Pleasing God or Pleasing Men?
Salt and Light Newsletter
February 4, 2026
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Pastor’s Thoughts
What Happens When a Pastor Stops Pleasing People
There comes a moment in every pastor’s life when he must decide who he is trying to please.
For a season, it feels wise to smooth the edges. Avoid certain topics. Preach the comforting passages. Stay in the safe lanes. You tell yourself it is about unity. But Scripture never defines unity as the absence of tension. It defines unity as agreement in truth.
Paul asked it plainly. “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10.
You cannot be Christ’s servant and man’s approval seeker at the same time.
When a pastor stops pleasing people, three things happen.
1. The Pressure Increases
Paul warned Timothy that the time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires would heap up for themselves teachers because they have itching ears, and they will turn their ears away from the truth. Second Timothy 4:3 - 4. Faithfully preaching the Word requires resisting the gravitational pull toward comfort. The flesh prefers affirmation over correction.
But shepherds are not called to entertain sheep. They are called to guard them. Acts 20:28 -30 reminds elders to watch carefully because wolves arise from outside and even from within.
When you stop trimming truth to fit culture, criticism grows louder. That is not necessarily failure. Often it is evidence of faithfulness.
Jesus Himself refused to soften His teaching when the crowds thinned. John 6 records that many walked away, yet He did not adjust the truth to keep them. Truth has always sifted the crowd.
2. Clarity Increases
James says that friendship with the world is enmity with God. James 4:4. That does not mean isolation, but it does mean distinction.
When approval is no longer the goal, decisions become simpler. The question shifts from “how will this land,” to “is this faithful.”
Clarity replaces calculation.
The early Church did not grow by chasing applause. Acts 2:42 shows believers continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine. Acts 20:27 records Paul declaring the whole counsel of God. They taught truth plainly. They formed households. They shaped habits. They built culture.
The Church does not weaken because of conviction. It weakens because of confusion.
People are not starving for softer sermons. They are starving for certainty. In a culture built on compromise, clarity feels like oxygen.
3. Responsibility Expands
This is where the matter becomes larger than the pulpit.
When a pastor stops pleasing people, he cannot stay silent where Scripture speaks clearly.
Deuteronomy 6 commands fathers to teach God’s Word diligently to their children. Psalm 78 calls one generation to declare His works to another. Proverbs 22:6 assumes intentional formation. Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to bring children up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Education has always been discipleship.
There is no neutral ground in the shaping of minds.
If the Church withdraws from forming the generation because it might be controversial, we are not being wise. We are being negligent.
Therefore, reclaiming education is an issue of stewardship before God.
A pastor who refuses to please people must ask a hard question – If the culture catechizes our children five days a week, and the Church only comforts them one hour on Sunday, who is really discipling them?
This is not about political anger. It is about theological obedience.
Truth must not only be preached. It must be taught, structured, repeated, embodied, and embedded within the life of the Church.
And that conviction does not stop at the classroom door.
Daniel did not please Babylon. Daniel 1:8 says he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. Joseph refused compromise in Egypt. Genesis 39 shows him choosing integrity when secrecy would have been easier. Nehemiah did not fear political pressure but continued the work despite threats. Nehemiah 6:9. The apostles declared plainly, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.
Faithfulness has never been confined to the sanctuary.
When conviction replaces people pleasing, Christians in every arena feel it. The pastor preaches truth. The father leads his home. The business owner refuses dishonest gain. The elected official refuses to trade principle for position. The teacher refuses ideological compromise. The entrepreneur builds with integrity instead of trend chasing.
This is not about building a theocracy. It is about refusing practical atheism.
Too many believers confess Christ as Lord yet function as though certain arenas belong to Caesar. They do not. “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” Psalm 24:1.
Reclaiming education is one expression of this conviction. Faithful presence in government is another. Ethical leadership in business is another. Courageous clarity in media is another. Integrity in the marketplace is another.
When Christ is truly Lord, there are no neutral zones.
A pastor who stops pleasing people is not trying to build a crowd. He is trying to build a Church.
And the applause that matters will not come on Sunday morning. It will come on the Day when the Chief Shepherd appears. First Peter 5:4.
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Salt and Light Vision Update
I want to share a few encouraging updates as we continue moving forward together.
First, the stables. We have begun removing the existing stalls at no cost to the church. Our immediate focus is simple stewardship — clearing and leveling the space so it can become usable ministry space right away. Once complete, this area will serve youth activities, church events, and potentially spring revival gatherings. Long-term plans for storage and classroom space will come later, but for now, we are choosing to create flexible space wisely and economically.
