About Us | Lighthouse Apostolic Pentecostal Church

There's a place for you here

Who We Are

Welcome to Lighthouse Apostolic Pentecostal Church. We aren’t just a congregation; we’re a family of believers standing on the old landmarks of the Apostolic faith. In a world that is constantly changing, our desire is to remain rooted in the Word of God while being a consistent light to the people around us.

We believe church should be a place where people worship together, pray together, grow together, and genuinely care for one another. From those who have served God for decades to those walking through the doors for the very first time, there’s a place for every generation at LAPC.

Our History

In 1987, Bro. J.D. Teeples felt that God was leading him off the evangelistic field to start a church. As he began to pray for guidance as to “where”, he just asked for it NOT to be in the West Limestone area. The search began, and nothing fell into place – until he listened to God’s will and followed His plan – for a church in Salem, right in the midst of West Limestone! The first service was in July, 1988, with 19 people attending in a storefront building on Hwy 99.

While people would come and go through the years, the majority of the first sixteen years were mainly family, with 5-10 people being a normal service. At one point in the early 1990’s, Bro. Teeples reached the point of seriously considering closing the church, but that was not God’s plan. Bro. Teeples had a light stroke, and for several weeks he preached sitting in a chair. As time progressed, that changed to a wheelchair. He was not bitter, because he realized that he was about to make a huge mistake and God allowed his infirmity to stop him. His ministry became stronger as he dedicated his time to getting closer to God and seeking His will.

One Saturday morning in February 2002, Bro. Teeples told his daughter that it was time to have a church building and land; the storefront church had served its purpose for 14 years, but another phase was being prepared. Within two months, land and a building were purchased - with about ten steady members in the church. The first service was held in the new church on Mother’s Day, 2002.

It seemed to be a time of growth for a while. Then in March, 2003, God determined that Bro. Teeples’ job was complete on this earth. The church continued for one year without a pastor, but God’s plan was already in place. God spoke in prophecy on Labor Day, 2003, that there would be a shepherd before the year was up. Bro. Teeples had left instructions that if a pastor was not in place within a year of his death, the church was to close. God’s plan was already laid out, and the church carried on doing what had been taught and preached for many years.

During these months, Bro. Chris Teeples came back to God, and on the day before the year anniversary of Elder Teeples’ death, he stood in the pulpit to accept the pastorship of Lighthouse – not realizing that there was a timeline. Isn’t God amazing!

A fellowship hall was built and then turned into the sanctuary, with the original sanctuary turned into the current fellowship hall. Building and dreams have never stopped, and the plans are already in place for a new church sanctuary. God has blessed us with many people coming through the doors to hear His word through 35 years, many being filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus’ name.

There have been times that it seemed that hell was bombarding Lighthouse, but through prayer and standing on the Word of God, it has withstood the battles. There may be scars, but she is standing firm on a solid foundation and just looking forward to the next 35 years of seeing what God has planned for the Salem community.

What We Believe

The Oneness of God

At our core, we believe in the absolute, indivisible oneness of God. Our faith is anchored in the ancient truth of the Shema: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). We believe that God is not a plurality of persons, but one singular Spirit who has revealed Himself to humanity in various ways throughout history.

The Nature of God

We believe there is only one living and true God—an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is eternal, immortal, and invisible. While the human mind cannot fully fathom His majesty, He has made Himself known to us through His Word and His manifestation in the flesh.

The Manifestations of the One God

We recognize that the one God has revealed Himself to humanity in three primary manifestations, yet remains one in essence: As the Father: The Creator of all things and the source of life. As the Son: God manifested in the flesh for the purpose of our redemption. As the Holy Spirit: God’s active presence and power dwelling within the believer. Colossians 2:9, "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is the one true God manifested in the flesh. He is fully God and fully man—the "mighty God" and "everlasting Father" spoken of by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6). In the person of Jesus, the eternal Spirit of God was united with perfect humanity. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, and rose again in victory. We believe that the name of Jesus is the highest name given to humanity, representing the full authority and character of the one true God.

The Application of Oneness

Because we believe in the singular identity of God in Christ, we adhere to the biblical pattern of baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as practiced by the Apostles in the New Testament (Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5). This act signifies our identification with His death, burial, and resurrection, and our total reliance on His name for salvation.

The Doctrine of Repentance

Repentance is the foundational requirement for a soul to turn toward God. It is a holy decree and a necessary turning of the heart, where a person acknowledges their transgression and makes a conscious decision to forsake sin and follow the Lord.

The Necessity of Repentance

We believe that repentance is not a suggestion, but a command from God to all people. Without a sincere turning from sin, there is no path to reconciliation with the Creator. Luke 13:3: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Acts 17:30: "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent."

