking God’s will for the next step in the church’s journey, The Lord’s light shown down on His people and His favor for the growing church was soon revealed by the gracious invitation of Pastor Jessie Wilks. Pastor Wilks opened his heart and his church by allowing the congregation to meet on Sunday afternoons to have service at The Barnesville Revival Center on Aldora St.
Within the year, God opened a new door by providing enough funds for the congregation to purchase a building of their own. On March 16, 1994, the building located at 515 Atlanta St, Barnesville, Ga. 30204, more affectionately known as the Dog House, was purchased and became the first official Lighthouse Church of Barnesville.
We were Blessed & Blessed!
Though the building wasn’t quite church ready, we worked and worked to remodel and decorate our beautiful new church home. And there, God dwelt among His people.
Isaiah 32:18 New International Version (NIV)
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Leona Callaway & Jeff Murphy were some of the first to be baptized at the Atlanta St location.
Finally A Wish Comes True…..
Ever since Pastor Callaway relocated to Barnesville, he had always dreamt of pastoring at the building known as The First Pentecostal Church. He knew if God meant it to be, it would be in His own timing so Pastor Callaway continued to pray and seek God’s will about the building he loved.
On June 8, 1999, that dream became a reality. Pastor Travis Coggins of The First Pentecostal Church came to Brother Callaway and told him that God had come to him and he should tell Brother Callaway that he was to pastor at that church. Months later, after praying and fasting, God was faithful to His Word and we were able to purchase the building located at 419 Forsyth St, Barnesville, Ga. 30204.
For the first time in our history, The Lighthouse Church of Barnesville has a permanent home.
From then until now our church has thrived and has praised God for all He has done for us. But soon things would change once again. Pastor Callaway was visited by God in a dream. God revealed to him that his time of work and toil was complete and it was now time to rest and enjoy life. On May 6, 2017 ordained his son, Bobby D. Callaway. Pastor Callaway and the other member of the congregation began to mentor and nurture the young preacher.
On July 3, 2017, Pastor Billy H. Callaway proudly step down and welcomed a new era in our journey.
We’ve seen ups and downs, joys and sorrows, births and deaths but through it all we have always been a loving and supportive family to each other. That’s what is so different about our church. That’s what sets us apart from all the other churches around.
Illuminate Your Journey: Come Along To Light House Church & Explore
As Light House Church, we are a place of praise, a tower of hope, a refuge of love, and a congregation of believers joined together in the union of faith. Based on the philosophy that everyone should have a sense of belonging, be compassionate and find spiritual growth, Light House is where illuminations of hearts and transforming of lives begin. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our church community is a place where people from all walks of life feel accepted. Our congregation embraces diversity and offers a platform to exchange personal life experiences that will challenge people for further continuous development.
Mission
To share God’s Word and carry His light into every corner of our community and beyond is our vision at Light House Church. Our goal is to facilitate the spiritual growth of people by worshipping together, achieving fellowship, and providing service that develops them into people who are real with their being, unconditionally loving, and highly compassionate. Employing Christ’s teachings, we exist to be the voices of hope, repair and change for those who come to our fellowship.
Vision
Our vision is to bring forth a world where all souls find respect, all spirits are restored, and all lives manifest meaning in the Kingdom of God. Here is a vision for the community based on people’s demonstrated faith that goes beyond sincere compassion and justice with mercy that is concurrent to facilitate the changes that will last in the long run. This onward path as a community remains our aim, with Christ of the Light as our guide to be a radiant beacon of grace, love, and union amid a world which disappointingly still encompasses division, dismay and uneasiness.
FAQs
Q: What is Light Home Church’s distinctive trait?
A: The Lighthouse Church is deemed special for its inclusivity, pulsating worship services, and seemingly productive community services. Feeling welcoming is our targeted intention. People from varying backgrounds should all be accepted and feel valued here.
Q: What’s my role as an active Light House Church community member?
A: If you want to learn more about the gospel and fellowship with brothers and sisters, you can attend one of the worship services or small group Bible studies, participate in outreach activities, or volunteer in various forms. Feel like talking to our group? Look us up online or visit our site for our engagement avenues.
Q: Does Light House Church belong to any particular denomination?
A: Light House Church is an interdenominational Christian congregation where Christians from varied sects are welcomed as members. Our teaching emphasizes foundational concepts of Christianity and the principle of togetherness in faith and love.
Q: Is the Light House a youth or a children’s center?
A: Indeed, we propose various entertainment and adjusted for different age groups programs like Sunday classes for children and youth groups. To accomplish that, the spiritual development of the next generation is constantly nurtured and watched over by our committed and dedicated volunteers.
Q: How can I help to achieve the mission and goals of Light House Church?
A: Your prayers, attendance at our church services and events, involvement in our charitable work, and donations all impact our work. Donations go directly to helping us keep sharing God’s love and making more changes across the community and even the world.