I have been blessed over the last few years with an unexpected attitude of many people joining the church. That attitude shift has been away from asking what the church has to offer themselves or their family to the question, “How can I serve?” The question, at first, caught me off guard. I was not sure how to answer. But it has caused me to think about how people serve the church.
One of the places I immediately went to in the Bible was Acts 2:41-47:
So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
I have bolded the section that helped me answer the question. The believers were together and had all things in common. That indicates two things. They found ways to be with one another, and they shared the troubles and joys of life. What was affecting one member was felt and shared by the rest. Our being in Christ and Christ being in us also means that we are in a unique union with one another.
Because of this union they figured out ways to meet one another’s need. The sacrifice of some was for the benefit of others. This is the essence of service. Biblically, service can be defined as, “acts of assistance, labor, or duty performed for God, others, or the community.” Service is not, “merely a duty or task; it is a reflection of one's love for humanity and a manifestation of faith in action.”
Service is faith in action. Service is not separate from our spiritual life and spiritual growth as a disciple. It is part of the way God prepares disciples. Service is a sanctifying activity. When we serve, we grow in Christ. So, the question of, “how can I serve,” is not a question of activity only, it is also a question of how to put faith in action.
So, this makes the question all the more important to answer. Serving the body of Christ happens in a variety of small and natural ways. The unprogrammed serving of prayer, kindness, hospitality, listening, car rides, meal prep, notes of gratitude, prolonged conversations, sympathy, empathy, compassion, and presence.
Of course, serving the church can be planned and programmed as well. Serving on a ministry team, teaching a class, being a care leader, being an outreach leader, agreeing to serve on a church committee, caring for babies and children in the preschool ministry, or serving on a worship team by singing, playing an instrument, or running sound, video, or lights. Serving others flows out of love and faith, and is shaped by talents, personality, spiritual gifts, and opportunities. But serving is not just activity that a Christian does. Serving is part of the way God develops you into the image of His Son.
