Lights Church will be the first online-focused church designed in the UK for people living in Japan and abroad.
Lights Church is currently being prepared for its opening in April 2026, with many people praying for it.
Lights Church use online platforms and other technologies to share the Gospel with people across Japan and beyond. We aim to connect people to Jesus Christ and His Church, and to encourage them to shine ever more brightly as the "light of the world" wherever they are.
The name "Lights Church" is based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV). “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Lights Church proclaims, together with Jesus, that all people are created to be "the light of the world" and are called by God to live as such. We support each person to become a Light—so that countless Lights may shine across Japan and throughout the world.
Greetings from the Pastor
Thank you very much for visiting Lights Church, my name is Kengoro Goto (後藤 献五郎), and I am the pastor of Lights Church.
I am currently a PhD candidate sponsored by the Japanese Government (MEXT) in Manchester, UK, conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of biblical studies and linguistics. This is my seventh year studying abroad, during which I have witnessed the rapid spread of online and automated technologies in many areas of life. With the swift advancement of science and technology today, people's lifestyles have changed dramatically. Even within the church, while the truth of the Word remains eternal, there is an increasing need for flexibility in how the gospel is shared.
For instance, approximately 124 million Japanese people are living both in Japan and abroad, yet many remain unaware of the immense love God has shown them through their lives. Lights Church was carefully designed from the ground up during my time in the UK to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of those struggling every day. We are committed to fulfilling our mission: to help people recognise God’s overwhelming love, turn back to Him, be filled with joy, and grow towards Christlikeness through the ministries of Lights Church.
As the pastor of Lights Church and an expert in biblical studies, I will share the Word of the Bible from its original languages in a way that anyone can easily understand and enjoy. Using modern amazing tools, I will deliver the gospel to you instantly in various forms. By utilising my expertise and technological skills, I aim to help people throughout Japan and abroad receive the gospel in high quality, and grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and His Church.
Preparations for the opening of Lights Church are currently underway, with many people in Japan and abroad praying for its launch in April 2026. As we have already started a ZOOM prayer circle for the preparation for the opening, we would be truly encouraged if you would join Lights Church and the monthly online prayer circle today and use your talents for our LORD as a ‘Light of the World’! 🎉 We join Lights Church → Participation Form 🎉
Kengoro Goto's Profile:
🇬🇧 The University of Manchester (Profile): https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/kengoro-goto
🇯🇵 National Research and Development, Japan Science and Technology Agency (Profile): https://researchmap.jp/kengoro-goto
📒 note blog (Kengoro Goto): https://note.com/kengoro_goto/n/na5ca055a5baf
📺 YouTube (Kengoro Goto): https://www.youtube.com/@kengorogoto
💡💡💡✨Lights Church Theme Song✨💡💡💡