WHY WE EXIST
We are here to raise a company of people who make a difference in our world; and we do this by helping people know God, love people, find freedom, discover their purpose, make a difference, and lead people to Christ.
Our Motto: “…Raising People Who Make A Difference”
Our LEADERSHIP
Dr. Gregory Lan & Debo Ijiwola
Lead Pastors
Gregory and Debo Ijiwola believe their primary calling is to know, experience God’s amazing love and to love him with their whole beings and life. Then they believe their next priorities are their ministry to each other and then the three wonderful children God has blessed them with: Jesse, Joshua and Pearl. Following these is their commitment to serving the kingdom of God through the ministry they have received from God.
Know God
Weekend Services
Make A Difference
Dream Team
Find Freedom
Small Groups
Discover Purpose
Growth Track / Leading Lights
Our HISTORY
With an initial team of 7 people, The CityLight International Assembly a.k.a The CityLight Church began on February 20th 2005 at the Ramada inn in Hyde Park Chicago now known as Chicago Lake Shore Hotel with a little over 100 in attendance.
Since then CityLight has since grown from the initial 7 dream team members to serve hundreds of people in the Chicago area and its suburbs through various ministry initiatives transcending the church walls and reaching into the social contexts of the community.
Today CityLight through its outreaches, community and leadership development initiatives, small groups, spiritual development, the life-giving message of the Gospel, the passion and joy of Sunday services, and the simple style of CityLight has brought growth and influence to different spheres within the community.
We invite you to see for yourself how exciting church can be when the focus is simple and people are free to seek God with passion.
Our IDENTITY
C-We CARE about our CITY and its residents. Our vision is to see God’s glory fill the various segments of our city through the expression of Kingdom values.
I– We are INTENTIONALLY INTEGRATED. Our approach is to connect and share God’s love to individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender or age. We shall serve and worship with all races in our city without fear or prejudice.
T– We are TRAINED disciples of Christ, eager learners, utilizing every opportunity to know Him and be more like him.
Y– We are YOUTHFUL focusing and investing in the next generation.
L– We are LARGE enough in number to make an undeniable impact on our city.
I– We are a church of IRRESISTIBLE INFLUENCE for good in our city, eliminating the works of the enemy where they have ruled.
G– We are GOERS, obeying the GREAT commission, externally focused and using every opportunity to share the GOOD NEWS of Christ’s love and the kingdom.
H– We are a HOLISTIC and HOLY church, relevant in the world but separated from its attitudes and sinful lifestyles. Reaching various dimensions of life through wholesome initiatives.
T– We are TAKING OVER our individual spheres of influence through our kingdom purpose.
S- We are SPIRIT-FILLED and walking in the SUPERNATURAL-SIGNS and wonders in our world
Statement of Faith
The Holy Bible
The Holy Bible, and only the Bible, is the authoritative Word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. In its original writing, it is inspired, infallible and inerrant (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26)
Jesus
Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. On earth, Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. He is the only man ever to have lived a sinless life
Trinity
We believe that there is one God eternally existent in the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died as was buried and that He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God.
Salvation
We believe that the redemptive work of Christ has provided salvation for the Spirit, healing for the body, liberty and deliverance from all oppression and evil work.
Baptism
We believe in water baptism in the name of the Father, of the Son and the Holy Spirit. We believe in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers and the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Giving
We believe in giving into the local church. We believe in giving to and caring for the needy whether poor, sick, homeless or otherwise unfortunate.
2nd Coming
Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why CityLight?
The CityLight Church is a contemporary, fun, family-oriented, non-denominational church focused on making a positive impact upon the city of Chicago by bringing everyone we come in contact with into maximized living. We are also dedicated to serving as a worldwide Christian outreach center helping the nations experience the blessings that come from knowing Jesus.
How do I get to church?
CityLight presently holds in-person Sunday morning service at the LightPointe 2.0 in the Hyde Park and Kenwood area. The address is 824 E 43rd Street, Chicago, IL 60653. Our services are also streamed online here
What is appropriate to wear to church?
Come as you are! The dress ranges from casual to professional.
What are your meeting times?
Our in-person and online Sunday service is at 11 am; we have kids church (Kidzciti) in person at 11am.