40 Days of Sharing: The Art of Serving Together
(This series is inspired by the book The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations by Schaller and Crilly.)
Today we are looking at The Art of Serving Together. We know and have heard of the importance of serving, but serving together invites people into a relational environment where they can belong so that they may see and feel the Gospel being lived out. A special bond is formed when you pursue a common cause with someone.
“Today’s typical outsiders aren’t likely to be reached through persuasive argument but instead through first experiencing an authentic Christian: someone who is willing to roll up his or her sleeves and restore alongside them.” – Gabe Lyons
There’s a saying that goes, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” When Jesus fed the 5,000 in John 6, He asked the disciples to feed the crowds. Then He proceeded to take what they gave Him and showed them how to feed them by faith. They served the people together.
Scripture describes the followers of Jesus as “living stones” with which the Kingdom of God will be built. (1 Peter 2:5) Going out to serve among and with the people of our communities gives us a great opportunity to be living stones. When we communicate God’s personal love and care for people, our message resonates with authenticity.
Things to Consider When Serving Together
- Choose the Right Opportunity – Don’t just identify needs to fill, but discover what people are passionate about. You want them to want to join you in the work, not just watch you serve.
- Make an Invitation – Build a bridge of relationship by practicing the former arts of spiritual conversations. Pray first, make it clear what you will be doing together, and make it fun! Allow them to respond—don’t say their ‘No’ for them.
- Prepare – Start with prayer. Ask God to open doors and grow the seeds you are planting. Be prepared for the task: get permission from those you are going to serve, and have all the needed supplies ready.
- Compelling Service – Be a good example of service. Work hard without complaining. Let them wonder why you are doing this. Let your actions do more talking than your words.
- Gentle Answers – When you do answer their questions that come while serving, remember what your relationship with God means to you and why your service is an outflow of that relationship. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to “be prepared to give an answer” about the hope we have in Jesus. Be ready.
Service: Living Out Our Faith
One of our core values as a church is Action: Sacrificial Service to Others.
I heard recently that Francis Chan shared this when speaking at a large conference:
“How many would go on missions wherever God sends you for the Gospel?” (Many raised their hands.)
“I was afraid you’d say that… you won’t even walk across the street to your neighbors.”
Isn’t that the truth? Unfortunately, we tend to seek out the “big things” to do for God as our calling or our duty, rather than being the one who will offer to babysit for a neighbor or take a meal to a friend.
Listen to this message on Serving today and reflect on what God is saying to you:
Listen Here
We are well into our 40 Days of Sharing commitment now. Most definitely, this has required a great deal of sacrificial service from us all as a church. Can we count the cost of what this means for us? And then ask Him to fill us for His service.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
I’m praying that you find opportunities to serve together with someone you are trying to reach with the Gospel this week. Be Salt and Light to your neighbors!
— Pastor Zoe
