Ten Biblical Truths to Lift Us Above Complaining in the Church
Salt and Light Newsletter
October 1, 2025
_________________________________________________________
Pastor’s Thoughts
Ten Biblical Truths to Lift Us Above Complaining in the Church
If we’re honest, every one of us has been tempted to complain about our church at some point. The reasons usually feel justified, because the frustrations we notice are real to us. But Scripture calls us to something higher. Complaining may come naturally, but gratitude and encouragement come supernaturally through the Spirit’s work in us. We live in a world where complaining has almost become a pastime, yet when it comes to the church, Scripture paints a very different picture. The Bible never tells us to complain about the body of Christ. In fact, it tells us not to. Instead, God invites us to see His blessings, His purposes, and His people in a new light. We are called to pray, encourage, build up, and love one another, which is why we need biblical truths to lift us above the habit of complaint.
1. God Commands Against It
Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Complaining is not harmless. It is disobedience. When we grumble about the church, we are pushing against God’s clear instruction.
2. Complaining Ignores the Blessing
When you complain, you miss the blessings right in front of you. Think of Israel in the wilderness. They complained while eating bread from heaven. When we focus on flaws, we often fail to see the good that God is doing.
3. The Church is Christ’s Bride
The church is not a business or a club. It is the Bride of Christ. Speaking negatively about her is like insulting someone’s spouse. If Jesus loves the church enough to die for her, we should handle our words with care.
4. It Discourages Others
Your words do not stop with you. Complaints spread quickly and weigh heavily on others, especially new believers. A spirit of complaint does not just drain you. It drains the whole body.
5. It Blocks Gratitude
Complaining and gratitude cannot coexist. When you choose to complain, you close the door to thankfulness. First Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “give thanks in everything.” Gratitude changes your heart. Complaining hardens it.
6. It Distracts From Mission
The mission of the church is to reach the lost and make disciples. When we complain, we spend our energy looking inward instead of outward. The enemy loves when we are distracted by small grievances instead of advancing the Kingdom.
7. It Hurts Leaders
Pastors and leaders are people too. Constant complaining discourages those who are faithfully serving. Hebrews 13:17 says leaders are “watching out for your souls.” What they need from us is prayer, not criticism.
8. It Steals Your Joy
Complaining does not fix problems. It multiplies them in your heart. The more you focus on the negative, the less joy you experience in worship, fellowship, and service.
9. It Misses God’s Work in Imperfection
The church has always been imperfect. From Corinth to Galatia, God has been working through flawed people. Complaining about imperfections blinds us to the miracle that God chooses to use us anyway.
10. Prayer is Better
If something bothers you, take it to the Lord in prayer. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Prayer builds. Complaining tears down.
________________________________________________________
Celebrating New Life in Christ!
This past week, we rejoiced as five believers followed Christ in believer’s baptism at Salt & Light. We give thanks to God for the work He is doing in their lives. Let’s continue to encourage and walk alongside them as they grow in faith.
Join us in celebrating:
Heather Milby
Leann Smith
Ryker Gossom
Thomas Riner
Benson Roberts
________________________________________________________
Church Happenings
Wednesday Night – October 1
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Cheesy Egg Casserole, Skillet Potatoes, Fruit, and Dessert
A $5 donation is requested that will cover food costs with additional going to the Building Fund. If you cannot make a donation, please join us for dinner, all are welcome.
7:00 PM – Nursery, Children’s, Middle and High School Groups (Lower Level)
Bible Study — Romans (Sanctuary)
_________________________________________________________
Prayer Meeting - Friday October 3 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
We’re gathering for a focused time of prayer for our families, church and country.
_________________________________________________________
Ladies 2 Corinthians Bible Study – Fridays October 3 & 10 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Courtney Day’s Home
Using the guided study "More Than Enough" by Christine Hoover.
RSVP and details text Courtney 502-648-5447
_________________________________________________________
Evangelism Community Outreach - Saturday, October 4 | 3 PM - 5 PM
Front Parking Lot
Join us for our monthly evangelism outreach, weather permitting. Meet in the front parking lot to pray, divide into teams, and go into the community to pray and share the gospel.
For questions, or if weather is uncertain - text Bruce Karcher 615-482-3158
_________________________________________________________
This Sunday – October 5 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – Part I: The Rise of David
Message: 1 Samuel 30 – A Fighter With Jesus
This week we turn to 1 Samuel 30, where David faced one of the darkest moments of his life. His city was burned, his family taken, and even his own men turned against him. Yet in that place of loss and despair, David found strength in the Lord. In this passage we see a picture of Jesus — the One who stays when others leave, who goes before us when we don’t know the way, and who restores and rewards far beyond what was lost. Come ready to be encouraged that no matter how weary you feel, you are never fighting alone.
