As God the Father sent Christ Jesus (John 20:21), so we are now sent to be witnesses unto him (Acts 1:8) and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). We are called to shine the light of the gospel in this city and into the world for the glory of God and the good of all peoples.
Pastor Christian Beuggert, our Pastor of Mission, leads Citylight to bridge the mission of God both here in our neighborhoods and to the nations. Citylight gives partnership to the following ministries.
Local ministry and mission
Rescue Mission of Roanoke – With the mission statement “helping hurting people in Jesus’ name,” the Rescue Mission of Roanoke is a comprehensive crisis intervention center for men, women, and children, offering a comprehensive array of services to help people who are burdened by homelessness, disabilities, addictions, and abuse. Citylight member and elder, Lee Clark, is the CEO of the Rescue Mission.
West End Center – The goal of this neighborhood center near our church is to equip children with the developmental assets they need to become productive, responsible adults. To accomplish this goal, West End Center offers a comprehensive after-school program for academics, wellness and social skills.
Blue Ridge Women’s Center – Since 1984, more than 12,000 women have trusted Blue Ridge Women’s Center with their most personal concerns. Unplanned pregnancy. Relationships. Reproductive health. With medical clinics in Roanoke and Rocky Mount, support services from on-site consultants, and an extensive educational program, Blue Ridge Women’s Center specializes in the well-being of women and their families.
Baseball Chapel is an international ministry recognized by Major and Minor League Baseball. The mission is to bring encouragement to people in the world of professional baseball through the Gospel so that some become discipled followers of Jesus Christ. Citylight member and Carilion hospice chaplain, Seth McCormick, serves locally as the chapel leader for the Salem Red Sox, the high-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
Camp Tuk-A-Way – Located on 65 acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Blacksburg, Virginia, this camp provides a beautiful getaway from everyday life, to enjoy God’s natural creation and to grow in discipleship after Christ. Along with giving financial support, Citylight has utilized Camp Tuk-A-Way for summer camps for youth, as well as fall and spring retreats. We also have held church-wide events here, such as our fall party.
National and international mission
Along with gospel partnership with Acts 29 Network and Charis Fellowship, Citylight supports missionaries and works in national and international mission.
- United States – training Hispanic pastors
- reached world – Zimbabwe, France, Ireland
- under-reached & unreached world – SE Asia (church planting and outreach in Philippines and Vietnam, outreach in Thailand)
Several of these partnerships are established through Encompass World Partners.