Lighthouse Congregations
A Harbor of Hospitality
United Methodist faith communities in the NC Conference that are intentionally committed to providing a warm welcome, a place to land, and a path toward meaningful connection for all people.
A New Season of Ministry
The Lighthouse initiative is evolving. Originally formed as a response to disaffiliation, these congregations are now transitioning into a deeper partnership with the Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE).
Intentional Hospitality
Creating spaces where everyone, regardless of their journey, finds a home.
Relational Discipleship
Moving beyond attendance to meaningful connection and spiritual growth.
Collaborative Visioning
Utilizing CLE resources, peer cohorts, and consultations to dream of what’s next for our communities.
Register for Upcoming Lighthouse Congregations Events and Workshops
Fresh Expressions Summer VBS
Has your congregation been curious about Fresh Expressions? Are you interested but unsure how to get started? Throughout the summer, participants in this year’s Fresh Expressions Cohort through the Center of Leadership Excellence will be showcasing their various ministry projects and providing opportunities to learn more. Sign up on the Lighthouse Congregations website for the immersions you would like to experience. All of these gatherings will provide space for Q&A so that you can walk away prepared to start your own Fresh Expressions. Space is limited so sign up soon!
Small Group Ministries and Hospitality Webinar
Join us on Thursday, July 30th from 10am-Noon on Zoom for a webinar led by Rev. Tyler Williams and Rev. Brent Levy. This workshop will cover the importance of small group ministries and how to build intentional hospitality practices within your congregation. This event is free for Lighthouse Congregations.
Share Your Story of Hospitality
As we move into this new phase under the CLE, we are gathering data and success stories to better understand the impact of our collective ministry. If your church is an active Lighthouse, please complete our current impact survey.
Looking for a Lighthouse Congregation?
Become a Lighthouse Congregation
If your church has decided to be a Lighthouse Congregation, make your commitment to remain a part of The United Methodist Church, and serve those who have lost their church homes through disaffiliation or closure, complete our form to sign up and become a Lighthouse Congregation.
Upcoming Opportunities with the Center for Leadership Excellence
As Lighthouse Congregations move into this next chapter, we are creating a clear pathway for learning and follow-through. These upcoming CLE events are not one-time experiences. Each one will be paired with Lighthouse follow-up gatherings where we will reflect together, share ideas, and support one another as we put this work into practice in our congregations.
It’s Hard to Love Your Neighbors if You Don’t Know Them
August 20, 2026
How can your congregation more faithfully know and serve its neighbors? This interactive session introduces MissionInsite, a tool that provides demographic insights into your community’s needs, priorities, and opportunities for ministry.
You will learn how to interpret that data and turn it into practical action. This work strengthens outreach, mission, and evangelism while helping your congregation align with the broader connection of The United Methodist Church.
Come as a team. You will spend time reflecting on your community and identifying next steps you can implement together.
In addition to the scheduled MissionInsite follow-up session, we will offer a Lighthouse Zoom gathering on Thursday, September 3rd at Noon to continue the conversation. This will be a space to share insights, ask questions, and support one another as you begin putting this work into practice.
Latest Updates
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Lighthouse Congregations: Zebulon UMC
Our church, Zebulon United Methodist Church, became a Lighthouse Congregation back in February 2023, not long after we learned that being a Lighthouse Congregation was possible. Since then, we have Continue Reading→
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Lighthouse Congregations: Wesley Memorial UMC (Wilmington)
“We’re a beacon of light, we shine Christ’s light, and we welcome people and say, ‘It’s safe here.’” Members of Wesley Memorial UMC in Wilmington share what it means to Continue Reading→
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Lighthouse Congregations: Ann Street UMC
Members at Ann Street UMC discuss being a Lighthouse Congregation and welcoming people in their church and community. Learn more about Lighthouse Congregations. Continue Reading→