Monday, June 1, 2015

Ways to Serve in Your Local Church

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Ways to Serve in Your Local Church

Church attendance is important in the life of the Christian. It is important because by doing so, we are being obedient to God. The Bible teaches us that going to church is important for encouraging one another.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching. – Hebrews 10:25

When we gather together, He promises to be in our midst.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them. – Matthew 18:20

Going to church is important, but God teaches us in His Word that we should be active in serving the local 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 (ESV)

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.- Galatians 6:10

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. – Acts 20:28

There are many ways we can be active in serving the local church. As we read in 1 Peter 4:10, God has given each of His children a gift, but according to 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, we did not all receive the same gift, but a variety of gifts.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

We are instructed to use the gifts God has given us to serve in our local churches. Here are several ways we can serve.

Teach: In our church, we have Bible Fellowship classes, formerly known as Sunday School classes. You don’t have to have a teaching degree to teach a class within the church. If you are not comfortable teaching adults, consider teaching a children’s or toddler class.

Nursery: It is important for young parents to attend worship services, but a crying baby or rambunctious toddler can make it difficult for young parents to pay attention. Constant distractions keep them from hearing God’s Word. When parents feel comfortable leaving their babies with caring nursery workers, they can attend worship services and hear the message God has planned for them to hear. Nursery workers are important in the church.

Choir: If you enjoy singing, then join the choir. You don’t have to have a voice like your favorite music artist to sing in the church choir. All you have to have is a love for singing and a love for the Lord.

Transportation: Churches often need people to drive buses to pick up children or adults who have no vehicles to get them to church. They also sometimes need drivers who can take youth groups on outings or to local mission opportunities. Some buses require a special license so anyone who is licensed to drive larger vehicles can be a great help for transporting large numbers of people from one place to another.

Serve on a Committee: Most churches have several committees, especially larger churches. Committees are formed for ministering to church members and also the community. Our church has a welcoming committee. Our welcoming committee members are placed strategically throughout the church to welcome people as they enter the church. They try to make note of any visitors so they feel welcome. Churches might form committees for the following reasons:

– keeping the church clean

– keeping any flower arrangements fresh

– ministering those who have lost loved ones

– ministering to those who have new babies in the family

– ministering to the elderly

– ministering to “shut-ins” (those who wish to attend church but are homebound for medical or other reasons)

– pastoral search committee (actively seeking out a new pastor or staff member)

– building and grounds (overseeing construction projects)

Even though church deacons or elders take care of many of the above needs, churches filled with people willing to serve joyfully ensure that no one gets overlooked or left out. Many churches are much too large for a small staff to service its members so it is important for church members to actively serve in one way or another.

Different churches have different needs. If you would like to serve more actively in your local church, read the church bulletin for any open positions listed. Call your church office and ask about areas where there is a need for more people to serve. Most importantly, pray about where God wants you. Then, go and be obedient in service to Him.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit – Matthew 28:19