Lighthouse Alliance Church began on April 6, 1986 under the name West Park Alliance Church. The church was started by a small group from Grace Church in Middleburg Hts. with the vision of reaching the West Park, Lakewood, Fairview Park, and Rocky River areas with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Services were held at the West Park YMCA on Lorain Rd. until a building was purchased on Rocky River Dr. in West Park. Our first service there was on Sunday, June 28, 1992. During the years at the YMCA, the Spirit of God moved in great ways and the church grew from that small core group to over 150 people. After moving to Rocky River Dr., the church experienced some struggles and hardships. We served the Lord at that location despite many obstacles. However, it became clear that we needed to start over. In February 2000, the decision was made to sell that building, hire a new pastor, and start over with a fresh vision. In May 2000, a new pastor was called and in September 2000, the building was sold. A new vision was prayerfully developed. On Sunday, November 12, 2000, the church began holding Sunday services at Garnett Elementary School in Fairview Park. As 2001 began, our name was officially changed to Lighthouse Alliance Church. The name was chosen to reflect our mission and our vision – to be a lighthouse: a fixed point of reference as we hold to the Word of God and to be a shining light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our community and the world. During our time at Garnett, we simplified our focus as a church and became intentional about discipleship and evangelism. After years of prayer for a new facility, God opened the door for us to purchase a beautiful and historic church building at our present location on Eastlook Rd. in Rocky River. Our first service there was held on August 5, 2007.
In over 21 years, we have had 5 full-time pastors serve here and 1 interim pastor. Our current Pastor, Paul Yanchek, is the longest serving pastor, having been here since May 2000. We have sent out 4 people into full-time missionary service. We have raised nearly $400,000 for missionary work. We have seen about 300 people come to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and we have had the blessing of baptizing almost 80 new believers.
God has been doing a new work in this established church. We look forward to seeing how God will pour out His Spirit upon us in the coming years. We invite you to join us as we grow in Christ together, proclaim the Gospel to our community and world, and serve our neighbors with the love of Christ.
