We are happy to share that Jim Parish, manager of The LightHouse Thrift Store, has accepted the call to be the new pastor for the Richland Center District here in Wisconsin. Jim has been serving in the Wisconsin Conference since 2016 as manager at The LightHouse which is located on the campus of Wisconsin Academy in the town of Columbus. While there he has continued to expand the outreach and boundaries of The LightHouse, always trying to think outside the box on how to reach church members and plant seeds to reach souls for God. For Jim and his wife, Lynette, The LightHouse has been more than just a thrift store, it has been their Mission, their way of life. Even their dog, Bear, was part of the ministry serving as the store mascot and becoming more popular than the employees.
God has been calling Jim for many years and, in different ways as God has opened the doors Jim has walked through them. He joined the Volunteer Lay Pastor program, offered through the Wisconsin Conference, almost nine years ago and has begun traveling to preach throughout the state since that time. In his home church at Wisconsin Academy, Jim has held various positions, most recently being Head Elder for the last two years. Jim has led out in an evangelism series, many Bible studies and other events over the years. Jim has also been a chaplain for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department for the last three years answering the call of God at all hours of the day and night as well as serving the Columbus Fire Department and the Fall River Police Department. Most recently God has called Jim to Andrews University where he is working on his Bachelors degree in Theology.
Although it is difficult for Jim and Lynette to leave The LightHouse and their friends and church family in the Wisconsin Academy Church, they are excited for where God is leading them and for what He has in store for them in the future. As Jim has felt God’s call to pastoral ministry, when God opened the door for him to serve the Richland Center District he knew he needed to walk through.
In his limited free time, Jim loves to spend time with his wife, their dog Bear, their 7 children and 7 grandchildren, and their many friends. Together Jim and Lynette enjoy riding their Harley, floating their pontoon boat, and camping with family and friends. Jim also loves to roller skate. He has skated in 18 states, 7 countries, and 4 continents.
Above everything else Jim loves his time with God and teaching others about what his Savior has done for him in his life. His daily goal is to be a true Disciple Maker and teach others how to do the same.
We welcome Jim and Lynette to the pastoral team here in Wisconsin and ask you to join us in praying for them as they make this transition. Jim will begin his ministry in Richland Center on March 1, 2024.
Jim Parish and
Laurella Case, Communication Coordinator