Serving in the church is an important way for Christians to use their gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ. Here are some biblical principles about serving in the church and practical ways you can get involved:
1. Use your spiritual gifts
The Bible teaches that every Christian has been given spiritual gifts by God to serve others. As 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Take time to discover your spiritual gifts by trying different roles, getting feedback from others, and taking spiritual gift assessments. Then find ways to serve that allow you to use your gifts.
2. Serve out of love
Our motivation for serving should be love for God and others. As Galatians 5:13 (ESV) says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Pray for a heart of compassion, not begrudging service. Serve even those who are difficult to love.
3. Be humble
Approach serving with humility, not seeking praise or prestige. As Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV), “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” Look for mundane or hidden ways to serve that build up others.
4. Use your time and resources
Steward your time, talents and treasures for God’s kingdom. Romans 12:1 (ESV) urges, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Give generously in ways that require sacrifice. Maximize the time and abilities God has given you.
5. Serve wholeheartedly
Work hard and serve enthusiastically, not grudgingly. Colossians 3:23 (ESV) says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Pray for joy in serving. Develop a servant’s heart like Jesus, who modeled humble service by washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).
6. Use teamwork
Look for ways to serve alongside others, which utilizes the diverse gifts of the body of Christ. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 (ESV) says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” Build genuine community while serving. Appreciate others’ contributions.
7. Meet urgent needs
Look around and see the most pressing needs in your church and community. As James 2:15-16 (ESV) asks, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” Don’t just talk about needs – take action to meet them.
8. Use hospitality
Hospitality can be a special way to serve others in the church. As 1 Peter 4:9 (ESV) encourages, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Look for simple ways to share meals, housing, transportation and fellowship with others as needs arise.
9. Serve consistently
Aim to serve faithfully over the long-haul, not sporadically. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) urges, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Allow serving to become a lifestyle, not a project. Nurture endurance.
10. Mentor others
An important way to serve is to mentor and train others to use their gifts. As 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV) says, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” Multiply your impact by developing new leaders.
Ways to Serve in the Church
Here are some common ways you can serve meaningfully in your local church:
1. Volunteer
– Childcare/Sunday School/Youth Group leader – Provide care and bible teaching for kids and youth
– Greeter – Warmly welcome people as they arrive at church
– Usher – Hand out bulletins, collect offerings, direct people to seats
– Music/Worship team – Sing or play an instrument to help lead musical worship
– Tech team – Manage sound, lighting, video, livestream
– Decorate – Help decorate facilities for holidays and events
– Photography/Media – Take pictures at events and manage church media
– Cleaning/Maintenance – Clean and care for church facilities
2. Use Skills to Serve
– Accounting/Finance – Help with bookkeeping, budgets, taxes
– Computer/Tech – Maintain church website and databases
– Graphic Design – Create bulletins, newsletters, brochures, displays
– Crafts – Make items to give to visitors or sell at fundraisers
– Writing – Write for church publications or correspondence
– Administrative – Organize the church office, manage projects
– Legal – Provide legal counsel for the church’s needs
– Medical – Offer health services to the congregation and community
3. Lead and Teach
– Lead/co-lead a small group Bible study
– Teach Sunday School or Christian education classes
– Lead children’s church during the sermon time
– Mentor youth or new believers one-on-one
– Share your testimony at services
– Help plan youth retreats or activities
– Organize classes on topics like parenting, marriage, finances, etc.
4. Show Hospitality
– Make meals for sick, bereaved, or new parents
– Visit members in the hospital or care facilities
– Provide transportation to church services and events
– Host small groups or events in your home
– Write notes of encouragement to members
– Adopt a college student to provide care packages
5. Fill Practical Needs
– Donate supplies like food pantry items, school backpacks, Christmas gifts for families in need
– Volunteer at church-sponsored community service events
– Maintain the church building and grounds
– Serve meals at church dinners and events
– Provide meals, childcare or other helps for busy families
– Organize work days for widows, single parents, elderly
6. Participate in Outreach
– Volunteer at community service projects
– Lead a recovery group at the church
– Help with church evangelism and missions efforts
– Participate in short-term missions trips
– Share Christ’s love through social media
-Invite people to attend special events and services
– Write letters to missionaries or military members
7. Support Ministry Leaders
– Pray regularly for pastors, staff and ministry leaders
– Send encouraging notes to leaders and volunteers
– Express thanks publicly or privately
– Listen well to leaders’ ideas and concerns
– Offer constructive feedback when appropriate
– Meet tangible needs of pastor’s family
– Provide leadership for a ministry area
8. Give Generously
– Contribute financially in proportion to what God has given you
– Donate supplies and resources the church needs
– Provide scholarships for ministry training events
– Include the church in your estate planning
– Donate professional services like legal counsel, accounting, renovations
– Embrace sacrificial financial giving to expand ministries
9. Participate Faithfully
– Attend worship services, classes and events regularly
– Join the choir or a musical ensemble
– Sign up to read scripture or assist during services
– Arrive early to pray with other members
– Join in corporate prayer times
– Take advantage of spiritual growth opportunities
– Develop genuine fellowship and community
Developing a Servant’s Heart
Here are some tips for cultivating an attitude of service like Jesus modeled:
– Spend time reading about Jesus’ life of service in the Gospels
– Pray for God to give you a servant’s heart and use you
– Serve in small, behind-the-scenes ways without need for recognition
– Volunteer to assist other servants and learn from their example
– Learn about needs in your church and look for ways to meet them
– Periodically evaluate how you are using your spiritual gifts to build up others
– Mentor younger Christians in serving humbly and faithfully
– Listen well when others share ideas for new ministries and outreach
– Meet regularly with other Christians for fellowship, accountability and inspiration
Serving humbly in love is a privilege and blessing. As you explore the many opportunities to use your gifts in the church, pray for wisdom and listen to how God is guiding you. Stay open to new ways the Holy Spirit may lead you to serve as needs arise. Serve faithfully as unto the Lord, playing your unique role in building up the body of Christ.
