The idea for LYN (Love Your Neighbor) House originated in the 1990s when a former pastor of First Free Methodist; wanted to prevent a motorcycle club from purchasing a property adjacent to the church that was formerly used as a grocery store on the corner of east 12th and Tecumseh Street in the near Eastside of Indianapolis.  Acting on faith that God would provide, First FMC bought the property, but it remained empty for many years.  Eventually the upkeep and future development became too heavy for the small, 70-member congregation, so it was sold to a group of interested Free Methodist pastors and laymen who formed an official board and officially incorporated LYN House, Inc in 2007.  Although a grant was provided for the exterior of the house, the inside remained largely untouched until about 2007.  After some miraculous events which excited people about reviving this floundering ministry, the LYN House interior was finished, a director was hired, and the grand opening occurred Sunday, September 13, 2009.  By partnering with First Free Methodist Church and other metro-area Free Methodist churches, other metro-area churches, and various agencies, LYN house seeks to show the radical hospitality and life-transforming power of Christ through inter-personal relationships with the poor of the inner city.      

Located across the street from First Free Methodist Church, its presence in the neighborhood is a beacon of hope for residents living in poverty who have emotional, educational and physical needs.  The ultimate goals of the LYN House are to provide a safe place for the community’s residents, to gather for fellowship, and to help meet the educational needs of the community through tutoring and mentoring, and to serve as a hub for service projects and mission teams who want to come and redevelop the neighborhood.  The LYN House desires to be a place that helps meet each of these needs, and most importantly, we hope to meet the spiritual needs of the community by centering our ministry at the cross of Jesus. The neighborhood surrounding LYN House is considered to be one of the neediest areas of Indianapolis.  We strive to make a difference in our community through acts of generous hospitality, and we hope to create community through unity with neighboring agencies and churches.