Called To Serve: "why Volunteering Matters To God" Series

Mark 10:42-45 42 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. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 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.”

Every pastor in America — and probably the disciples too — knows the pain of trying to find volunteers. Sometimes it feels like trying to convince teenagers to clean their room. They hit you with:

• “Maybe next week…”

• “I’m praying about it…”

• “Pastor, I think I’m called to a different ministry…”

Right. Sure. And I’m called to be 6’8” and play for the Celtics.

But here’s the truth: a healthy church rises on the shoulders of everyday servants — not superstars, not celebrities, not polished professionals.

Ordinary people saying yes to God in ordinary ways. That’s where the Kingdom thrives.

Greeters, nursery workers, worship teams, chair setters, Audio and visual booth warriors, coffee brewers, youth helpers, bulletin folders, prayer warriors…

These are the real MVPs.

And Jesus — the Savior of the world — modeled the ultimate servant life.

Which means if we’re following Him, serving isn’t an option.

It’s our identity.

1: SERVING IS NOT OPTIONAL — IT’S WHO WE ARE

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…”

Notice — not “suggested,” not “recommended,” not “if you feel like it.”

We were created to serve.

Some folks treat church like Costco-

“I came for the samples, not the commitment!”

But the Bible describes believers with words like:

• servants

• ambassadors

• workers

• soldiers

• co-laborers

Not consumers.

Illustration: “THE AIRPORT RUNWAY CREW”

You ever watch planes land at the airport? Everybody’s eyes go to the pilot — the hero in the cockpit. But what most folks never see is the runway crew.

Those guys in the vests?

They’re out there before sunrise.

They inspect the runway.

They clear debris.

They guide the planes in.

They make sure everything is safe, smooth, ready.

And here’s the crazy part:

A pilot can be world-class… but if the runway crew doesn’t do their job, that plane isn’t landing safely.

Church is the same.

People notice the sermon, the worship, the big moments — the “pilots.”

But none of that happens without the runway crew:

• the greeters

• the audio-visual team

• the kids workers

• the volunteers who prep, clean, and serve

They create the environment where people can “land” safely and encounter Jesus.

So if you’re serving in the Kingdom?

You're not background.

You're the runway crew making the mission possible.

2: SERVING MAKES US LOOK LIKE JESUS

Jesus didn’t just teach servanthood.

He lived it every moment.

He touched lepers.

He fed crowds.

He washed nasty, dusty, funk-covered feet nobody else wanted to go near.

Philippians 2:5–7 says He took “the very nature of a servant.”

If the King of Kings picked up a towel, we can too.

Illustration: The kayak That Spins in Circles

You ever paddle a kayak with someone who stops paddling?

You go in circles like a confused tourist trying to find Tunnels Beach.

If Jesus is paddling and we’re not?

We spin.

But when we serve — we paddle in sync with Him.

And movement happens.

3: SMALL ACTS OF SERVICE HAVE ETERNAL IMPACT

Some folks think, “I’m just handing out bulletins,” or “I’m just helping in nursery.”

Nah. Don’t minimize what God maximizes.

Matthew 10:42 “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water… he will certainly not lose his reward.”

If God rewards water, He definitely rewards:

• wiping tables

• helping kids encounter Jesus

• setting up chairs

• clicking slides

• handing out bulletins

• brewing coffee

• praying with someone

• smiling at a visitor

•

Illustration: “The Kinked Hose”

You ever try to water plants, but the hose is kinked?

Doesn’t matter how much pressure is behind it — the flow stops.

A single servant stepping into their calling can unkink the hose spiritually.

It releases the flow of ministry again.

4: SERVING BUILDS UNITY — AND DESTROYS CONSUMERISM

Romans 12:4–5 “Each member belongs to all the others.”

Serving together bonds people.

You laugh together.

You learn together.

You sweat together.

You clean up messes together.

You see God move together.

Illustration: Army Maintenance and the “One Loose Bolt”

In the Army, we checked every vehicle like lives depended on it — because they did.

One loose bolt could stop a convoy.

The church is the same.