Celebrate Volunteers!
Intro: Ministry could never happen without the faithful service of so many people. From those who teach, to those in the nursery, to those who set up coffee and those who lead worship, all of the ministry you do is important.
Recognize volunteers by having them stand
One of our covenants in being a member at Countryside is a covenant to serve.
4) Become actively involved in a ministry of this church body to serve in helping others know the love of Jesus. This is my ministry.
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:11-12
It is the people of the body who make ministry happen.
Today we are going to look at three results of serving in ministry.
I. By serving, you fulfill Gods purpose for your life.
You were made with a specific purpose and ministry planned for you.
“For we are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10(NIV)
The term “workmanship” is the same word we get the word poem from. In essence, you are Gods work of art.
Gods design for you began before you were born.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.” Psalm 139:13-14 (NLT)
God has an eternal purpose and plan for your life.
NAR: In a recent book detailing his faith, George W. Bush, when he was governor of Texas, is quoted as saying he believed that Gods purpose for him was to lead America during a time of great national crisis.
APP: Do you have a sense of Gods purpose for your life?
II. By serving, you reflect Gods glory.
As we serve others, they get a picture of our heavenly Father.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” I Peter 2:12 (NIV)
Our actions reflect the belief of our heart.
Jesus gave us an example of servanthood for us to follow his model. John 13:1-17
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15(NIV)
Jesus has called us to serve so we may be an example to others.
III. By serving, we contribute to eternity.
God takes the ministry we do and uses it to influence the course of eternity in the lives of others.
“Our greatest fear should not be failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.”
New Tribes Missionary
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I Cor. 13:31 (NIV)
The service that really matters will last for eternity.
Song : “Thank You”
“It (ministry) is more than the opportunity of a lifetime; God offers you an opportunity beyond your lifetime.”
Rick Warren
Thank you for all your ministry. If you are not involved, see ministry fair and pick up a spiritual gifts test.
