Finding Community Through Serving

Have you ever started attending a new church and felt like it was impossible to meet anyone? You want to make real connections, build friendships and be a part of something bigger than yourself, but you’re unsure where to start? I think we’ve all been there at one point or another in life. And, while there are lots of ways to get connected to others in a church setting I’m going to throw out an idea maybe you’ve never thought of, serving! If you feel intimidated by serving you’re not alone, I think there are a lot of misconceptions about serving such as thinking it’s for church attenders who have it all together or who have some sort of special skills. But I believe serving is for everyone and choosing not to serve can hold you back from the joy and community serving can bring. Below are three ways in which serving and forming community go hand in hand to enrich your life as well as those around you!

Serving Helps You Find Community

I moved to a new city a little over a year ago and one of the first things I did after finding a church was begin serving! The very first day I showed up at my church’s Guest Central to serve (where new guests can find out more about the church), I met an incredible couple that instantly helped me feel more connected to this brand new church I had started attending!

Beginning to serve allows you to meet new people in a much less awkward way than simply walking up to someone new after a church service and introducing yourself. It also can often give you a common ground to start from since most churches encourage you to serve somewhere you are already passionate about such as working with children, on the worship team, or at the church’s coffee station.

Serving Allows You to Enjoy Community

One of the joys of serving is being able to encourage and help others. No matter whether you’re serving with your church to reach out to your community with the love of Christ, or you’re serving fellow Christians in a church service, you’ll find that serving is incredibly fulfilling! Being a part of a team that has the same purpose – whether that be loving on a child in the nursery, passing out a service guide with a smile, or answering the questions of someone who gave church a chance for the very first time – allows you to enjoy community and friendships in a deeper way than simply attending church.   

You Have Everything You Need to Begin Serving Today

Maybe you’re starting to see all the benefits to serving, but you still have doubts that you have what it takes to serve. Let me share this passage to set your mind at ease. 2 Peter 1:3 states, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” God has given us EVERYTHING we need! He has already provided you with specific talents, giftings and the right personality to fill a very important role in your church’s community! They need your friendliness to help connect people in the church, they need your attention to detail to edit the slides they project up front, they need your barista skills to serve an amazing cup of coffee that will set new comers at ease! For you and others to experience the best community, you are needed, and you have exactly what it takes!

I encourage you this weekend to reach out to the leadership in your church to see where you can begin serving! Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” You have everything you need to bless those around you, form deeper friendships, and fulfill this instruction and blessing Christ has given us!

By Amanda Derrough