_________________________________________________________
Salt and Light Academy Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse
Mondays, October 6 & November 24 | 4-9 PM
Only at 5005 Shelbyville Rd - St. Matthews Location
Show the attached flyer and 10% of your total food purchases will be donated to Salt and Light Academy.
_________________________________________________________
Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM at Sharon Holbert’s home Studying the book of James.
Questions? Contact Sharon at 502-235-6687
_________________________________________________________
The Brotherhood - Men’s Small Group Discipleship - Saturday, October 11, 2025
10 – 11:30 AM Upper Lobby
All men ages 18 and up are invited to this event to be held the 2nd Saturday of every other month.
Please register Here
Questions - contact Aaron Phillips 502-645-0745
_________________________________________________________
Fall Festival - previously scheduled for October 11 has been cancelled.
_________________________________________________________
Micah Tyler Concert at Salt & Light - Friday, October 17 | 7 PM
Get ready for the God Did It Tour with Micah Tyler, featuring Jordan St. Cyr and Emerson Day. Hear Micah perform his hits like “Different,” “Walking Free,” and "Even Then" along with Jordan’s powerful songs like “Weary Traveler” and “Fires.” Emerson Day brings her positive energy with songs like "Get Behind Me" to start the night. It’s a night of music and encouragement you don’t want to miss!
Tickets are available here Tickets
6-8 Stagehands are Needed to unload and load artists equipment.
Must be 18 years old, able to lift heavy objects, and wear closed toed shoes.
2 shifts:
Morning - 9:30 - 10:30- 11 AM
Evening after the show - 9:30 - 10:30-11 PM
Sign up for one or the other, do not have to do both.
Receive a free ticket to the concert!
Email Karen Shelton at Karen@SaltandLightKY.org
_________________________________________________________
From our Event Planning Ministry
October is Pastor Appreciation Month – personal notes and monetary donations are being collected through October 22 to show our pastors how much we appreciate their service and dedication. They will be presented to our pastors on Sunday, October 26.
A box for your notes and cards (please label with pastor's name) will be on the Library desk on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings through October 22.
Any amount you want to give is welcome and will be anonymous. Please place monetary gifts in a separate envelope labeled “Pastor Appreciation” and place in the offering plate/box by October 22. Make checks payable to Salt and Light.
Gifts may also be sent by Venmo to @Sally-Moriarty-1
Questions - call or text Sally Moriarty 502-216-3868
_________________________________________________________
Weekend to Remember - October 24-26 Hyatt Regency Louisville
A two-and-a-half-day getaway designed to help couples reconnect, refresh, and grow closer through God’s design for marriage.
Register with our group name Salt&Light at weekendtoremember.com.
Questions? Contact Ryan Gossom 502-773-8453
_________________________________________________________
Healthy Eating/Biblical Instruction for Health - Mondays October 27 - December 1 | 6 – 8 PM
Bill & Sally Moriarty's Home in La Grange
Merging modern day food options with Biblical instruction for health.
Navigating the current health crisis with better food choices, a 6 week journey.
All ages are welcome to attend. No childcare.
RSVP and details text Sally 502-216-3868
_________________________________________________________
Grant's Giving 5K Timed Run and 3K Walk/Run - November 9 | 2-7 PM Goshen Library
12505 Harmony Landing Rd Goshen, KY 40026
Grant's Giving Foundation provides sport and extra-curricular equipment to Louisville's under-served youth.
Help Salt and Light Academy win the $750 prize for having the most participants by registering Here for the race!
When you register - select "Join a Team" at the bottom, then select Salt and Light Academy from the dropdown.
_________________________________________________________
Salt & Light Cookbook
A cookbook of favorite recipes is being compiled. We would love at least one recipe from each family! When completed, the cookbooks will be sold with the proceeds going to the church.
Please email your favorite recipe(s) and your favorite scripture - along with a photo of the completed dish, if possible - by December 1 to Ashley Mazzoni at Ash.82Mazzoni@gmail.com
_________________________________________________________
Youth Camp - June 12–16, 2026
5 days of fun and fellowship—lake swimming, staying up late, eating too many snow cones, and most importantly, growing in God’s Word.
Students 12 years old (by June 12 and have completed 6th grade) through high school may attend.
