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Serving in church – part 2

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 tells us how the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to build the church and glorify God. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 we also read that we are called to use them in love for others: If I have the gift of prophecy… but do not have love, I am nothing.

 

This week we continue looking at how we can serve Bristo with our gifts, combining our congregation’s experiences with what the Bible says about the respective roles. Do any of them look like they might be for you?

 

 

Bible group leader

 

Being a group leader is about discerning what God is saying, while also enabling and encouraging group members’ participation. It’s also about flexibility, and being ready to abandon your prepared points when you discern the Spirit raising other topics or personal experiences for group members. 

 

Bible groups offer an opportunity to come together as God’s community. As you learn more about the Bible and grow together you can serve, love, support and pray for others: When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him into their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:26).

 

Acts 8:26-40, when Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch to understand Scripture, reflects how a Bible group leader can encourage others in their faith through teaching.

 

 

Children’s ministry  

 

Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me (Mark 9:37).

 

Children in our churches are our future Sunday school teachers and preachers –  so teaching them about God is a great way to serve the church, both now and for the future.

 

Although children’s ministry may currently be online, there will still be opportunities to contribute to their learning. Adults can also learn plenty from children… Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (Mark 10:14-15).

 

 

Prayer ministry  

 

When trouble comes, problems arise, don't know which way to turn .... 

We turn to our Father, our Heavenly Father in prayer
As parents, sisters, brothers, you look out for each other in family love ....
True of us as a family in the Lord!
If danger arises, threats abound .....
Our Father, our Lord, our God is there as we wage war in prayer!
When you love someone, you long to spend time with them, captivated ... 
Intimacy in worshipful prayer with the Lord our God.
Through our relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ, we are part of a global family - the family of the Creator - the Lord our God! And globally we are united as we seek Him in prayer.

 

This quote depicts the wonderful gift we have in praying to God, not just on our own, but also with others. We read throughout his letters how Paul both prayed on behalf of others (Romans 15:5-6) and requested prayer for himself (Romans 15:30-33).

 

In 2020 this is even more significant as, although we are frequently apart, we can still support each other in prayer.

 

 

Music & technology  

 

For many people, worship is a way to draw closer to God. I am blessed to come from a musical family and enjoy using this passion to facilitate others’ worship during a service.

 

Music is used in various ways during a service, such as enabling praise or reflection. A music group helps others to worship God and develop their relationship with Him: Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and songs…Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:18-19).

 

Technology is also vital, as it can support the worship and communicate news. More importantly, it assists those harder of hearing to get the most out of church and, currently, ensures the smooth running of a service in person and on Zoom.

 

Standing at the front of church is not as scary as it seems! At Bristo we are recording songs separately at home, so that could be a perfect opportunity to try joining the team, either musically or in a technological capacity.

 

 

Outreach

 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)

 

While many of us enjoy seeing church friends, we are called to share the gospel. Our God is so awesome, why wouldn’t we want to bring others to faith?

 

If you’ve not done it before, watch others’ conversations and see what works for you. There are some great resources online, including Alpha, which is a great tool for sharing the gospel.

 

Jesus provides an example to follow in John 4:1-26 when he went against social conventions to speak with a Samaritan woman. He helped her focus on the present opportunity, rather than her past, and challenged her perceptions on where people could worship: believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem (John 4:21)

 

If you feel called to serve in your church, speak to a church leader and see how you can get involved!

 

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