Serving Together: Finding Your Place in God's Mission
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Servapalooza at Eaglesview Church! Today is a special day where we present various opportunities for you to volunteer and serve within the body of Christ. Volunteering is a significant part of being a believer, and it can sometimes be a challenging subject due to past experiences. However, we are committed to ensuring that your volunteering experience here is positive and fulfilling.
We serve God for three main reasons: we are on a mission for Him, we matter to Him, and the lost matter to Him. Serving is not just about filling roles; it's about being part of a larger mission. We are not the Titanic; we are an aircraft carrier going somewhere awesome. Each of us has unique gifts and roles, much like pieces of a puzzle. Every piece, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is vital to completing the picture God has for our church.
Paul's analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 illustrates that we are all different parts of one body, each with a unique function. This diversity is essential for the body to function correctly. Serving is not just about the church's needs; it's about holistic health—spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. When we serve, we grow in our relationship with Christ and help others do the same.
There are two types of people in churches: pillars and caterpillars. Pillars are the ones who hold up the church, doing most of the work, while caterpillars come to be fed and then leave. It's okay to be a caterpillar for a season, especially during tough times, but God calls us to grow into pillars. Imagine the impact if 80% of the people did 100% of the work!
We are called to be a community, not isolated individuals. When we serve together, we support each other and are more effective in reaching the lost. Today, I encourage you to explore the various ministries and find where your puzzle piece fits. We will train and support you, ensuring you find the right place to serve.
### Key Takeaways
1. We Serve Because We Are on a Mission for God: Serving is not just about filling roles; it's about being part of a larger mission. We are not the Titanic; we are an aircraft carrier going somewhere awesome. Each of us has unique gifts and roles, much like pieces of a puzzle. Every piece, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is vital to completing the picture God has for our church. [36:39]
2. We Serve Because We Matter to God: Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 illustrates that we are all different parts of one body, each with a unique function. This diversity is essential for the body to function correctly. Serving is not just about the church's needs; it's about holistic health—spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. When we serve, we grow in our relationship with Christ and help others do the same. [44:49]
3. We Serve Because the Lost Matter to God: We are called to be a community, not isolated individuals. When we serve together, we support each other and are more effective in reaching the lost. The pressures of life are easier to bear when we are part of a supportive community. [55:39]
4. The Importance of Being a Pillar: There are two types of people in churches: pillars and caterpillars. Pillars are the ones who hold up the church, doing most of the work, while caterpillars come to be fed and then leave. It's okay to be a caterpillar for a season, especially during tough times, but God calls us to grow into pillars. Imagine the impact if 80% of the people did 100% of the work! [50:49]
5. Finding Your Place in the Body of Christ: Today, I encourage you to explore the various ministries and find where your puzzle piece fits. We will train and support you, ensuring you find the right place to serve. Serving is not just about the church's needs; it's about holistic health—spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. [56:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:15] - Introduction to Servapalooza
[35:25] - The Titanic Analogy
[36:39] - Importance of Communication
[38:27] - We Are on a Mission
[40:05] - Unique Gifts and Roles
[41:19] - The Puzzle Analogy
[44:49] - Paul's Analogy of the Body
[46:07] - Holistic Health
[47:18] - Personal Story: Atlanta Church
[50:49] - Pillars vs. Caterpillars
[52:01] - The Note Card Analogy
[54:29] - Community and Support
[55:39] - Reaching the Lost
[56:51] - Finding Your Place
[01:00:34] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27: "The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, 'I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,' that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, 'I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,' would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body."
### Observation Questions
1. What analogy does Paul use in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 to describe the church? How does this analogy help us understand our roles within the church?
2. According to the sermon, what are the three main reasons we serve God? [36:39]
3. What are the two types of people in churches as described in the sermon, and what do they represent? [50:49]
4. How does the analogy of the puzzle pieces relate to our roles in the church? [41:19]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to recognize that we are all different parts of one body, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27? How does this understanding affect our view of service in the church?
2. The sermon mentions that serving is not just about the church's needs but about holistic health. What does holistic health mean in this context, and why is it important? [46:07]
3. How does the concept of being on a mission for God change the way we view our roles and responsibilities within the church? [38:27]
4. What does it mean to transition from being a caterpillar to a pillar in the church, and why is this transition significant? [50:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in the church. Are you more of a caterpillar or a pillar? What steps can you take to become more of a pillar in your church community? [50:49]
2. Think about the unique gifts and talents you have. How can you use these gifts to serve in a specific ministry at Eaglesview Church? [40:05]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being part of a supportive community. How can you contribute to building a stronger, more supportive community within your church? [54:29]
4. Serving is described as a way to grow in your relationship with Christ. What specific area of service do you feel called to, and how do you think it will help you grow spiritually? [46:07]
5. Consider a time when you felt like a missing puzzle piece in a group or community. How did that experience affect you, and how can you ensure that others do not feel the same way in your church? [41:19]
6. The sermon talks about the importance of communication in serving. How can you improve your communication with others in your ministry to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved? [36:39]
7. Identify one person in your church who is not currently serving. How can you encourage them to find their place in the body of Christ and start serving? [58:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Mission
Serving is not just about filling roles; it's about being part of a larger mission. Each of us has unique gifts and roles, much like pieces of a puzzle. Every piece, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is vital to completing the picture God has for our church. We are not the Titanic, a ship doomed to sink, but an aircraft carrier on a mission, going somewhere awesome. When we serve, we contribute to this grand mission, making a significant impact in the lives of others and in the kingdom of God. [36:39]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others in your church community this week?