The Working of Godly Sorrow

True repentance is birthed through godly sorrow. It is more than the regret of the world; it is a heart-wrenching realization of one's offense against a Holy God. This sorrow is the catalyst that "worketh repentance to salvation." 2 Corinthians 7:10 "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."

The Fruits of Repentance

We believe that true repentance will be evidenced by a change in conduct and a desire for righteousness. It is the spiritual "death" to the old man, preparing the believer for the burial of baptism and the resurrection of the new life. Matthew 3:8: "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Acts 3:19: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."

The First Step of Salvation

In the New Testament pattern, repentance is the essential first response to the preaching of the Word. It opens the door for the remission of sins and the promise of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

The Doctrine of Water Baptism

We believe that water baptism is an essential part of the New Testament experience of salvation. It is not merely a symbolic ritual, but a spiritual burial with Jesus Christ, identifying the believer with His death and resurrection.

The Mode and Authority

In accordance with the Holy Scriptures, we believe that baptism must be performed by immersion in water. The Greek word baptizo signifies to completely submerge. Furthermore, we believe that the name of the Lord is the authority by which we are baptized. As the Apostles demonstrated throughout the book of Acts, we baptize in the name of Jesus Christ, which is the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 10:48: "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Acts 19:5: "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

The Purpose of Baptism

We believe that baptism is for the remission of sins. It is the means by which the blood of Jesus Christ is applied to the life of the repentant believer, washing away the record of past transgressions. Acts 22:16 "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

A Spiritual Burial

Baptism serves as the spiritual funeral for the "old man." Just as Christ was buried in the tomb, we are buried with Him in baptism so that we might rise to walk in a new life. Romans 6:4: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Colossians 2:12: "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."

The Promise of Salvation

We believe that water baptism, when coupled with repentance and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, completes the new birth experience as spoken of by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:21 "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

The Doctrine of the Infilling of the Holy Ghost

We believe that the infilling of the Holy Ghost is the spiritual birth of the Spirit, promised by Jesus Christ to all believers. It is the active presence of God dwelling within the human heart, providing the power to live a holy life and serves as the seal of our inheritance.

The Promise of the Father

The gift of the Holy Ghost is not reserved for a select few, but is a promise extended to every person who hears the call of the Gospel. It is the "Comforter" that Jesus promised would abide with His followers forever. Acts 2:39: "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." John 14:16: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever."

The Initial Evidence

In accordance with the New Testament pattern established on the Day of Pentecost, we believe that the initial, physical sign of the infilling of the Holy Ghost is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." This phenomenon was the consistent indicator of the Spirit's arrival throughout the early Church: Acts 10:45-46: "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished... for they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." Acts 19:6: "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."

The Purpose of the Spirit

The Holy Ghost is given to empower the believer for service, to guide the soul into all truth, and to produce spiritual fruit. It is the power that enables us to be witnesses for Christ and to overcome the world. Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me..." John 16:13: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth..."

A Necessary Birth

We believe that being born of the Spirit is an essential part of the New birth experience. Without the Spirit of Christ, we cannot belong to Him. Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

Walking in the Spirit

Receiving the Holy Ghost is the beginning of a transformed life. We are called to "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16), allowing God's power to sanctify us and prepare us for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Doctrine of Other Tongues

We believe that speaking with other tongues is the supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, where God provides the utterance to the believer in a language they have not learned. It serves as both the initial sign of the Spirit's infilling and a continual means of spiritual edification.

The Initial Sign

According to the scriptural pattern, speaking in tongues is the immediate, external evidence that a person has received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the uniform experience recorded in the birth of the New Testament Church. Acts 2:4: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 10:46: "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."

Spiritual Edification and Prayer

Beyond the initial evidence, the use of tongues is a vital part of a believer's private prayer life. It allows the Spirit to intercede through the individual, speaking mysteries unto God and building up the inner man. 1 Corinthians 14:2: "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." 1 Corinthians 14:4: "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself..." Jude 1:20: "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost."

The Gift of Divers Kinds of Tongues

We also recognize the "divers kinds of tongues" as one of the nine spiritual gifts given for the benefit of the local body. When exercised in a public assembly and followed by the interpretation of tongues, it serves to exhort and comfort the church. 1 Corinthians 14:5 "...greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."

Our Biblical Mandate

We hold to the apostolic instruction regarding the move of the Spirit. While we maintain order in the house of God, we strictly adhere to the commandment that the manifestation of tongues should never be suppressed or forbidden. 1 Corinthians 14:39-40 "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order."

