Serving Together: Building Belonging in Christ

 

Summary

Today’s focus is on the profound connection between serving and belonging within the body of Christ. Drawing from Acts 6, the early church’s first major internal conflict is explored—a dispute over the fair distribution of food to widows from different cultural backgrounds. This moment, which could have fractured the young church, instead became a model for Spirit-led problem-solving and radical hospitality. The apostles, rather than responding defensively or ignoring the issue, called the whole community together and empowered those most affected—the Greek-speaking believers—to lead the solution. This act of trust and inclusion not only resolved the conflict but deepened the sense of belonging for all.

Serving is not just about meeting needs; it is about becoming part of something larger than ourselves. When we serve, we move from being mere attendees to being family, with a role and value that is essential to the health of the whole. Just as in a body, every part is needed—some visible, some hidden, but all vital. The early church’s willingness to entrust significant responsibility to those who felt marginalized is a powerful example of how service can break down barriers and foster true unity.

This principle extends to our own church family. There are countless ways, both seen and unseen, that people serve—each one contributing to the flourishing of the whole. Whether it’s preparing communion, maintaining the building, praying faithfully, or sponsoring a child for camp, every act of service matters. Our gifts, experiences, and passions are uniquely given by God, and when we find the intersection of our deep gladness and the world’s deep need, we discover our “sweet spot” in the body.

Serving is also the way we become more like Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life for others. The call is not to drudgery, but to joyful participation in God’s work. Sometimes it takes trying different roles to find where we fit best, and that’s okay—what matters is the willingness to step in, to try, and to try again. As each of us finds our place, the church becomes stronger, more unified, and more effective in spreading God’s love to the world.

Key Takeaways

- True belonging in the church is found through serving, not just attending. When we move from being spectators to active participants, we experience a deeper connection to the body of Christ and to one another. Service transforms us from guests to family, giving us a sense of purpose and value that attendance alone cannot provide. [33:07]

- The early church’s response to internal conflict models Spirit-led leadership and radical inclusion. By empowering those who felt marginalized to lead the solution, the apostles demonstrated humility, trust, and a commitment to unity over self-preservation. This approach prevented division and fostered a culture where everyone’s voice and contribution mattered. [31:37]

- Every act of service, whether visible or hidden, is essential to the health of the church. Just as every part of the body is needed for it to function, so every member’s gifts and efforts are vital. The unseen acts—prayer, maintenance, quiet generosity—are as crucial as the public ones, and together they create a thriving, resilient community. [42:47]

- Serving is not about hierarchy or drudgery, but about finding where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep hunger. God calls us to serve in ways that align with our unique gifts, experiences, and passions. Sometimes it takes experimentation and even failure to discover our “sweet spot,” and the church should be a place where we are free to try, fail, and try again. [47:52]

- Service is the path to Christlikeness. Jesus redefined greatness as servanthood, and as we follow his example, we are transformed to be more like him. Our willingness to serve—especially in ways that stretch us or require humility—shapes us into the image of Christ and enables the church to fulfill its mission in the world. [51:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:42] - Mother’s Day Reflections and Humor
[22:08] - Honoring Selfless Service in Mothers
[23:10] - Introduction to Acts and the Early Church
[24:50] - Pentecost and the Birth of the Church
[26:29] - Miracles, Growth, and Persecution
[27:30] - The Apostles’ Bold Prayers
[28:21] - The First Church Conflict: Growing Pains
[29:07] - Cultural Tensions and the Need for Fairness
[31:37] - The Apostles’ Wise Response
[33:07] - Radical Inclusion: Appointing Greek Leaders
[40:32] - The Many Ways We Serve
[42:47] - Stories of Hidden Service
[46:58] - Finding Your Place in Service
[47:52] - Where Gladness Meets Need
[49:09] - Practical Opportunities to Serve
[50:28] - Everyone Can Pray and Serve
[51:09] - The Impact of Serving: Spreading God’s Message
[52:05] - Prayer and Commitment to the Jesus Way
[53:00] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Serving and Belonging in the Body of Christ

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### Bible Reading

Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)
> In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
> This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
> So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Mark 10:42-45 (NIV)
> Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (NIV)
> (Selected verses)
> Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ... Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

