What does the Bible say about serving in the church? What are some ways I can serve?

what does the bible say?

Serving in the church is a calling believers have to build up the church and honor God. God has given each of His people gifts, skills, and willing hearts to reflect Him and make Him known in unique ways (Exodus 35:10, 21–22; Ephesians 2:10). Every believer has a God-given purpose and a unique role—each member of the body contributing to the whole—so the church may grow, and God may be glorified (1 Corinthians 12:12–20; Ephesians 4:15–16). All these gifts, however, must be used with love, rather than obligation. Whether we teach, encourage, worship, pray, lead, support, or simply lend a helping hand, there is always meaningful work to be done, and God equips and strengthens us as we step into the service He has prepared for us (1 Peter 4:10–11; Colossians 3:17).

from the old testament

• Worship in the Tabernacle and Temple required servants—priests, Levites, and willing volunteers—who offered their time and skills to honor God (Exodus 35:10, 21–22; Deuteronomy 10:12). Every skilled person and every willing heart contributed to God’s work.
• God gives people different abilities to use for His glory: craftsmanship, leadership, music, teaching, and administration for the building of God’s house (Exodus 31:1–6; 1 Chronicles 25:1, 6–7; 26:12–16).
• God delights in service from a willing heart (1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 100:2; Isaiah 6:8).
• Simply performing tasks without the right heart does not please God (Micah 6:8; Isaiah 1:11–17; Proverbs 3:27).

from the new testament

• Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God created each and every one of us with a unique purpose. He equipped us with special personalities and skills to make an impact for His kingdom while on earth.
• Christians are referred to as brothers and sisters of a family (Hebrews 2:11; Romans 8:29), or members of the same body (1 Corinthians 12:12–13). Each person does his part in serving so that the entire body might fulfill its purpose of bringing glory to God (1 Corinthians 12:18–20; Ephesians 4:15–16; 1 Peter 4:10–11).
• The skills that God has equipped us with to serve the body of Christ are known as spiritual 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” (1 Corinthians 12:4–6; see also 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, 28; Romans 12:3–8).
• We all have different gifts, but all of them are equally important in carrying out God’s plan on the earth (1 Corinthians 12:12–31).
• Our spiritual gifts have been given to serve and build up the local church community (1 Corinthians 12:4–7; Ephesians 4:11–12). We are all called to serve and to do so with love (1 Corinthians 13:1–3; Galatians 5:13). Endless service from a wrong heart will do no good (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 6:1). But when we serve out of love, God is glorified (1 Peter 4:10–11; John 13:34–35).

implications for today

Some of our spiritual gifts are obvious, but others can be difficult to identify. You might discover which spiritual gifts you have, including which ones are the strongest, through prayer, surveys, classes, and serving at your church. You can begin serving before you know your gifts because the experiences will give you insight into where you work best, which, in turn, will help you identify your gifts. Here are some ways you can serve in your local church: • Join the worship team • Become an usher, greeting visitors and helping with the offering and communion • Become a prayer partner • Become a youth leader or mentor • Teach children’s ministry or serve in the nursery • Teach an adult small group, such as a Sunday school or Bible study • Host a small group study in your home • Help clean the facilities or maintain the building and grounds • Work in the technology and sound booth • Help with administrative and secretarial work • Lead outreach programs for the community • Lead missions trips • Organize food and other support for families in crisis • Cook a meal for someone in your congregation or help with their yardwork or give them a ride to the doctor • Visit people in the hospital or send encouraging cards to others in the congregation There is a lot of work to be done for the kingdom of Christ, but not everyone is willing to do the work (Matthew 9:37). There is always a place to serve. As you serve, trust that God will equip you, guide you, and give you joy for the work He has called you to do (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17, 23).

Recap

understand

• We serve in the church to honor God and to build His people.
• God calls every believer to serve and equips each one with unique gifts.
• There are many ways to serve, but what is important is that we serve with love and a willing heart.

reflect

• How has God uniquely equipped you to serve the body of Christ, and how are you currently using your gifts to honor God and build up His people?
• How does your heart attitude shape how you serve in the church?
• What has helped you determine where to serve in the church?

engage

• What is the purpose of serving in the church?
• What steps can we take to ensure our service is motivated by love, rather than obligation or routine?
• How can we help others discover and grow in their gifts while also recognizing where those gifts can be used in the church?