Why We Worship the Way We Do

At LAPC, you will notice that our worship is fervent, loud, and full of life. This isn't for a show, and it isn't based on modern trends. We worship this way because the Bible provides us with a clear pattern of how God’s people are to enter His presence. Our goal is to set aside the distractions of the world and offer a "sacrifice of praise" that is pleasing to the Lord.

Scriptural Expressions of Praise

We believe that worship involves the whole person—heart, mind, and body. We follow the biblical examples of those who celebrated the goodness of God with everything they had: Lifting Our Hands: We lift our hands as a sign of surrender and adoration. Psalm 134:2: "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord." Worshipping Out Loud: We believe in praying and praising God with a "loud voice" and shouts of victory. Psalm 47:1: "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph." Musical Instruments: We use every available instrument to usher in the Spirit of the Lord. Psalm 150:4: "Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs." Clapping and Dancing: We celebrate our freedom in Christ through the clapping of hands and dancing before the Lord. Psalm 149:3: "Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp."

Leaping for Joy and Running

At LAPC, you may witness believers leaping, running, or dancing in the aisles. This is a scriptural response to the overwhelming goodness of God. When the Spirit of the Lord moves, it often results in a physical expression of liberty that cannot be contained. Leaping in the Spirit: Jesus told His followers to rejoice and "leap for joy" (Luke 6:23). We see this lived out when the lame man was healed in the Name of Jesus and entered the temple "walking, and leaping, and praising God" (Acts 3:8). Running the Race: Running the aisles is often a sign of spiritual victory or a response to the "river" of the Holy Ghost. It is an outward sign of the inward race we are running for the Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 9:24: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."

The Goal of Our Worship

Above all, we worship in "spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). We believe that when we create an atmosphere of sincere praise, the presence of the Lord comes down to inhabit that praise. We provide a space where you are free to leave your burdens at the altar and receive "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (Isaiah 61:3). 2 Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

Holiness and Temperance: Why We Abstain

At LAPC, we believe that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. Because we have been bought with a price—the blood of Jesus Christ—we are called to glorify God in our bodies and our spirits. We choose to abstain from alcohol and mind-altering drugs based on the biblical principles of holiness, soberness, and stewardship.

The Temple of God

The New Testament teaches us that the believer is no longer their own. When the Holy Ghost dwells within us, our physical bodies become a sanctuary for God’s Spirit. We believe it is our responsibility to keep that temple clean and undefiled by substances that are harmful or addictive. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

The Command to be Sober

The Word of God repeatedly warns us to be "sober" and "vigilant." Alcohol and drugs impair a person's judgment, dull their spiritual sensitivity, and open the door for the enemy to gain an advantage. To walk in the Spirit, we must maintain a clear and sound mind. 1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Proverbs 20:1: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

Avoiding the Appearance of Evil

We believe in living a life that is "set apart" from the world. Beyond the personal danger of addiction, we abstain from these things to ensure our testimony remains blameless and that we do not become a stumbling block to others who are seeking a way out of a lifestyle of bondage. 1 Thessalonians 5:22: "Abstain from all appearance of evil." Ephesians 5:18: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."

True Fulfillment in Christ

We believe that the "high" and the "peace" that the world seeks through substances is a counterfeit for the joy of the Holy Ghost. Where drugs and alcohol bring temporary escape followed by sorrow, the Spirit of God brings lasting peace and true liberty. We choose to be "intoxicated" only by the presence of the Lord, finding everything we need in Him. Habakkuk 2:15 "Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also..."

The Doctrine of Modesty and Christian Appearance

At LAPC, we believe that holiness is not just an internal condition of the heart, but something that should be reflected in our outward appearance. We believe that a child of God should be easily distinguished from the world, honoring God in how we present ourselves to others.

The Principle of Distinction

From the beginning, God established a distinction between the genders. We believe that men should look like men and women should look like women, honoring the unique identity God gave to each. This distinction is a hedge of protection for the family and a testimony of our submission to God's created order. Deuteronomy 22:5: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God." 1 Corinthians 11:14-15: "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."

Modesty in Apparel

We believe that our clothing should be modest and "shamefaced," meaning it does not draw undue attention to the body or provoke ungodly thoughts. This applies to both men and women. We choose to dress in a way that emphasizes the "hidden man of the heart" rather than the outward flesh. 1 Timothy 2:9-10: "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." 1 Peter 3:3-4: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning... But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Separation from the World

We believe that the use of makeup and jewelry (including rings and earrings) is rooted in worldly pride and "the lust of the eyes." Following the biblical pattern of separation, we choose to present ourselves in our natural, God-given state, rejecting the vanities of a fallen culture. 1 John 2:15-16: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world... For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

Our Motivation

We do not dress modestly to earn salvation, but because we are saved and want to honor the One who bought us. Our appearance is a silent witness to the world that we belong to Jesus Christ. We strive to be "holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Peter 1:15), which includes the way we carry ourselves and the way we dress. 1 Corinthians 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

The Importance of Gathering: Our Statement on Church Attendance

At LAPC, we believe that the local church is not just a building, but a living body of believers. Consistent church attendance is vital for the spiritual health, growth, and strength of every Christian. We gather not out of mere tradition, but out of a biblical necessity to encourage one another and experience the collective presence of the Lord.