Day 2: Valuing Our Worth to God
Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 illustrates that we are all different parts of one body, each with a unique function. This diversity is essential for the body to function correctly. Serving is not just about the church's needs; it's about holistic health—spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. When we serve, we grow in our relationship with Christ and help others do the same. Recognizing that we matter to God and that our contributions are valuable can transform our perspective on service. [44:49]
Romans 12:4-5 (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."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are a vital part of the body of Christ change your approach to serving in the church?
Day 3: Reaching the Lost Together
We are called to be a community, not isolated individuals. When we serve together, we support each other and are more effective in reaching the lost. The pressures of life are easier to bear when we are part of a supportive community. Serving together fosters unity and strengthens our collective mission to reach those who do not yet know Christ. By working together, we can make a more significant impact and demonstrate the love of Christ to the world. [55:39]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you partner with to serve and reach out to those who are lost? How can you encourage each other in this mission?
Day 4: Growing from Caterpillars to Pillars
There are two types of people in churches: pillars and caterpillars. Pillars are the ones who hold up the church, doing most of the work, while caterpillars come to be fed and then leave. It's okay to be a caterpillar for a season, especially during tough times, but God calls us to grow into pillars. Imagine the impact if 80% of the people did 100% of the work! As we mature in our faith, we are called to take on more responsibility and support the church community. [50:49]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: Are you currently a caterpillar or a pillar in your church? What steps can you take to grow into a pillar and support your church community more effectively?
Day 5: Finding Your Place in the Body of Christ
Today, I encourage you to explore the various ministries and find where your puzzle piece fits. We will train and support you, ensuring you find the right place to serve. Serving is not just about the church's needs; it's about holistic health—spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Finding your place in the body of Christ allows you to use your gifts effectively and contribute to the overall health and mission of the church. [56:51]
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Have you found your place in the body of Christ? If not, what steps can you take this week to explore different ministries and discover where you can best serve?
Quotes
1. "Volunteering is a huge part of what it is to be a believer in Christ. And so today, I have three main points. So we're going to talk about three reasons that we follow Christ and that we serve for him. But I get that volunteering can be kind of a sticky subject for us because we view current situations and future opportunities through the lens of our past, right?" [34:15] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are not the Titanic. We are not sinking, right? We are not hoping that you can come in and save something. We are doing well, but there are still opportunities to serve and God wants to use you and his body to further his kingdom. Now, we know that the way we fix that problem is with communication, with good, solid communication." [36:39] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We serve God because we are on a mission for him. And so we are encouraging you to join our boat. It's not the Titanic. We are not sinking. Now, we are sinking about something, yeah, but we are not. We are not sinking. We are in a good place. But we are going somewhere awesome." [38:27] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have a blessed assurance that we will be with God in heaven for an eternity. But we're still on that journey right now. And so we are encouraging you to join us on this boat. But this boat is not the Titanic. It's more like this. that's awesome. It gets me so fired up. Pastor Bart has talked about how we are an aircraft carrier and we're going somewhere awesome." [38:27] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, vitally important to this picture that God's trying to create. And we want to give you that opportunity because here's our second point, our second point for today. Well, we'll get to that in a second. You have, right. We're going to, I'm going to show you the verse." [43:38] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You are part of the body of Christ and that's what he has put together. That's how he designed you. You don't look like me. And that's a great thing. And I don't look like you because you were intended to fit in a very specific way. And that brings us to our second point today, which is that we serve God because we matter to him." [44:49] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We serve God because we matter to him. Because we serve God because we're on mission, but we matter to him. And so he wants you to have a healthy, healthy life. Not only physically, he wants you to be healthy. Spiritually, he wants you to be healthy. Emotionally and financially. And that's why at Eagle's View, when you hear us use the word holistic health, we're just talking about all of those facets of your life." [46:07] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We are pillars that come together. There is, when we talk about the church, the big C church is all of God's body. The little C church is us here. And God takes his body of believers and he puts groups of believers around the countries, around the continents, around our community so that we can come and get fed and then go back out and continue to spread the gospel in our community." [54:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We serve God because we are on mission for him. The second point is we serve God because we matter to him. And the third point is we serve God because we matter to him. Because the lost matter to him. Guys, it's so important that we are connected together because we are more efficient at reaching the lost." [55:39] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You are loved by God. You are known by God and you were designed by God for a purpose. And it is okay to be a caterpillar for a while, but I encourage you when we leave this door, you can go right and go back out of the parking lot, or you can go left and go see what opportunities does equals you have." [56:51] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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