You & Your Church

By: Jenifer Metzger

Now as we have many parts in one body,

and all the parts do not have the same

function, in the same way we who are

many are one body in Christ and

individually members of one another.

Romans 12:4-5 CSB

My husband leads our First Impressions ministry at our church and a couple of years ago one of his door greeters told him, "Thank you for letting me serve!" That was a first. We often say thank you to those who serve, but we've never had the one serving say thank you. It blew us away. This man got up early on a Sunday to come to church and stood at the door for an hour welcoming people, yet he took the time to thank us for the opportunity to serve. Wow.

I've served in various ministries for 35 years. It's an incredible blessing. It's also a lot of work. Earlier this month our church had VBS. Four nights of late nights, high energy, and ministering to over 100 kids. It was incredible, but it was also exhausting. Every Sunday my husband and I spend 5-6 hours at church working in different capacities. We leave church wore out and fall into bed for what my husband calls a "fat nap." Yet, it is still a blessing. Serving isn't always easy. It definitely isn't always glamorous. But it is always a blessing.

Often we see the word serve and automatically think hard work and time consuming -and yes, it can be those things at times, but that doesn't take away from the truth that serving your church is a blessing to not only your church but to you. Serving isn't a burden. It isn't an obstacle. It doesn't take is away from our socializing. It doesn't take away from our church experience. It's a blessing.

Whether you're serving at the front door welcoming people, teaching a kids class, playing an instrument, working media, cleaning a bathroom, or any other capacity, serving in your church is always a blessing. Whether you serve every Sunday or once a month, serving in your church is always a blessing.

If you already serve at your church, pause and think of why you started serving. Remember your why. Is it to see kids learn about Jesus? To see teens grow in their faith? To make sure everyone who walks through the doors feels welcomed and cared for? To make sure the church building is clean and inviting for all? What is your why? Think of it often and praise God for the opportunity to serve Him and your church.

If you aren't serving in your church, why? Your church needs you. I can't encourage you enough to first pray and ask God where He would have you serve. Then reach out to your pastor or ministry leader and tell them you want to serve. Don't assume there are plenty of people to cover everything. There's not. There never is. You are needed. God needs you to serve. Your church needs you to serve. You need you to serve. Be an active part of your church family and serve in that role with all your heart.

Discussion:
1. Do you currently serve in ministry at your local church? If so, what do you do and what is your why?
2. If you don't serve currently, where would you be interested in serving? Spend some time this week praying and ask God to lead you to the right ministry.