There is a great need today for individuals who will be faithful servants of the church. Many temporal and spiritual needs exist with which a congregation must deal. There are offerings to collect and distribute, cleaning and chapel maintenance projects, events to organize, the sick to visit, and the poor to help. It is a great blessing to the body of Christ for there to be faithful, consistent servants who quietly and yet diligently attend to these duties.
The well-being and longevity of a congregation are measured as much by the work of the faithful servants of the church as by the pastor and ministry. In many congregations, the burden of the temporal things as well as the spiritual rests on the shoulders of the ministry. When the ministry is too involved with the temporal affairs of the church, their minds and energy are not singularly focused on spiritual things. It is not only the responsibility but also the privilege of the congregants to offer themselves as servants. Christ left the ultimate example of servanthood. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Just as a home needs continual care and maintenance, so does the physical property of the chapel. Often the work of the gospel is hindered because the temporal affairs of the congregation are not in order. How wonderful it is to behold people of all ages taking responsibility in the body of Christ and serving to their personal capacity for the benefit of the church. A well-cared-for chapel and well-ordered temporal administration are a witness and testimony to the world.
1 Corinthians 4:2 states: “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” God has entrusted His people not only with the spiritual gospel but also with serving and ministering to the needs of others. It is easy for people to occasionally volunteer, but something else for them to faithfully work and serve month after month with little to no acknowledgment. Saints are called to work for the Lord; that means satisfaction should come from pleasing God rather than from the recognition of man. The job of a servant is usually not glamorous, but it is to please the One whom he serves.
Whether it be as a deacon, trustee, Sunday school teacher, song leader, special singer, cook, janitor, or lay member in the congregation, there is a need for faithful servants upon whom the elders (ministry) can rely to accomplish the needful work of the church. Reliable service and availability to do what is needed for the smooth operation and work of the gospel are wonderful assets for the health of a congregation. God has blessed His people with diverse skills and knowledge. Fewer needs would exist in the temporal and spiritual work of the church if people would more fully consecrate their time and talents to the cause of God. The joy and blessings of God often rest in the sacrifice of giving and serving.