Second, the thrift store. We are nearing the final stages of the lease process and are very close to finalizing details. We have received management applications and will be interviewing candidates in the coming days, prayerfully seeking strong, vision-aligned leadership. We were also able to purchase racks and shelving from a closing store at a significant discount — a major financial win that reduces startup costs. In addition, we are working alongside experienced business leaders to establish clear budgets and systems, and two designers have joined the team to help ensure the store is clean, organized, welcoming, and mission-driven from day one.
Momentum continues, and I share these updates so you know this is something we are building together. Please continue praying for wisdom in finalizing the lease, discernment in leadership decisions, unity as teams form, and provision for what lies ahead. We are grateful for your trust and partnership in this season.
— Pastor Justin
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Prayer Cards are located at the church entrances.
If you have a prayer request, please complete a prayer card and place it in the offering plate or boxes and someone will pray for you.
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Church Happenings
Wednesday at Salt & Light – February 4
6 - 6:45 PM - Dinner | Upper Lobby Smoked Pork Tenderloin, Corn Pudding, Green Beans, Pasta Salad, and Dessert
A $5 donation is requested to 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 Bible Study | Romans 14 | Sanctuary
“The Danger of Being Right,” I’ve attached the full study notes for anyone who would like to go deeper into the chapter with us.
Nursery - 5th Grade | Lower Level
Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level with Paul Thomas
Girls (8th grade and up) - “Lies Young Women Believe” with Sarah Thomas
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Freezer Meals to Support Youth Campers
Ham and Green Pepper Quiche is offered this week, homemade, versatile and perfect for any meal of the day.
Minimum Donation $20 via Venmo or Cash
Reserve yours by texting Janet Garrison 281-630-0709
Pickup tonight, Wednesday 2/4, or Sunday 2/8 after service at the Upper Lobby counter.
One order serves 6, size of a pie
Healthier & Less Expensive than Take-Out or Fast Food
Ingredients:
Pie Crust
Flour
Shredded Cheese
Ham
Green pepper
Eggs
Heavy cream
Onion powder
Ground mustard
Salt & Pepper
We do the prep work for you
Bake from Frozen, No Thawing
Proceeds Fund Youth Camp
Watch the Salt & Light Family Facebook group for weekly postings of freezer meal fundraisers for Youth Camp!
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Prayer Meeting - Friday, February 6 | 6:30 PM Sanctuary
All are welcome as we gather to pray.
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This Sunday February 8 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – The House God Built
Part II: The Reign of David
Standing at the Window (2 Samuel 6:14:26)
This Sunday in The Real House of David we’ll be in 2 Samuel 6 looking at a sobering truth: it’s possible to be close to what God is doing and still miss it. As David rejoices and blesses the people, Michal stands at a distance - despising, exaggerating, and ultimately walking away barren. Come ready to ask an honest question: am I faithful… or watching from the window?
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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM
at Sharon Holbert’s Home
Continuing in the study of Daniel. Questions? Contact Sharon 502-235-6687
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Youth - Grades 6-12
Dessert Auction Fundraiser for Summer Camp - Wednesday, February 11 | 8 PM
Immediately after the service, bid on delicious desserts. Proceeds go toward the cost for our youth to attend summer camp.
Bid and Buy your special Valentine Dessert and support our youth attending camp!
Sponsor a Youth Attending Summer Camp at Crossings
The total cost for each young person to attend Summer Camp is $400. For many of our families with multiple children in 6th - 12th grades that cost can be prohibitive. If you would like to sponsor a youth for this potentially life-changing week growing in their faith, please contact Paul or Sarah Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKY.org
Summer 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.
February 16 - Registration Deadline | First payment of $75 due
A $5 registration fee is required to hold your spot.
Total cost $400 per student - $75 due February 16, $325 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 _________________________________________________________
Chili Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament - March 14 at Salt & Light
Save the date for this Salt and Light Academy Fundraiser! Details coming soon.
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Young Adults | Next Chapter (Ages 18-31)
For anyone around 18–31 who wants to stay connected, build friendships, and grow in faith together.