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### Observation Questions

1. What was the specific conflict that arose in the early church in Acts 6, and who was affected by it? [28:21]
2. How did the apostles respond to the complaint about the food distribution? What steps did they take to address the issue? [31:37]
3. What is significant about the people chosen to oversee the food distribution? What do their names tell us? [33:07]
4. According to Mark 10:42-45, how does Jesus define greatness and leadership among his followers?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the apostles chose to empower the Greek-speaking believers to lead the solution, rather than handling it themselves or appointing Hebrew-speaking leaders? What does this say about trust and inclusion in the church? [33:07]
2. The sermon mentioned that serving helps us move from being “guests” to being “family” in the church. Why might serving create a deeper sense of belonging than just attending? [33:07]
3. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compares the church to a body with many parts. What are some reasons why every part—visible or hidden—is essential for the health of the church? [40:32]
4. Jesus said he came “not to be served but to serve.” How does this challenge common ideas about leadership and importance, both in the church and in the world? [42:47]

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### Application Questions

1. The early church faced a real conflict that could have split them apart, but they chose to listen and empower those who felt left out. Have you ever felt overlooked or like an outsider in a church or group? What would it have meant for someone to invite you into serving or leadership? [29:07]
2. The apostles didn’t ignore the problem or get defensive—they called everyone together and found a solution as a community. When you see a need or a problem in our church, what is your usual response? Do you tend to step in, stay silent, or something else? [31:37]
3. The sermon gave examples of both visible and hidden ways people serve (like preparing communion, praying, or fixing things around the building). What is one “hidden” way you could serve that might not get noticed, but would help the church family? [42:47]
4. The idea of finding your “sweet spot” in serving is where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need. What are some gifts, skills, or passions you have that you haven’t used yet in serving others? Where do you see a need that matches your gladness? [47:52]
5. Sometimes we try something and it doesn’t fit, or we fail. The sermon said the church should be a place where we are free to try, fail, and try again. Is there a way you need to give yourself (or someone else) permission to try something new in serving, even if it might not work out the first time? [48:36]
6. Jesus redefined greatness as servanthood. What is one practical way you can serve someone this week—either in the church or outside it—that will stretch you or require humility? [42:47]
7. The sermon said that serving is the path to becoming more like Jesus. Looking at your current involvement, is there a next step you feel God is inviting you to take in serving? What might that look like for you? [51:09]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to step into new ways of serving, for eyes to see needs around them, and for hearts that are willing to become more like Jesus through service.

Devotional

Day 1: Serving Helps Us Belong to Something Bigger Than Ourselves
Serving within the church is not just about meeting needs; it is a profound way to experience true belonging. When we step into roles of service, no matter how visible or hidden, we move from being mere attendees to valued members of a family. This act of serving connects us deeply to others, allowing us to contribute our unique gifts and to be needed and known. Just as the early church appointed people to care for the widows, ensuring everyone was included and valued, so too does our service today help us and others feel that we truly belong to the body of Christ. [33:07]

Acts 6:1-7 (ESV)
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Reflection: Where is one place in our church or community where you could step in to serve this week, moving from being an attendee to an active participant in the family of God?


Day 2: Every Part of the Body is Essential
Just as the human body needs every part to function well, the church needs each member to use their unique gifts and talents. There are no unimportant roles; whether seen or unseen, every act of service is vital to the health and mission of the church. When each person finds their place and serves, the whole body thrives, and everyone experiences the joy of being needed and valued. This interconnectedness is what makes the church strong and able to fulfill its calling. [40:32]

1 Corinthians 12:12-21 (ESV)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

Reflection: What is one unique gift, skill, or experience you have that you could offer to the church body this month, no matter how small it may seem?


Day 3: Serving Makes Us More Like Jesus
Jesus turned the world’s idea of greatness upside down by serving others, even to the point of giving His life. He calls His followers to do the same—not to seek power or recognition, but to humbly serve one another. When we serve, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps, becoming more like Him in character and love. This is not just a duty, but a transformative journey that shapes us into His likeness and brings His presence into our community. [45:30]

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV)
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection: In what specific way can you serve someone this week—at home, at church, or in your community—in a way that reflects the servant heart of Jesus?


