This past Sunday after church, after lunch, after a few hours away, over 300 of us returned to the building to gather. 300 of us that serve at the church. 300 of us that make a difference, even in small ways, to those that enter the building every Sunday for one of our three services. From parking lot help, to ushers and door holders in the auditorium, to those that work with the children or even make sure that we have hot coffee before service, or those who make the worship and production possible. No matter what, we all were called to serve. We all had a desire to be more involved.

The church threw this Dream Team (what we call ourselves) Rally to celebrate those who don’t just show up, but CHOOSE to serve the others in the church week after week.

This night was filled with worship, cheering, and connecting with others. It was an experience I won’t soon forget. Unlike many that attended, I’m still new. My insertion into Christianity has been a fast one. In a short span of time, I have found my faith, my strength, my desire to serve others and so much more. This church has been an incredible home to me. I was baptized here. I am making friends here. I attend classes here. I serve here. This was where I was meant to be.

Some of you may be thinking about serving at your church. Do it. If you know you’re at the right church, speak with them and see where you can help, where your talents can be used. See where you can make an impact. Maybe you are strong at prayer, see if they have a prayer team. Maybe you are strong at production, check about controlling the cameras, lighting, sound, screens, etc. Maybe you’re just really friendly. Try working the connection desk or the auditorium, or a greeter. Especially with a medium sized church or larger, there will be something for everyone.

As an usher, while my job may be simple, leading partners (what we call members of the church) to their seats while the lights are down for worship – you know, so they don’t trip over something, I also offer a smile and a greeting. I offer a friendly face. One day, I hope to be able to use my words to serve and maybe in a way I am with my blogs and the books I’m writing, though they are not directly connected to the church. One day, maybe I will be on the worship team. If I can get comfortable in my own prayer, maybe I will be a part of the prayer team and pray for others when they need it.

No matter what you or I choose to do, we are serving, just as Jesus did. I saw a post in a Facebook group that I’m apart of, but it humbled me quick. It made me reflect. It read …

Sometimes I joke about what I’d do if I had one day left to live. Eat junk, go crazy, etc. Today it hit me: Jesus knew. And He washed feet.

While service may feel good sometimes, making you feel like you’re doing something, serving isn’t about you. It’s about helping those around you. You don’t have to serve at church either. It can be through another organization, on your own, etc. I used to coupon and when I get time again, my husband and I have talked about starting again and using the items to create bags for homeless people to pass out, providing them with basic hygiene products. We have dreams, though we cannot fund them currently, of buying an old high school or middle school one day (specifically these due to them having showers already in the gym) and opening a form of housing for homeless veterans. Schools have the showers and the cafeterias, we can restock the library. The classrooms can become rooms. There is a gym for recreation. Sure, this is a big dream, but with prayer and work, maybe one day we will get there.

The point is, service can be anywhere. The most important thing is that it stems not from selfishness, but from the want to help others and bring joy to their day. The possibilities are endless and you can find something that works with your strong suits.

Back to serving at the church. You are also building a community. While at this rally this past Sunday, I knew that my hardest part of making friends is being able to approach people. I’m shy and reserved unless I get comfortable around people. I took that initiative. I kindly inserted myself in a conversation and even met someone that I will be serving with at one of our Easter services.

Some questions for you…

What’s holding you back? Mine was time, so I made sure to find something that would fit within my schedule. I can always change positions once I free up some time after graduation. I serve on times that I am already at church and that I’ve already set aside.

What can I do within the church? Think about your interactions and experience at church. See what they need help with. See what they could benefit from. If there isn’t a position for it yet, get with the leaders of the church and see if you can’t just fill that need anyway – maybe creating a position in the meantime.

How do I foster community more? Try starting a bible study group. Find a location to host it that is reliable if you home is not, or rotate between homes of those in your group. We have some friends from church who we will eventually be starting a podcast with. It stemmed from our bible studies to reflecting on the service that day – which was an idea I had for a podcast anyway. Invite other members to listen and spend more time with the message of that day. Create meet up opportunities. We have a partner creating a singles meet up. We have another that runs a running club (though its not affiliated with the church). You can create opportunities to connect with others in the church – if you’re willing to host and put in the work.

I’ve said enough and for fear of rambling or repeating I will close this blog instead of expanding more. To close though, the closer you get to God, the more you want to serve others. It’s one of the things Jesus did and one of the points is to live like him, right? Use your imagination and speak with your church. You’ll find a way and you’ll make a difference in other peoples lives.