Serving & Purpose

People on Purpose reminded us that every follower of Jesus has a role in advancing God's Kingdom.
Sharing the Gospel and helping people grow into mature followers of Christ are not responsibilities reserved for pastors or a select group of “elite” Christians. Jesus gave the Great Commission to His followers. Every believer is called to participate.

Acts 6 gives us a picture of a rapidly growing church experiencing growing pains. Needs arose, and the apostles recognized that healthy growth required other people to step into their roles. They identified people already within the community who could take responsibility, allowing everyone to operate where God had called them.

The lesson is important for us: healthy things grow, but growing things will be tested. A healthy church requires the participation of the body. No role should be considered insignificant simply because it isn't highly visible.

At the same time, serving must remain healthy. We don't serve because someone pressures us, makes us feel guilty, or because we're trying to prove something. We serve from overflow, not obligation. Serving should flow from our love for Jesus.

Serving also cannot replace our relationship with God. Servant Leaders need opportunities to worship, receive the Word, and care for their own souls. Serving is an opportunity to become more like Jesus, not simply to accomplish tasks for the church.

God is not merely trying to get something from us through serving. He wants to accomplish something in and through us as we discover and walk in our purpose.