Serving

Guest post by Executive Pastor Alfred Turley

1 Peter 4:7-11

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

This weekend Matt taught on this passage specifically and how the church represents the realm of eternity on earth now.  And in representing God, we see that each of us has been given gifts and talents, desires and dreams that God wants us to use to represent Him and His Son.  Serving Him is supposed to be a joy and privilege, not something we do to earn points with Him or something we do to "be a better Christian."  God wants us to do it out of love and out of a response of gratitude for Him and for what He has done for us.

Serving in a church can be one of the most enriching and encouraging experiences we can know.  There is something that happens when we steward what we are given, when we join up with others in God's church, and when we allow Him to move in us and use us for His glory!  It's truly a recipe for blessing!

I have always been so amazed at all the gifting and talents each of us has.  Some of us have a talent to imagine big and to put that imagination and creativity into reality.  Some of us just thrive off of being around people and engaging in their lives and loving them.  Some love being hospitable, and cooking and serving others physical needs.  Some of us have wisdom and can help others make better decisions.  Some people are natural leaders, and people readily trust their heart and their judgement in how they direct things.  All of these talents and gifts are needed in the body of Christ, the Church!  In my own life, I have found serving in Children's Ministry and Student Ministry, and helping to lead small groups all to be amazing uses of what God has given me, and it gives me great joy to lay those gifts down for His use.  It has been a wonderful ride to take what came from Him in the first place and give it back to Him.  He has given us so much, and He has given us the life of His own Son, so giving back is the least we can do!

Serving has also been a place where I truly began to engage others and get to know people, and to have them come along side me and support me as well.  I have had countless times when I came in great need of a friend and support, and got it every time.  And there have been countless times when I have seen serving teams and small groups surround those in need and those hurting and bring healing through community and through the unconditional love of Christ.  Those who have struggled to connect to the church relationally: get on a serving team, and get in a small group!  You will be stepping joyfully into the open arms of a church ready to love you.

One of the most surprising things about serving has been how challenging it has been, and how it has pushed me to trust in God as never before!  Loving each other unconditionally requires that we lean on God and on the power of His Spirit inside of us.  So many times I have seen lives changed because a group of people went to God in their needs and His power came and worked a miracle!  God wants to be the power that fuels our lives.  Serving stretches us and pushes us to trust in Him and lean on Him often, and we grow because of this!

Serving in the church is a joy God wants for each of us.  It is a place where He brings us together in loving and supportive community, united around the cause of His heart: reaching a lost and hurting world.  God will use our service to grow us and stretch us in a good way, and He will use it to surround us with healthy love and support that will be there when life takes hard turns.

Serving in the local church, specifically Rock Bridge, has been a joy and a great blessing for me and for many others.  Please pray and ask God to show you what gifts and talents you have that should be put to use!  And take a step of faith!  Serve on a team and get in a small group!