Written by Karen Holford Family Ministries Director Trans-European Division St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Participants will: Introduction Know that they can share God’s love visibly (being light), experientially (being salt), and through acts of kindness (being sheep). Feel encouraged because many of them are already sharing God’s love in these simple ways. Choose to be intentional about living as salt, light and sheep in their community, and discover fresh and simple ways that they can be ‘everyday evangelists’.

Bright Lights ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:14-16, NIV.

Bright Lights Being light is about helping people to see God’s loving character and His values. We do that by letting people see how we live out our values in our everyday lives as Christians in our homes, schools, communities and workplaces.

Exploring God’s character In order for our lives to shed light on God’s character we need to learn more about Him, and we need to take time to reflect on His amazing character. Activity

Bright Lights Group Discussion Which of God’s characteristics do our lives and relationships reveal to the people around us? How do we shed light on the loving character of God without attracting attention to ourselves? What are the characteristics of God that our friends, colleagues and neighbours have seen in our lives? Which of God’s character traits do I/we most want those around us to see in action, and what can we do as individuals and families to reveal them in the most effective ways?

Reflecting as Individuals and families Bright Lights Reflecting as Individuals and families ‘The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. This will recommend the truth as nothing else can, for it is a living witness of its practical power upon the heart.’ Adventist Home p. 32.

Salty People ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.’ Matthew 5:13, NIV. Being salt is about mingling with people so they can experience (taste) God’s character through the loving, positive and value-filled way that we interact with them.

Salty People You can’t tell salt is in something until you taste it. It takes sensitivity to add just the right amount of salt. Salt changes whatever it is mixed with.

Group Discussion How can we be salt in the world and help to bring out the God-flavors in our families and communities? How can we be preservatives, antiseptics, flavour-enhancers, ice-melters, and cleansers in today’s society?

Group Discussion How can we do more mingling with our neighbours, parents at school, colleagues and friends so that we can help people to taste and experience more of the loving and positive God-flavors in the world? Invite people to draw a salt shaker and to write their ideas for mingling on the shaker. Around the shaker they can write how they hope people will taste and experience God through their activities.

Sheepish people People listened to Jesus because they heard, saw and experienced how much He cared for people. We make the biggest difference in our communities when we know the Shepherd, listen to His voice, experience His loving care for ourselves, and go where He leads.

Sheep people are those who care so naturally for others that they don't even notice how often they care. Sheep people care by noticing what other people need and by meeting those needs in the best way possible, whenever they can.

Caring for people (being sheep) Pray for your neighbors. Find opportunities to talk to them and help them. Discover their needs and do what you can to meet those needs. Make regular/seasonal ‘neighbor visits’ so that they come to expect you and look forward to seeing you.

Welcome basket The Kindness Church Kindness birthdays Kindness cards Outreach Ministries Welcome basket The Kindness Church Kindness birthdays Kindness cards Kindness reminders

Discovering your Mission Find one simple outreach activity they could do on a regular basis, that works well with the current needs and resources of their family, and involves their children where possible. Worksheet

Work together and encourage each other Set goals together for making intentional and positive contact with others Pray together for the people you will influence, and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in what you will do and say. Work together towards your group goals. Involve your children, and ask them for their ideas. Celebrate together when you reach your goals. Set new kindness goals for the next month or quarter, and plan another celebration.

Discussion In groups and/or families discuss practical ways you can be ‘sheep’ in your community by: Researching some of the needs in your community Discovering simple ways that you and your family and friends can help meet some of the local needs (ask local charities and agencies) Feeding those who are hungry or lonely (donate to food bank each time you shop, prepare vegetables or soup for homeless shelter, give grocery vouchers to people living on the street, etc.) Giving clothes to people who need them (give warm socks to homeless shelter, donate outgrown clothes to clothing banks and goodwill stores) Visiting people who are sick Supporting people who are struggling Befriending lonely people Giving dignity to people who feel shamed

Conclusion We are light when we help people to see God’s character through the way we live out our values. We are salt when we help them experience God’s love through our friendship and care. We are also sheep when we follow the footsteps of Jesus and show His love to a hurting world through acts of kindness.