Salt Stories

Like most who attend Salt Of The Earth, I love the small, family feel. When I first walked through the doors some 20 years ago, the Church Secretary and one of the Trustees, who was an original member of the church, welcomed me. I knew the love of God was in this place.

Co-Leader of Women’s Ministry, Choir Member, Praise Team Member

As the first founding member, in other words, the first person to join Salt Of The Earth, I have attended since day one. I not only was married to the Founding Pastor, but I was the first Sunday School teacher, one of the first choir members, and the an approachable and accessible First Lady. My relationship and faith in the Lord fueled my commitment to serve Him at Salt. I’ve been blessed to have a giving heart that nurtures others to see their self-worth. I love the way our church family responds to each other’s needs and how we are able to spiritually lift each other up especially when we are feeling down. My Salt family is very important and special to me. They have always shown support and love towards me. I’m blessed to be a part of this family.

First Lady Emerita, Co-Chair Collage Women’s Ministry, Adult Choir Member, Mentor, Sunday School Teacher, Children’s Church Teacher

I’ve thought about this to myself, “Why do I go to church?” I feel like there is more knowledge to learn to understand more about what I already know. I have enjoyed much involvement with the community of the church, from expressing lessons through Christmas skits with the children to singing in the choir as an alto. Being able to have this opportunity to creatively express my gifts to the Lord is one of my biggest accomplishments. Through Salt Of The Earth, I made the best decision to give my life to Jesus Christ. This has opened my eyes to see that it takes a village, and I have been blessed to take the initiative in things even when I don’t feel certain about it. I have heard this saying, “To do is to learn.”

Young Adult, Choir Member, Praise Team Member, Sunday School Helper, Children’s Church Assistant

I was looking for a new church home on the west side of Indianapolis.  My oldest sister had not attended any church regularly for a while and announced at a family gathering that she had joined Salt Of The Earth Church and had also joined the choir.  I said to her “I must visit this church!”  When I visited Salt Of The Earth I felt welcomed and I felt God’s spirit in the church.  I joined and have stayed at Salt for more than 20 years because the Word of God  is taught and preached which has helped me to continue to learn and grow in my Christian walk with the Lord. Salt Of The Earth Church is a church where God’s principles and teachings are modeled.

Church Treasure, Mentor, Teaching Emphasis Presenter, Women’s Ministry

I love Salt of the Earth Church because it always feels welcoming and peaceful every time I go there. The people are kind, supportive, and they make me feel like I belong no matter what. I also like how the church teaches important lessons about God and how to be a better person every day. What makes it really special to me is how everyone feels like one big family that truly cares about each other. Being there helps me feel happier, stronger, and closer to my faith.

Youth Ministry, Age 13

My story started twenty-something years ago when I moved to Indianapolis from Kentucky. As I got settled in… I needed a church home and that weighed heavy on my mind. I started visiting a few churches in the area that were suggested by my Great Aunt some of you know her as Sister Crenshaw and a few times she even visited them with me. My impression was I want to go “where someone knows my name”… not saying to be the center of attention, I just needed a church to where I would belong. To where I would feel that my presence among the congregation meant something and more importantly that I would be fulfilled by the word that is not only preached but taught scripture by scripture.  My Great Aunt was already attending Salt Of The Earth, and she wanted me to visit. At this time, I still had not found a church home and for months did not attend church regularly. It was in the early years when I was introduced to a small congregation in a building across from the library on 34th Street. As the motto says, Small Means…yes. Big Results… absolutely! My family and I have been a member ever since.  As a member, I can say we continue to strive for growth but have never lost sight of learning about the word of God. This is one of many reasons why SOTE is my church home. From the heart! Respectfully submitted! 

Regina, Adult Chor Member and Praise Team Member

This is how I came to Salt Of The Earth. One day, something was pulling me around that corner not knowing what it was but now I do – it was the HOLY SPIRIT!  Thank you JESUS! I have served faithfully for years as a Deacon and Trustee at Salt Of The Earth! I lead the Corporate Prayer Gathering, and I participated in worship service,  Sunday School, Bible Study, the Teaching Emphasis rotation, and I never miss when the saints gather together!

Deacon, Trustee, Teaching Emphasis Presenter

I love the order of service at Salt Of The Earth. I also love the choirs, the dedication, and the fact that it reminds me of my old church I attended years ago. Salt is a congregation and it is a friendly atmosphere.

Salt Elder, 104 years young

Salt of the Earth Church taught me what it meant to live with flavor, purpose, and presence. It wasn’t just a place to worship—it was a place that seasoned my life with hope, community, and a deeper hunger for God. What I loved most was how every person, every prayer, and every act of service reminded me that we are called to bring God’s goodness into the world, one small faithful step at a time.  AND I LOVE THEM WITH ALL MY HEART.

Youth Ministry, Age 11

During my pulpit service at a church in Ohio, I was invited to preach at Salt Of The Earth. Our choir accompanied me to share worship services with Salt. My experience and that of the choir was that Salt is a loving church centered on the Word and absent of church politics. Upon my return to Indianapolis after serving in Ohio and Michigan for 20 years, I joined Salt for two main reasons: (1) My parents and siblings served there, and (2) to assume the role as Armor Bearer for my brother and then Senior Pastor, as I do for his son who is the current Senior Pastor. My primary roles include preaching and teaching, but participation in the choirs of the Church have always been a supportive blessing that enhance my growth and perseverance.

Associate Minister

When I first visited Salt Of The Earth, I was welcomed by the ushers, the pastors, and the individual members of the church. It was a handshake, a hug and the words. “Welcome please come again” that touched my heart. Every time I came, I was treated the same loving way. After being invited by a member to come visit and I never left. The choir singing got you ready to worship. Then when you heard the word you felt better about going out and letting others know the message that God had sent specifically sent on any given week. At Salt Of The Earth, I found a church where the Pastor knew your name and you were not a number. You could ask him to pray for your upcoming surgery, and he would beat you there. It was like God going before you and making everything alright. My Salt family shows me love and I love them.

Deaconess and Trustee

Salt of the Earth church is truly the definition of being “The Salt Of The Earth”. What I like most about Salt of the Earth is the sense of community. The church creates opportunities for individuals to connect, serve others, and support each other through both good and difficult times. I also appreciate how the church emphasizes love, encouragement, and spiritual growth, which has helped me feel more connected and motivated in my faith journey.  I chose Salt of the Earth as my church home because it has always felt welcoming, supportive, and focused on helping God’s children grow in their faith. From the moment I attended, I felt accepted by the congregation and appreciated the positive environment that encourages individuals to build stronger relationships with God and with one another. The messages shared during services are meaningful and relatable, which makes it easier for me to apply what I learn to my everyday life.

Choir, Praise Team, Children’s Church Teacher

When I first arrived at Salt Of The Earth I did not think I would ever find what I was looking for, a church where God was the most important thing and not everything else. But being there filled my heart with joy. So, I decided that I would join. The love inside the church was so great that I wanted to serve God and the church. I became an ordained Deacon and I’m glad that I did, so many ways to serve the church. I don’t know what else to say except I am proud to be a member of Salt Of The Earth. I am a peculiar fellow and just anything doesn’t works with me, but this church, well it definitely works for me. I will work with the church, and we will build God’s kingdom here on earth the best we can. We give our all.

Deacon, Choir Member