Signal Group - to request to join and stay in the loop or with questions - text Joshua Rieth 502-230-6629 or Kaiden Perrodin 502-663-3681
Bible Study - Sundays | 10:05 - 10:45 AM - Meets near the Library
Currently studying Colossians
Questions? Email Cheri Grinnell - Cheri@SaltandLightKY.org
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Lee Corps - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Lee Corps provides a youth led, adult facilitated, Christian cadet program to foster leadership and a love for Christ in our community’s young men, ages 12-18. They excel in leadership and military skills preparation with a Christian worldview to serve their country and communities through 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 men to attend. No registration required.
Younger boys are welcome if they can sit through and be engaged in the presentations.
For more information LeeCorps.org or contact LtCol (Ret) Michael Muller (270) 300-1571
or Lauren Engle (502) 802-1688
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Serving Opportunities & Needs
Building Fund - The building purchase and maintenance needs continue in 2026. 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.
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Recurring Monthly Giving - As the Lord continues to grow His work among us, one way many choose to serve is through recurring monthly giving. This helps provide steady support for the ministry and allows us to plan wisely while trusting God completely.
If you’re interested, you can explore this option through our online giving page by visiting the website. Thank you for your faithfulness. "God truly does fund what He calls."
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Security Team - Volunteers are needed to serve on the Salt & Light Security Team.
Please text Mike Muller 270-300-1571
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Food Pantry
Bible Donations - The Food Pantry gives a Bible to many of our visitors. Children’s Bibles are especially popular.
We are not requesting purchasing Bibles. If you have gently used Bibles that you no longer use or that your children have aged out of, it would be a blessing if you could donate them for us to share.
Food Items Needed
Frozen Chicken, Beef, Breakfast Sausage
Frozen Pizza and Lasagna
Tuna
Hamburger Helper
Eggs
Canned Fruit Cocktail
Chef Boyardee
Spaghetti/Pasta sauce
Please place food and Bibles in bags labeled “Food Pantry” on the hospitality counter near the Coffee Bar. Please ask the Coffee Bar Volunteers to place perishable items in the refrigerator.
Thank you for donating and praying for this ministry!
If you are in need of food or know someone in need, please text Kristen Tingle 502-931-7987
for a private appointment to shop in the pantry.
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Children’s Ministry
For More Details or to Serve - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Busy Bags - 2 volunteers are needed to serve weekly or bi-weekly to empty used items and replenish the busy bags provided to children who attend worship.
Teachers for 4-6 year old class - 11a Sundays
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.
Vacation Bible School - July 20 - 24 | 6 - 8 PM
Emerald Crossing - An Irish Adventure through Psalm 23
Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas! Sign up now to serve.
Interest Meeting - Sunday, March 15 | 1 PM
Greet and Check-In children and their families to the nursery and their classes when they arrive on Sunday morning and/or Wednesday evening. Text Debbie Duvall 502-321-8798
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Salt & Light Academy
Classroom Build Supplies Needed - new classrooms have recently been constructed and a few items are needed to complete the project. If you have any of these items you could donate, know a donor, or would like to give money to purchase supplies, please see the listing of needed items here.
Questions contact Kurt Shelton 502-387-0960
Lunch & Recess Volunteers - Interact with and help the children to give the teachers a planning period. A background check is required. Email Michelle Elliott michelle.elliott@saltandlightacademy.com
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 for classes and the office are greatly appreciated. You can view and give through our Amazon Wish List
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Wednesday Dinner Volunteers
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!
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Salt & Light Library
Open Sundays 8:30 - 11 AM and 15 min after service
Wednesdays 5 - 7 PM and 15 min after service
Volunteers Needed - Text Sharon Holbert 502-235-6687
Book Donations appreciated — view our wishlist:
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Family Communication Board
We have a bulletin board in the Upper Lobby inside the main entrance, on the wall above the giving box across from the Connection Point area, for you to post needs you would be blessed to receive and shares you would like to give.
Freely Receive - If you have a need - a service or item or a friend to do something with - please post it on the side of the board labeled “Freely Receive”.
Freely Give – when you have something to give - a lawn mower that still works, furniture you aren't using, a willingness to serve by sharing a skill or some spare time - please post on the side of the board labeled “Freely Given”.
Note papers are in the basket to write your give and receive notes to post on the board.
This is not a buy, sell, or trade board, but a family sharing board.
The only money that should be exchanged would be a paycheck if you are offering to hire someone.
Check our family sharing board often, there may be a message that will be a blessing for you!!
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Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), please contact Salt & Light at 502-265-6828
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Stay Connected – Join Our Facebook Groups
Stay encouraged and connected!
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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!