5 Ways You Can Serve Organically In The Church

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It is really easy today to treat church as a check mark on a to-do list. We can habitually “do the church thing” on Sunday morning and forget all about it for the other six and a half days of the week. Sure, we’re a follower of God and want to further His kingdom, but life kind of has a habit of getting in the way. We’re not actually going to serve organically in the church this way, though.

Sit, Soak, and Sour

At the same time, It’s very easy for us to “sit, soak, and sour” as one Pastor of a church I was attending put it. Get our fill of what it is that God has for us, but never do anything about it. It’s easy to say we love with our words, but putting action behind the feelings is another story. There’s actually a Bible verse about that–1 John 3:18: “…let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

In fact, I’m a firm believer that a reason why a lot of my generation and beyond no longer attend church is because we’ve sat, soaked, and soured. We’re focused on what we can get out of a church experience, rather than what we need to put into the church. When I started to change my mindset and look for ways that I can serve my church instead, a lot of opportunities opened up.

This is just a list of some different approaches that came to mind. It is important to note that you’re not going to find basic ideas like joining nursery duty or singing in the choir. Not that there’s anything wrong with doing anything like that, just that this post is written for those who want more unique ideas.

Initiate a Children’s Choir

Starting up a children’s choir is going to be a big task! You’re going to need some help from others to take on this idea, and some support from other parents. This will for sure be rewarding, though. The sooner that we can teach our children musical skills, the more likely it is that we can spark some creativity while also teaching them what it means to praise the Lord. Also, this gives children an opportunity to be able to serve in the church as well.

Teach Sunday School

This may not be so much of a big task as it is a big commitment. Not only are you committing to being faithful every Sunday, but also you’re committing to being there EARLY. Yikes. No more sleeping in. On top of that, it means you’re going to be putting in some time during the week to prepare for lessons on Sunday mornings as well.

Before you completely write this off, think back to some of the influential people that had a positive role on your life as a kid or teen or young adult. I bet some of them were Sunday School teachers. If you’re not sure this is for you or not, volunteer to fill in as a substitute teacher when the regular teacher is on vacation this summer. I guarantee you, they’re always looking for someone to fill in.

Head Up a Bible Study in Your Home

Yeah I know, this isn’t going to be easy. There’s a lot of work that’s going to be needed into pulling this off. But, it would be so worth it though. If you’re someone who craves a connection with likeminded Christians and it’s hard to get that connection during a church service once a week, this is for you. You’ll be amazed by how much you and your friends will grow spiritually and together on this journey.

Organize a Meal Schedule For Those In Need

Hi, life is hard. No one gets through life without a trial. Part of the reason why the Church is here is to support and help others going through trials. Nothing says I care for you more than a homecooked meal delivered during a trying season. This doesn’t mean you, yourself, are going to cook and deliver every meal to someone in need. It means that you’ve come up with a group of ladies willing to help, even if they might not even know who they’re delivering food to. This also gives people in the church a place to turn when they’re in need.

Start and/or Serve on a Bus Ministry

Again, this is going to be difficult. Not only does this require dedication and getting up early, but your church may not even have the funds available for a bus. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Even if you only have one extra spot in your vehicle, be proactive and look for someone you can pick up and bring to church every week.

If your church already has one in place, volunteer to go out on Saturdays and reach out to some of the children (and their parents, obviously) who ride on the bus and encourage them to come on Sunday. You have no idea how God can use that.

Before You Go…

Lastly, I would just add that no, I haven’t started or done a lot of these. That’s okay. This list isn’t a “Hey, go do all of this right now”. I’m not advocating that we all begin five or six new projects so that we’re serving effectively.

Not everyone who reads this is going to feel like these will work for them. Some of us are about as musically talented as a mute canary. Others of us swear up and down we’re not a teacher. That’s okay. God has given us different gifts for a reason. The purpose behind this list is to give you some inspiration for ways that you can help in an area. Or possibly, these ideas will spark a different idea for you to serve in your own church.