Church Serving

As we travel around visiting other church congregations we take notice to their bulletins and announcements and try to get a feeling for how things are there.

Recently as I was filling out the visitors card, there was a section that said:

I am interested in: 

A. Becoming a member

B. being contacted by the elders

C. Being part of a support group

D. Serving The Lord 

After these choices it was followed up with a question asking in which areas of services they would be most interested and gave several choices such as, helping in the nursery, helping in the kitchen area, yard work, cleaning, transporting the sick to app'ts., calling on sick members, and the list went on.

At first I thought, people are going to think that as soon as they start coming here they will have to work. But then I thought, why not?

It will help them to feel needed and accepted and a part of it all. AND,

If you want to be part of the church, then you MUST be doing the work of The Lord that needs done, you must be a servant in His kingdom.

I have heard it said that in the church 10% of the people do 90% of the work. I believe that statement. I have seen this in about every congregation.

This is why our churches aren't growing as they should. Too many people would rather sit back and say, "church serve us," rather than be a serving church.

Do not grow weary in doing good.

I have heard people say, I am just burnt out, or I've done that for years someone else can do it now, or I get criticized every time I do something. The excuses go on and on, but the Bible says,

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, "always abounding in the work of the Lord," knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB)

Always abounding..... In the work of The Lord. 

Do you know what that means?

What does always mean? Look it up.

What does abounding mean? Look it up

Your toil will not be in vain. Yes, you may get tired and/or frustrated and wonder when you will be able to rest. The Bible gives us that answer too,

For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. (Hebrews 4:10 NASB)

In other words, when we die. We will have our rest then.

There is a job for each of us. God needs us. When we are the church, we are serving. 

I am honored to be used by God. I can never do enough for Him. He has done so much for me.

And I serve Him in love and obedience, not out of compulsion or because I think I can earn salvation. 

No, salvation is a free gift from Him. There is nothing I could ever do to earn it.