What We Do and How We Do It Are Important,
but Why We Do It Is What We Really Matters
First and foremost, we are a ministry committed to sharing God’s love.This has been and always will be the core of who we are.
We do this through the things we say and do.We believe all of us experience brokenness at some level in the four foundational relationships:
with God, self, others, and the rest of creation. We desire for every person to experience wholeness in these relationships that comes
from knowing who Jesus is, what He did, and what that means for those who believe.
Vision
To see every person growing in their God-given potential.
- “…every person…”
No-one is excluded from participation here. We welcome people of every race, gender, faith, orientation, nationality, citizenship status, or political party, regardless of what they’ve done, what they have, or what their capacity is. This vision is for everyone—participants, volunteers, donors, staff, and board members.
- “…growing…”
Growth looks different for every person. It starts from wherever you are, and each person’s growth moves at a different pace. Sometimes, the hardest part of growing is just getting ready to grow. Every step, no matter how big or small, fast, or slow, is considered a success at Salt & Light.
- “…their God-given potential”
We believe God has given every person a unique set of gifts and abilities, and all of these are important, valuable, and needed to make our families, neighborhoods, and communities complete, healthy, and whole. Our vision is for each person to reach the total capacity of what they can possibly do and be in their life and relationships.
Mission
To share God’s love by fighting poverty with opportunities that empower people for lasting change.
- “…share God’s love…”
God’s love includes every person. No-one is either more loved or less loved by God. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, what
you have or what you can do. The value God assigns people doesn’t depend on these things. He loves you because you are His creation.
- “…by fighting poverty…”
It’s not just about helping people get more money or material things. To be “poor” simply means you are lacking an adequate supply of something.
Sure, you can be materially poor, but you can also be poor in spirit, in relationships, in community, and in your way of life. At Salt & Light, we are
fighting poverty by helping people be well and whole.
- “…with opportunities that empower people…”
We do not give people power. How we operate communicates to people they have power, and they don’t need us to do or fix things for them. We simply create the space and opportunity for people to make the decisions and take the actions that can make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
- “…for lasting change”
Real change is not for a moment or a day; but far more lasting and transformative. We want the experience of every person—staff, participant, volunteer, customer, and donor—at S&L to not just make a difference during the time we are here, but foster opportunities for growth in both the things we do and the way we think.
Statement of Beliefs
All management-level staff are required to be committed to and sign the Statement of Beliefs.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings. The Bible reveals God’s identity, will, and mission and stands as the central authority over our lives, our faith, and the direction of our ministry. (Matthew 5:18, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21)
God
We believe in one God, the creator of all things, who is completely perfect. God exists eternally in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Mark 12:29; John 14:10, 26; 15:26)
Father
We believe in God the father, the maker of Heaven and earth, all things visible and invisible (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Colossians 1:15-20)
Jesus Christ/Son
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, died for the sins of humanity, was resurrected bodily on the third day, ascended into heaven, and is coming again as King and Judge. Jesus’ life on earth serves as the model for the Christian life. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; I Corinthians 15:1-8; Isaiah 7:14; Romans 8:34; Acts 1:10)
Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is God and came forth to convict, guide, regenerate, instruct, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. He indwells us the moment we place our faith in Christ and enables us to live a life that is pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit also endows each believer with a unique spiritual ability to serve the church and the world. (John 14:16, 15: 26-27, 16:7-14, 16:9-14; Romans 8: 9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5: 22-26; Ephesians 1:13-14)
Human Condition
We believe all people are created by God in the image of God and are loved by God, and therefore, have great worth. But all have fallen into sin and fall short of the glory of God and need a savior. We believe the work of Jesus through his sacrifice and resurrection are humanity’s only hope for justification and future resurrection from the dead. All who have faith in Jesus and become followers of him are in-dwelled by the Holy Spirit and become children of God. (Romans 3:21-26; 8:15-18; Ephesians 2:8-10)
Salvation
Salvation is reconciliation with God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. God offers us salvation by His grace alone and we receive it as a gift through personal faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. This right standing before God must be received. It cannot be earned. God freely offers salvation to all people, and our salvation is secure when personally appropriated through repentance and faith in Christ. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior should be obedient to Him by repentance, confession, baptism, and lifetime faithfulness to Him. (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 1:13; 2:4-5; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:1-4; Revelation 2:10)
