This Sunday the elders want to recognize the many who serve in various ways in this church. Following worship they will be providing a meal to continue their thanks. I’ve always like to tie in the preaching with what’s going on in the church so this Sunday I want to talk about service. I’ve thought about lots of things to say and with each I find myself thinking it’s been said before and while I realize that a lot of preaching is about saying what we already know and encouraging us to keep doing it, I’m not sure I can really say anything much new that will really be helpful.
So, my current thought is this: I think the main thing that drives Christian service is the idea that we have been served first. We have been blessed so we do not let the blessing end with us but endeavor to pass on blessing as well. So that has started me thinking about the many in my life who have blessed me and the many I am not aware of who have blessed me.
In just a church context I think about Bible class teachers who taught. There they would be every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening taking time out of their lives to put up with me and a bunch of others who did not really appreciate what they were trying to bring us. I can remember the elder who stood at the hallway to the entrance of the Bible class wing who would greet us by name each Sunday morning. There he was all those years every morning saying hello.
I have sat in enough elders meeting to know the hard job those men do. I don’t think anyone can ever fully appreciate what they do for years on end. The prayer, struggle and yes also the joys that come from serving in that capacity.
Just taking communion every Sunday means that someone prepared it and made sure it is ready for Sunday. The one who has to organize and make sure everyone is in their place Sunday morning and knows their job to do.
You get the point so I’ll stop elaborating. What I am thinking about doing Sunday morning is share some stories of unsung heroes I have known through the years who have just simply and quietly served. I don’t want to embarrass anyone here so I will not go into anything from this congregation, but I suspect that the stories will sound the same and you will know others who have done the same things.
Does this sound reasonable? Or do I need to come up with a “regular” sermon instead of share stories? If your vote is for stories, do you have one you would like me to share? Someone you have known from the past who served and made a difference? I would love to share that too.
Let me know your thoughts.
Barry
Tharsei 
I think the stories would be great. I can’t think of any story in particular but am so very proud of the two generations before me that were willing and eager to serve. So thankful for that example.
I agree. So many have come before us and have served and made sure there is a future for us. If you think of a story, let me know later this week.
Barry, Although the following is a paraphrase of what Paul said in Romans 12:4-7, I really like the way it talks about the service that God desires.
*”Just as there are many parts to the church body, so it is as Christs’ body. * *We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we * *each have different work to do. So, we belong to each other, and each needs * *the other. God has given each one of us the ability to do certain things well.”*
There is actually three words used in NT that refer to service. One of those is the Greek word “diakoneo” which means “to serve, minister; kicking up dust because on the move; caring for the needs of others as the Lord guides in an *active, practical* way.” Sure it is used here. Can’t we just imagine everyone of us “kicking up the dirt” to get things done. I need to think and pray about this aspect of my own service.
Gary V Jean (: http://gvonjean.blogspot.com Graphics Coordinator Hospital Media Associates http://www.bbb.org/fort-worth/#
I like the idea of sharing stories. I like Matthew 20:28 – the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. I think his example of service is what we should look to. And his example of service is what others who have served us in the past are trying to emulate. If the elders plan on recognizing those that serve within our congregation on Sunday, so as not to be repetitive, it might be interesting to hear some stories of how we have been served, or witnessed service, in the name of Jesus, outside of “church.” Most of the examples of service by Jesus that I can think of did not occur within the walls of any building.
I like the story.
One of the biggest impacts on my boys lives with Church has taken place outside the building. Once with Roger during the Covington Youth Work Camp in the community and the other with Barry at the Arlington Work Camp. The boys still speak of it often and it really shows depth in their hearts for serving and being a worker for the Lord. I pray they move forward with serving during Church service before they are grown and no longer live at home.