“When asked by others, “where do you attend church?”, it's hard to define. I don’t “attend” church; I am the church alongside this group of people. These people are my family in the way only Christ can define. Sharing our everyday lives forces us to step outside what is comfortable and into true biblical community. It’s not always easy to rid myself of my human flesh and consider others before my conveniences, but it always is worth it. On Sundays, we laugh together, cry together, pray, study, worship, and “muddle” through the tough questions. And then every other day of the week, they are still there-to stop by when you need a quick chat, to go to Costco for you when you can’t make it, to process with you after you’ve fought a spiritual battle, to hike the trails and get to know you more, to check in on your sick children or your latest doctor’s appointment. This group of people has been a part of the big and small. I have enjoyed a long weekend of camping with them, and I have walked into a courthouse with them during our adoption process - and both events have felt equally natural and full of agape love!“ - Amy Pilcher (HC participant)
Eric Schmid
“Beacon has been a catalyst towards a revived expression of discipleship that aligns with the early church. It has been a blessing, and I look forward to growing in our shared vision of healthy biblical community” - Eric Schmid (HC Elder)
Kevin August
“Nick and I met over the phone due to a common experience we had at "We Are Church" in San Francisco. Although I lived in Portage, IN and he in Indianapolis, we were on a common path, and it was great to have someone who was going through the same experience and understood what God was calling each of us to do. We talked on the phone for many hours, and Nick shared with me his heart and vision for Beacon. He had not just a house church in mind but a network that would help others in the same situation and calling. Recently, I had the opportunity to drive down and to be with this group for a time of prayer and fellowship. Not only was I warmly welcomed, I felt like I had known these brothers in Christ for a long time. Since we're all operating in such a different model from traditional church, I felt like that I was with my "own kind." Those who understand what it's like to start a new church but with differing challenges to the traditional church setting. I look forward to the way Beacon will continue to grow and sharpen me personally as well as seeing the brotherhood grow as we grow our own churches and help others to plant and do the same.” - Kevin August (HC Planter)
Lisa Miller
“Church used to be what I did on Sunday morning; now it's my whole life. In addition to gathering weekly, church is now communicating with each other regularly throughout the week – it is really knowing what is really going on in people’s lives – it is challenging each other in love – it is dropping by last minute just to say "Hi" – it is being there to help each other out and lighten the load.” - Lisa Miller (HC Participant)
Brian Harvey
"One of the main things I feared about leading a house church was the isolation from a larger community. I didn't want to be alone as a leader. Beacon has provided a true fellowship for leaders to sharpen one another and bear burdens together. And I really like these people!" - Brian Harvey (HC Elder)