About Lighthouse

Our story of faith, community, and the pursuit of God's glory

Our Mission

Our mission at Lighthouse Worship Center is to bring people into the light of the knowledge of God, found only in the face of Jesus Christ. Once they come to the light it is our goal to teach them how to abide in the light, to guide them as they walk in the light and to equip them to manifest God’s light, impacting the world around them for the glory of God.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a place where the glory of God resides, and the people of God are empowered through God’s message of Light. A people experiencing, Life, Light, and Hope through God’s Word.

At Lighthouse, the people (individual, as well as corporate) are a community unto themselves. Each one’s life is “a beacon of light” itself. By instructing and training these individuals in effective living God’s way, we will see an “impact of Peace” in the lives of every partner and the world they touch.

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Our History

The journey of Lighthouse Worship Center from a vision to a thriving community

Exterior of Beacon Harbor's original meeting hall in warm evening light

In August 2002, Pastor Tracy De Volt received heading of the Lord to prepare to launch a local church in her hometown of Aurora, IL. Not desiring to pastor a local church, Tracy began a time of prayer and seeking clarity of the impression she was sensing in her heart. During this special time of prayer, fasting, and study of God’s Word, she began to write the vision of a local church, yet refusing to accept the full responsibility of shepherding the church herself.

By October 2002, a fuller vision for a church, including its full name was written. Upon receiving clear vision and the church’s name, Lighthouse Worship Center Churches, Inc., Pastor Tracy went to her pastor (Apostle Donald L. Alford, Progressive Life-Giving Cathedral of Hillside, IL); shared the vision; and her plans to launch by 2009/2010. Two years elapsed before Tracy called her sister, Marsha, and a few friends to start with the planning phases for The Lighthouse, which they incorporated under the State of Illinois’ Religious Corp Act in 2006. However, upon further examination and a lack of readiness on Pastor Tracy’s part, the group adjoined to reassemble with full readiness in September/October 2008 to make the dream a reality. Pastor Tracy named the organizing group, The Dream Team.

June 29, 2009, a group of ready workers assembled in the De Volt’s home to begin the prelaunch phase of The Lighthouse. Organizers for the church were:

· Tracy L. De Volt

· Marsha C. De Volt

· Reeshema Z. Wood

· Bettie J. Buffer

· Tanya Jones (Not in attendance)

· Pearl Parks (Not in attendance)

· Preston McKenzie (Not in attendance)

Lighthouse Worship Center Churches’ Articles of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State’s Office on August 4, 2009. The Executive Board was:

· Tracy L. De Volt (President)

· Reeshema Z. Wood (Secretary)

· Marsha C. De Volt (Treasurer)

Upon planning and organizing the prelaunch services, the group then focused on the launch service, held September 27, 2009 at Gayles Memorial Baptist Church of Aurora, IL; Rev. George Marshall, pastor. Over 200 well-wishers attended the launch service and Lighthouse was officially a local church. The mid-week Bible study entitle, Lessons in Light with Pastor Tracy, commenced Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at the home of longtime friend, Mrs. Katie Amos, in her basement hair salon.

The subsequent Sunday morning services took place at CM Bardwell Elementary School located at 550 S. Lincoln in Aurora. Services started October 11, 2009 at 11 am with 21 people in attendance. The membership of Lighthouse started that October Sunday with five of its eight charter members in attendance. Lighthouse had an official partnership of 10 adults with weekly attendance of over 40. Weekly prayer and Bible study were held at Bardwell each Wednesday evening at 7’clock.

In January 2011, the Sunday morning services moved to a temporary location, TA Reentry Corp offices in downtown Aurora, where Lighthouse business offices were located. In April 2011, the worship services and business moved into our first facility, 850 Ridgeway St. 100 on Aurora’s westside. The membership of Lighthouse saw more than 150% growth over the next three years with a membership of over 60 people. On June 4, 2017, Lighthouse moved into our current facility, 111 E. Indian Trail, Aurora, a 6400 sq. ft. facility in the heart of the City of Lights. Lighthouse has more than 100 members with more than 30 workers, both paid and volunteer staffers.

Our vision is a vision of Light, Life, and Hope for all we encounter. Our dream is to be an “Impact of Peace” in the lives of every partner and surrounding community where a Lighthouse church is located. Our Core Values are:

· Worship

· The Word

· Relationship

· Discipleship

· Evangelism

We endeavor to manifest these values in every operation of this church with excellence, integrity, and the love of God our Father, which only can be realized in/through Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Lord.

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Meet Our Leader

Apostle Tracy De Volt - Founder & Senior Leader

Tracy received Christ at the age of seventeen. After struggling for three additional years with drug and alcohol addiction, she was completely set free by simply reading and praying daily the Word of God. The power of God’s Word to renew the mind and destroy yokes is her testimony and life’s conviction.

Tracy readily received her calling and immediately began teaching the Word of God. At 21 years of age, she taught with an insight and wisdom that could only come from God’s Spirit. With zeal for God but in desperate need of knowledge, Tracy decided to attend Bible school.

Upon graduating Rhema Bible Training Center (now Rhema Bible College) in 1993, Tracy was ordained to the Gospel Ministry with passion and anointing for teaching, training, healing, and equipping people: Leadership and Laity; saved and unsaved, with the tools they need to navigate through life successfully. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Ministry and Leadership from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, OK.