Why should we create a culture of serving in our churches? There are a myriad of reasons, but the top three are: A) God is a servant (Philemon 2), B) Serving changes the perspective of others; we become known by our love, which is as it should be, C) Serving changes our perspective; it can help us think and live more like missionaries right where we live.
This is what the LORD Almighty says:
“Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other” — Zechariah 7:9-10
How Can We Develop a Culture of Serving?
1. Communicate the message of Jesus as a call to change the world (because it is)!
Our cause equals moving people to become the person God created them to be. Jesus did not invite us to follow Him for what we could get, but what we could give. Fellowship isn’t just what we do for each other. Fellowship is what do together for the world.
“The church isn’t here to meet our needs. We are the church, here to meet the needs of the world.” — (Erwin McManus, An Unstoppable Force)
2. Meet the needs of those around us.
People weren’t repelled by the beliefs of the early church as much as they were intrigued by their character. The early Christ-followers were “praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (Acts 2:42-47). We need to seek to meet the physical, emotional, economic and spiritual needs of those around us. We should pursue changing the environment and changing the individual (social justice and evangelism).
3. Connect with those you do not know.
Xenos is the Greek word for “stranger, alien or foreigner.” Throughout the Scriptures, God’s love for the stranger becomes clearly evident. Hospitality means loving strangers. Our homes, our businesses and our churches should become safe places for strangers to experience kindness and love.
4. Deepen your relationships with those you know.
Oikos is the Greek word for household (family, neighbors, co-workers and friends). Are we loving, serving, investing and sharing with our family, neighbors, co-workers and friends? Parties give us natural environments to build relationships. Jesus was willing to ruin His reputation to reach out to others who were far from God. People are most open to God and discovering a relationship with Him in the midst of life’s major transitions — a wedding, a baby, a move, a loss.
