Lighthouse Youth Center (Lighthouse) is a non-profit organization that provides a central location for children ages 10–18 to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Lighthouse consists of four campuses in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and one in Appleton, Wisconsin, open year-round Monday through Friday. The mission of Lighthouse’s almost 20-year-old ministry is this: “to be a beacon of Christ to the youth of the community.” What does that look like for a seminary student who works as a campus vicar at the Lighthouse Youth Center, and why do I love it so much?
One answer: it’s ministry.
The tasks I am privileged to carry out at Lighthouse are truly a blessing and a joy for me. If you asked one of the kids what my job is, there could be a comedic array of answers. In truth, the kids and I probably see my job in quite different ways. Some might say I’m the vicar that they can’t beat at NBA 2K, a popular basketball video game. I would say that I’m getting quality one-on-onetime in a comfortable setting with someone who might not usually be open to deeper conversations. Maybe they would tell you it feels like my only job is to try to be funny all day. If that’s the case, then I praise God that I can help to create an enjoyable environment for an afternoon with friends. Maybe they would label me as the guy who helps them with homework, the guy who delivers their daily devotions, or the guy who prays with them before they leave for the day. I would love it if that was the answer. Really, I think their answer would be summed up as this: I watch them grow mentally and spiritually, and I get the chance to assist in that process in any way I am able. By the work of the Spirit through the Word, by grace alone, there is certainly growth taking place.
This might sound funny, but honestly, the one growing the most at Lighthouse is me. While it is my job to be a beacon, to shine the perfect light of Jesus Christ to a world of darkness, here I am daily with forty lights shining the joy of a risen Savior back at me. As they grow, I grow. I grow as I sit in the front row while the Holy Spirit works through the means of grace and makes faith in their young hearts not only grow but completely flourish. I get to watch one teenager wander into Lighthouse and the next day bring back a handful of friends who have no clue what Lutheran means or what Lighthouse is all about.
Before the month is over, I am being asked curious theological questions every day because these girls don’t want to stop learning about Jesus and don’t go to a school that teaches about him. I get to sit and watch a boy who just moved into the neighborhood come into Lighthouse in the summer knowing nobody and by the end of the summer, enroll in the Lutheran elementary school and be cherished and embraced. I get to encourage grade schoolers to use their gifts to serve their Lord in so many different ways as they enter high school. At Lighthouse, Jesus shines on all of us and we look to reflect that light. He even counts me worthy to be a bearer of that light. What a joy that is.
Caleb Lindholm is serving as a vicar during the 2025–2026 school year.
Learn more about Lighthouse at lighthouseyouthcenter.com