.png)
City on a Hill Church supports student ministry on campus at Olivet College. It supports student organizations such as the college’s Fellowship of College Athletes (FCA) and Alpha Omega, through donations.
According to senior Bruce Baker, the church also provides mentorship for student leaders, access to printers, and a space to host services. The church also supports the Lighthouse, which will be moving meetings to Klock Commons in Dole, with mobile sound equipment and musicians.
The name Lighthouse was thought of by Baker, who is the president of FCA and of the student ministry team. Baker said, “I was in the car with my girlfriend and good friend Isabelle Leon driving back from the summer camp where we all worked. I had them
brainstorming ideas about the young adult/college worship service we wanted to start in town. For some inspiration, we threw around Bible verses and song lyrics. One of our favorite bands came on and the song was called ‘Lighthouse’. The name had a biblical precedent, in Matthew 5:14. Jesus commands his disciples to be a city on a hill, a light on a windowsill for all to see making known the path of God. We had planned on meeting at City on a Hill Church for the services, so the name Lighthouse just made sense.”
The Lighthouse was created this year by the Student Ministry Leadership Team. This semester, you can find students at City on a Hill Church in downtown Olivet, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday nights.
Senior Isabelle Leon said, “Lighthouse is a way for students to make friends who have similar beliefs and that people should come to The Lighthouse because it is a fun place for people to come, learn, and join in conversation with others about God and the Bible.”
The services begin with announcements and then worship. Following worship is a message told by Baker, or pastors that are brought in from other churches around the state. The week after there is a speaker the students dive deeper into the message. It is a time for students to discuss what the pastor had talked about the week prior.
“Everybody and anybody is welcome. Whether you’re a strong believer who wants to grow in their faith, or are just curious and would like to hangout and listen. We welcome anyone,” said Leon.
"The leadership team believes that we can impact the campus one person at a time," said Baker.
Sophomore Sarah Feldpausch has never been to The Lighthouse, but she said she is very interested
in going at some point in the semester. According to Feldpausch, the trouble she has faced is being too busy with homework and night classes to be able to attend.
Sophomore Noah Bailey is involved with the Lighthouse. “I run sound board and lights at The Lighthouse, it has helped me learn how to interact with new people, and learn how to run a sound board,” said Bailey.