Light House Church

Nice congregation in McHenry. Very welcoming yet strongly biblical.

Pastor Neil himself, he's a very kind, understanding, and accepting pastor. He answers all questions you ask him, with biblical knowledge and wisdom. However, he is always too busy to meet in person, even right after church is over because he is always running to a prayer meeting, or other important appointment. Many times over the last year, we have invited he and his wife over to our place many times, to spend time as family does; However, we were kept at arms length. Only his friends of old, Elders of the church, seem to get the privilege of his & his wife's company.nThe pastor really doesn't have any idea, nor seems to care about his member's prejudice. He is always so busy with everything else on his plate, that he delegates power to two different families within the church (related to his childhood Buddies), and he does not see the abuse of power, and elite way they act toward those not in their circle. The two families that I mentioned are pretty much in complete control of the church, what events and activities are held, what worship songs are played/sung, and more.nWhen we originally arrived at the church about a year ago, the church and its people, were very generous and helped us out of financial pit. My family and I, were homeless and they did what they could to help us get into our own apartment and get settled. That I appreciate greatly. However, in the months to come after, they got to know me a little bit better and started not liking me because of my forward, honest, and blunt nature (also because of my hobbies and lifestyle choices, back to them, is not godly). They also did not like the fact that we would not conform. The pastor was extremely friendly, and he even performed the wedding ceremony for my wife and I to get married. We were honestly hoping that this church was the one for us and that we would not have to search any longer for a church we felt we belong.nWe were able to make friends with one family at the church and they are amazing, understanding, accepting people. After trustingly revealing some of my lifestyle choices when we first started attending the church, we were immediately judged by many of the families there. Some of them did try putting aside their differences and we arranged a play date or two with them for our little one and their little ones, and the interaction between the kids was awesome, but the interaction between the adults was terrible. If you don't raise your children the way they raise theirs, teach your children the way they teach theirs, & believe every single thing they believe; if you do anything that they personally consider to be biblically wrong, they will shun you & then run to the pastor, whining and crying that their feelings were hurt, instead of just talking to you about it, like an adult.nMany times I was told that the church was open to suggestions for events and activities as well as suggestions for different worship music, but all of my ideas were either shot down or I was told to get it started myself because Again, the pastor was too busy. As for worship songs they play/sing, the same, drab, slow, boring, funeral like music every Sunday, and very rarely play anything joyous or uplifting. Many times I suggested that they try playing some of the newer songs from the radio channel K-Love, but their excuse was that they didn't have time to learn new songs even though they have worship practice every week. The Elders of the church obviously do not like the idea of anything new being put on the worship list.nEveryone at the church calls you their brother or their sister or their church family, but outside of the church itself, only one of those families has ever treated my wife and I like a brother or a sister, and like real family, whether we are at the church or elsewhere. The other people and families there only treat you like family when you are at the church itself, but when they are away from the church they ignore you, and they don't want anything to do with you. That is not what I call real family.

Lighthouse Church has been a great blessing to our family through the years. They are truly a LIGHThouse in an increasingly dark world. We are so thankful for sound, biblical teaching that challenges and equips. Their heart for McHenry and the surrounding areas is evident as they seek to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus. Pastor Neil and Marcie are real, missional, humble, and servant-hearted people of God. I have learned so much through Pastor Neil's teaching AND example. We recently relocated and many members of the church came around us to lend their strength and support as we moved. We are very thankful God led us to this church.

Kind and knowledgable teachers helping our youth learn God's Word.

Great sermons by pastor Neil. The children programs are the best around.... That includes kids church on Sunday and kids groups on Wednesday. Everyone is always so friendly. I looked for years for the right church, so glad I found light house and proud to call them my family.