“…But whoever would be great among you must be your servant…”
(Matthew 20:26 ESV)
Serving is part of growing as disciples.
“But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, ‘We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.’ Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.” (Acts 6:1-6 NLT)
In most churches, 20% of the people do 80% of the serving. A healthy church is where everyone is serving in some capacity.
Serving moves people from attenders to disciples. Having responsibility allows people to take ownership in the church.
Serving helps us to grow in God as we practically focus on the meeting the needs of others. We learn serving in God’s house so that we can do it outside on a regular basis.
We must find them and get them activated, because they won’t find us.
Jesus went to prospective disciples and asked them to follow Him.
The gospels say He called to Himself those who were called.
We cannot wait for them to come to us through a mass appeal.
Standing behind a recruitment or enlistment table is too passive and usually ineffective.
First, pray that God move upon their hearts.
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” (Matthew 9:37-38 ESV)
“You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:4 ESV)
Pray for God to bring prospects to your mind of those who aren’t yet serving.
Focus on friendships and trusted relationships. Select one or two people.
People value helping a person over filling a need, so give them the “why” before the “what.” We serve in response to God’s love and to help others experience that love through us.
Pray specifically for them this week.
Then, ask those you prayed for in person if they would be willing to serve.
Make a warm personal approach.
Connect face to face, not by email or text, because the latter creates too much impersonal distance.
Be specific about why we desire their help, and what will be expected of them.
Spell out clearly the time commitment, making it very short term and doable to start. (Begin with once a month)
Allow for divine inspiration, tension and conviction: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Our part is to ask warmly, and their part is to answer honestly. Don’t be pushy, but don’t deprive them of wrestling with healthy conviction.
Start with appetizer taste tests.
The idea is first to get others activated without worrying about fitting them for their best position.
The gifts test “fit” will come later. Once people start to serve, they will usually continue to serve.
When people start serving anywhere, serving momentum will manifest everywhere, especially if they serve with people they click with and care about. Community synergy becomes an intrinsic reward.
When Pearlside was about 400-500, we had about 70% of Sunday goers serving because of a culture of personal asking.
Discussion Questions:
Why is serving important to our spiritual growth?
Do the people in your groups understand the heart behind serving?
Who within your groups is currently not serving at all, and how can you get them activated?
Communications:
Seek Week – October 23-25
Join us for corporate prayer and worship on October 23-25 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at our Main Campus Worship Center. We believe in the power of prayer and fasting. As a church, we will embark on three days of dynamic intercession where we pause to seek God as He leads us forward on His mission.
Kaneohe Campus Permanent Relocation – November 4
Starting on November 4, our Kaneohe site will be permanently moving to Bay View Golf Course as its new location. This move is strategic, and puts us in the heart of Kaneohe and its surrounding community. Service times will be 8:00am and 9:30am, so please help us communicate the upcoming change.
Discipleship Track
Our Discipleship Track is designed to lead people to a healthy relationship with God and others. Over the course of four weeks, you will gain a deeper understanding of the gospel which will transform your life, equip you for ministry in the church, and for influence in the world. We encourage everyone to grow through our Discipleship Classes.
WEDNESDAY
November 7 - December 5
Main Campus (ENLI 1)
7:00pm - 9:00pm
THURSDAYS
November 8 - December 6
Main Campus (ENLI 1)
7:00pm - 9:00pm
