SERVING IN THE COMMUNITY | Northstar Church

“Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.” – Saint Francis de Sales

Churches do an excellent job of providing ministry opportunities inside the church. But what about ministry opportunities outside the church? When people don’t experience walking into the church, do they see the church walking to them?

As we see in Acts and are taught throughout the New Testament, believers should use their gifts to serve in the local church. Although serving in the local church is important, we cannot concentrate internally to the point that we don’t reach out to our communities well.

Actions speak louder than words. The community will remember those who gave their kids school supplies, packed meals for the homeless or passed out bottled water after a hurricane. The building on St. Andrews Boulevard will transform from a structure into a place where people who care and provide hope to the community will know where to turn when there is a need.

It is rewarding for the church as well. It feels good to serve inside and outside the church. There is a special joy in serving. And the best part is that serving pleases God. “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:11 ESV).

Jesus completely redefined what leadership and service are. He made the point that these roles are not about position or pride in the world but rather about our position in Him. Christ came to serve to exemplify service. He has shown us what we can do, our opportunities, and our response to others in the community. Matthew 20:27-28 says, “and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

If you have never served, now is a good time to start. Ask yourself what it is that you do well. Or what you like to do. There are opportunities to serve inside and outside the church. “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen? (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Discussion Questions:

Your devotion to God is illustrated, demonstrated, and authenticated by serving others. Agree or disagree?
What is your definition of servanthood?
What hurdles do you have serving others?