The Command to Assemble

The scriptures are clear that we are not to live our lives in isolation. God designed the Church to function as a community, and we are specifically instructed not to abandon our gatherings, especially as we see the day of the Lord’s return approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

The Apostolic Pattern

In the early Church, the believers understood that their strength came from their unity. They didn't just meet occasionally; they made the fellowship of the saints a daily priority. We strive to follow that same dedication today. Acts 2:42: "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Psalm 122:1: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."

Why We Meet

We believe that when the Church gathers, something happens that cannot happen alone. Strength in Unity: We bear one another's burdens and find strength through corporate prayer. Instruction: We sit under the preaching and teaching of the Word of God to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Corporate Worship: While we can pray at home, there is a special manifestation of God's power when "two or three are gathered together" in His name (Matthew 18:20).

A Commitment to the Body

We view church attendance as a commitment to God and to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Every member of the body has a part to play, and when one is missing, the whole body feels the loss. We encourage every believer to be faithful to the house of God, finding their place of service and fellowship within the family of LAPC. Psalm 27:4 "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."

The Evidence of the Spirit

The Biblical Pattern In the book of Acts, believers consistently spoke in tongues immediately upon receiving the Holy Ghost. The Initial SignTongues serve as the uniform, external sign that the internal promise of the Spirit has been fulfilled. The NecessityJesus stated one must be born of "Water and Spirit" to enter the Kingdom. The Spirit's arrival is evidenced by the tongue.

Rebuttals for the Outreach Team

Objection: "I received the Spirit when I believed, without tongues." Response: Scriptural precedent (Acts 10:44–46) shows that even Peter knew the Spirit had fallen specifically because he heard them speak with tongues. Belief is the first step; the infilling is the supernatural seal. Objection: "Paul says 'Do all speak in tongues?' implying 'No'." Response: Paul is referring here to the Gift of Tongues used in public church order (which requires interpretation). This is distinct from the Sign of Tongues which accompanies the initial baptism of the Holy Ghost for every believer. Objection: "Love is more important than tongues." Response: True, love is the greatest fruit, but you cannot have the fruit of the Spirit without first having the Spirit. Tongues is the door; love is the walk. Field Note: Focus on the "Promise." Remind people that this isn't a hurdle to clear, but a gift from God that He is eager to give to everyone who asks.

Baptism

Is it necessary?Yes. It is a command, not an option, for the remission of sins.Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16 Why "Jesus Name"?The Apostles always baptized in the name of Jesus, fulfilling the "Name" of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.Acts 8:16, Acts 19:5 Why immersion?The word baptizo means to whelm or submerge. It symbolizes burial and resurrection.Romans 6:4, Col. 2:12 Can children be baptized?Baptism requires repentance and faith, which are conscious decisions made by an individual.Acts 8:37, Acts 2:38

Common Objections & Rebuttals

1. "Baptism is just an outward sign of an inward grace." Rebuttal: Scripture identifies baptism as the moment sins are washed away. It is not a symbol of a prior cleansing, but the actual "washing of regeneration." Key Verse: Acts 22:16, Titus 3:5 2. "What about the thief on the cross?" Rebuttal: The thief died under the Old Covenant before Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection were completed and before the Great Commission was given. We live under the New Covenant established at Pentecost. Key Verse: Hebrews 9:16-17 3. "I was baptized as an infant." Rebuttal: Biblical baptism follows repentance. In Acts 19, individuals who had been baptized incorrectly were re-baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus to ensure they followed the Apostolic pattern. Key Verse: Acts 19:3-5 4. "Matthew 28:19 says Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Rebuttal: "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost" are titles, not names. The Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is Jesus. The Apostles understood this and never used the titles at the moment of baptism. Key Verse: Matthew 28:19 (singular "Name"), Acts 4:12

Field Tool: The New Birth Formula

1. Repentance: Death to sin. 2. Baptism in Jesus Name: Burial of the old man and washing of sin. 3. Holy Ghost Infilling: Resurrection to new life (evidenced by tongues). When someone is ready, don't wait. The Bible says, "And now why tarriest thou?" If there is water available, the time is now.