Our Story
Twenty-two years on the west side, and still keeping the light on.
Our story
Harborlight began in the spring of 2004 with twelve neighbors, a living room, and a pot of coffee. Daniel and Marissa Whitfield pushed the couch against the wall, somebody brought the hymnals, and Harborlight Community Church has been gathering on Columbus' west side ever since.
Twenty-two years and one auditorium later, the shape is bigger but the heartbeat is not: keep the light on for whoever is still rowing home, preach the scripture plainly, love the neighbors concretely, and leave a seat empty for the person we have not met yet.
What we believe
Scripture is our compass
The Bible is God's word to us: how we learn him, and the map for the choices of everyday life.
One God, three persons
We follow the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: one God who made us, loves us, and stays.
Grace through faith
Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, not a trophy earned by effort. Nobody checks a resume at the door.
A church sent to its neighbors
The church exists for the people around it: we are sent to love Columbus in ways you can see and touch.
The people you will meet
Daniel Whitfield
Lead Pastor
Daniel planted Harborlight with his wife Marissa in a living room in 2004. He still shepherds the church to keep the light on for whoever is still rowing home.
Marissa Whitfield
Community Life Director
Marissa leads Cove Groups and the welcome pathways, and she remembers your name longer than your coffee order.
Andre Boone
Worship Director
Andre leads the music for both services, from hymns to full band, and holds open auditions the first Sunday of every month.
Kim Tran
Kids Director
Kim runs HarborKids and check-in security, and she is the reason the youngest rooms run calm.
First Sunday coming up?
Here is exactly how a morning at Harborlight works, door to door.