A few days after Christmas, Pastor Pete Battjes sat down to discuss his first two months at the helm of Lighthouse Christian Church, his voice betraying a pastors most dreaded occupational hazard.

Pastor Pete had a cold.

Its the worst time of year to have a cold for a pastor, Battjes said with a smile.

Battjes has been all smiles since he began serving at the Lighthouse, 88786 Dellmoor Loop, on Nov. 1.

So far, hes enjoyed getting to know his neighbors.

The people here have been very receptive, said Battjes, who lives in Gearhart with his wife, Vivian. We love to go out and visit — the less I can sit at the desk, the better.

Battjes is no stranger to the ocean and relished the idea of returning to the coast even if the North Coasts waters are a bit less balmy than what hes used to.

I love the ocean, I grew up in Southern California, he said. Coming out here, the waters a little bit colder than in Southern California.  

In his short time on the North Coast, Battjes has been impressed with the beauty of this area, he said.

The Lighthouse is Battjes fifth church in his career; recently, he served for 12 years at North Bend Community Church in North Bend, Wash.

I loved it, its a good little community, he said.

But Pete and Vivian Battjes felt like it was time for a new challenge.

When the couple saw the position at the Lighthouse, they thought, Man, that looks like a perfect fit for us, Pete Battjes said. We felt it was time for a change in community and ministry.

Battjes pastoral career has seen its fair share of change in ministry: Each of the churches he has served at has been affiliated with a different association or denomination.

The Lighthouse is a member of the Christian Church, a mainline Protestant denomination also known as the Disciples of Christ; previously, Battjes served as a pastor in the General Baptist Conference, the International Church of the Four Square, the Assemblies of God and the Christian Reformed faith traditions.

Battjes, who was raised in the Christian Reformed Church, sees each new church as an opportunity to broaden and deepen his pastoral knowledge.

For me, its a learning experience, he said. Looking back, I see it was Gods call in every situation. … It wasnt necessarily what I would have chosen, but where the Lord opens the door, we serve.

Throughout all the different denominations and associations, Battjes sees two commonalities that all his ministries have shared: a faith in Jesus Christ and a discipline to be obedient to Gods word.

Along with spreading the word, the Lighthouse participates in community outreach, donating dozens of turkeys for Thanksgiving, hams for Christmas and sponsoring mission trips to Mexico.

The churchs worship service, held at 9 a.m. Sundays , features a blended worship of songs, combining both up-beat contemporary music and older hymns, Battjes said.

The Lighthouses worship space is modeled after a light tower that was built on the Columbia River in 1896, according to Battjes.

True to its name, Pastor Pete believes that his new church can be a lighthouse of hope, he said. We are a beacon in the North Coast community.

The Christian Church invites all those who believe in Christ to participate in communion, regardless of their denomination or affiliation.

Battjes hopes his beacon will call one and all to the Lighthouse.

No matter who walks through these doors, they will be loved, accepted and respected, he said.