Serve the Purpose | Northstar Church

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Our volunteers are heroes. They are truly the force behind everything that takes place at Northstar. While we individually have gifts, it is when those gifts are combined with others that amazing things can happen. It is easy to look at the size of Northstar and wonder how big a difference can I make. One person among thousands cannot make that significant a difference, can they? I wish you could see what I see. I wish you could see behind the curtain. You would see just how big a difference that one person who has a heart to serve and use their gifts can make. Our vision for this church is to “help the whole world follow Jesus” and in doing that connect, renew, and grow all people in Christ. We cannot fulfill that vision without people willing to serve in our ministries. It just can’t be done.

God has used Northstar to transform thousands of lives. Every volunteer had a part in that life transformation process. Yes, you can make a difference. 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) tell us, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” Even in the first century church, people were needed to serve. In Acts 6:1-7, we read about finding people to serve tables.

The question I get most often about serving is “where do I fit?” Or, “where should I serve?” I encourage you to take a look around and identify where you might fit best, based on your strengths and personality. Let me give you one example.

One of our most important ministries is Northstar KiDs. It is made up of programs for babies through kids in 5th grade. We believe that all children are special and valuable to God and that He wants them to understand how much He loves them and wants to develop a relationship with Him. We have built everything we do around those principles. Northstar KiDs is where you will hear a lot of laughter and see a lot of love in action. Our goal is to teach our children about Jesus and help them grow in their relationship with Him. We teach our children in ways that are fun, exciting, and relational. We want to enter into their world so we can then speak to them about the world Jesus wants for them. Anything goes as long as it is fun, safe, speaks the truth from the Bible, and helps us build loving relationships with the kids. If you have a heart and a passion for kids, we can use you.

Let me leave you with one last thing to consider: Sometimes the need for a servant is greater than my need to use a specific gift. It is easy to look at changing diapers, holding doors open, serving up coffee or parking cars and be unsure whether this is your gifting. The next logical thought is “maybe I should find something that uses my talents and abilities better.” It is easy to have the mentality of considering that some things in church are more important than others.

The fact is, however, we are not serving for our own self-fulfillment. We are serving for the the church body. This doesn’t mean my gifts aren’t important. What it means is that sometimes the need for a servant is greater than my need to use a specific gift. My point is we have areas of need that you can fill, even if you may not have a gift or passion for that area.

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to serve God? Is it a position, a role, or a mindset?
Read Ephesians 6:7. What does this verse mean to you?
Sometimes the need for a servant is greater than my need to use a specific gift. Agree or disagree?
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8: What is our responsibility to know and serve one another persistently?
What are some things that keep us from serving even when we want or need to?