A $5 registration fee is required to hold your spot.
Total cost is $400 per student - $75 is due February 16th and the remaining balance of $325 is due May 18th. All camp payments are non-refundable.
Register Here
If the cost of camp is a hindrance to your student’s attendance, please see Paul Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKy.org
_________________________________________________________
Lee Corps - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Lee Corps prepares America’s youth, ages 12-18, to excel in leadership and military skills preparation with a Christian worldview to serve their country and communities. They offer training in tactics and field training, Christian Apologetics, marksmanship, physical conditioning, and much more.
Lee Corps is not associated with or a ministry of Salt & Light Church but uses our facilities for their weekly training and welcomes interested young people to attend. No registration required.
For more information LeeCorps.org or contact LtCol (Ret) Michael Muller (270) 300-1571
_________________________________________________________
Serving Opportunities & Needs
Building Fund - $115,696 of the $200,000 due 12/31 has been given!
Thank you for prayerfully considering giving an offering toward the property purchase.
Please memo your offerings “Building Fund”.
In 2021, when Salt & Light outgrew our former location, God provided the beautiful 71 acre property with a former horse auction facility and barn where we now gather as a church family.
We entered a lease to own agreement with a payment due December 31 of each year until the purchase is complete. Monthly rent and all improvements and repairs the church invests in the property is also credited toward the purchase.
_________________________________________________________
Salt & Light Academy
Founders Banquet - Thursday November 13th
Save the Date! More details to follow.
Please continue to pray, promote, and support Salt and Light Academy. Your ongoing giving keeps the school fully funded and tuition-free, and every gift matters.
One-time or auto pay weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly donations may be made or set up online Here
Donations of needed supplies are greatly appreciated.
You can view and give through our Amazon Wish List
_________________________________________________________
Children’s Ministry
Music with the Children - if you are musically gifted, we would love for you to teach and sing Bible songs with the children twice each month or as you have time to share.
Substitute and Rotational Teachers are needed to fill in for 1 class or multiple weeks when regular teachers are unavailable or to give them a break for a month or so.
Special Needs - Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one buddies in class with children with special needs.
For More Details - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
_________________________________________________________
Wednesday Dinner
Volunteer needs:
Prepare desserts to bring ready to serve
Assist with food prep at Katie’s house in Shelbyville on Tuesday and/or Wednesday.
We don't need a weekly commitment, anything you can do to lend a hand will be greatly appreciated!
Contact Katie Anasis by call or text 937-441-4225. Thanks so much!
_________________________________________________________
Salt & Light Library
Open Sundays 8:30-11:00 AM and 15 min after service
Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 PM and 15 min after service
Volunteers needed! Contact Sharon Holbert at 502-235-6687
Book Donations appreciated — view our wishlist:
_________________________________________________________
Production Team
Slides, sound, cameras — no experience needed, we will train you!
Volunteers needed for Sunday morning and Wednesday night services.
Email: Production@SaltandLightKy.org
_________________________________________________________
Food Pantry
We are in need of Eggs, Ground Sausage, Butter and Chicken (breast, legs, or thighs - bone-in or boneless in 3-5 lb. packages is preferred)
Please bring in a bag labeled “Food Pantry” and ask the Coffee Bar volunteers to place in the refrigerator.
Our food pantry is available for ANYONE to “shop” for FREE! We have families in our community struggling to make ends meet. Please contact us if you are in need of food. We value your integrity and will set up a private appointment with a Food Pantry volunteer. We want you well fed and to pray with you.
We have an ABUNDANCE of canned and shelf stable food thanks to the kids at VBS . Please bless us by visiting and honor the kids (and their parents) who gave selflessly.
To schedule a private appointment, get involved as a volunteer, or any questions contact Courtney Day — 502-265-6828 (Option 7) Or visit: SaltandLightKy.org
_________________________________________________________
Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), contact Lori: Ltummonds@msn.com or 502-876-0702
_________________________________________________________
Stay Connected – Join Our Facebook Groups
Stay encouraged and connected!
_________________________________________________________
Have an Announcement of an Event or Volunteer Need?
Please email new submissions by Monday each week to Marie Long at Long12686@gmail.com
Thanks for helping us keep everything clear and timely!
_________________________________________________________
Closing thought
Complaints tear down, but encouragement builds up. Every word we speak shapes the church we experience. Imagine what God could do if we, as His people, chose to pray, give thanks, and speak life instead of grumbling. That choice doesn’t just bless your church. It blesses you, and it glorifies Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Justin