Day 4: Find Where Your Deep Gladness Meets the World’s Deep Hunger
God has uniquely created each person with passions, talents, and experiences that are meant to meet real needs in the world. The place where your joy and the world’s need intersect is where you are most fully alive and most effective in service. Sometimes it takes trying different things to find that “sweet spot,” but God delights in using your gladness to bless others and to advance His kingdom. [47:52]

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Reflection: What is one thing that brings you deep joy, and how might you use it to meet a need you see around you this week?


Day 5: Serving Spreads God’s Message and Grows the Church
When the church serves with unity, generosity, and joy, God’s message spreads and lives are transformed. The early church grew rapidly not because of programs or buildings, but because everyone played their part and served with love. As we each find our place and serve faithfully, we become a powerful witness to our community, and God uses our service to draw more people to Himself. [51:09]

Acts 6:7 (ESV)
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Reflection: Who is one person outside the church you could serve this week, showing them the love of Christ and helping to spread God’s message through your actions?

Quotes

Serving helps you belong to something that is bigger than yourself. The body of Christ. This church in a way that simply attending will never allow you to do. Serving makes us more like Jesus, which is what this whole process of following him is all about. And when we each find that sweet spot, when our deep gladness meets the world's deep need, our church can do the work it's supposed to do. It's been called to do. [00:50:55] (34 seconds) Edit Clip


Jesus showed us how to serve when he was living on earth among his disciples it's recorded repeatedly in the gospels jesus's biographies how he flipped the conventional power structure on its head how he washed his disciples dirty grimy feet how he went to a a criminal's death on the cross in order to save us and now it's our turn as we follow him as we try to mold our lives after his example we become more like jesus when we serve. [00:45:16] (40 seconds) Edit Clip


A few years after this occurrence that we're talking about today Paul writes in 1st Corinthians 12 that the church is like a body with many parts and each of those parts is absolutely essential to the entire body in order to function we need our nose to smell and our feet to stand and our fingers to feel and our liver to filter and our stomach to digest and on and on and on we need each part of our body to do its part to serve as it's been designed to serve in order for the whole body to be healthy and strong and functioning and Paul's point is it's the same for the church we need each other each of us to do our part so that we can be strong and healthy and functioning so we know we belong we're needed we're valued just like a body there are some parts that are more visible but there are no parts that are more important than any other. They're all interconnected and essential for the health of the body. [00:38:41] (71 seconds) Edit Clip


But the author Frederick Buechner says it this way, the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger. Where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet? So where do you see the need? The hunger? And what makes you glad? What makes your heart sing? I encourage you to find a need in the church, in our community, and see if you can meet it. Give it a try. [00:47:52] (38 seconds) Edit Clip


When we serve our church family it enables us to feel like we belong in a way that simple attendance at an event can never do for us this isn't true just at church think about when you're invited into somebody's home and they let you set the table or toss the salad or help with the cleanup you suddenly go from being just a guest to being part of the family with a role to play and a value to add to the community you belong. [00:37:49] (36 seconds) Edit Clip


This is so beautiful what could have developed into the first ugly heartbreaking church split or a knockdown drag out fight between two opposing factions or simmering resentment that's played out in passive aggressive interactions between the two groups turns instead into a model for serving that's completely in line with the example that Jesus gave us and it becomes for us an example of the importance of serving in the life of a healthy church family. [00:33:45] (41 seconds) Edit Clip


Because at its core at its deepest this isn't fair complaint the Greek speaking murmuring fear is that they don't fully belong perhaps they feel different from the core group their language and customs are different they must already feel like they don't fit in to the in group and then to top it all off it looks like their most vulnerable members are not getting equal treatment it's not fair we don't fit in. [00:34:38] (37 seconds) Edit Clip


When we find our sweet spot of service, that place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep need, then God's message will continue to spread in our community. Then, God willing, the number of believers in Reed's Port and beyond will greatly increase. May it be so. [00:51:45] (22 seconds) Edit Clip


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