“So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you. Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Jesus in John 13:14-17)
The practice: A monthly practice of serving others
The twelfth practice in our common rule is using your time and talent to serve others.
Service in the Bible is:
A lived out response to the freedom we have in Jesus
Serving Christ. Ultimately, first serving Christ rather than ourselves or even others
Serving as Christ. We receive and live as His hands and feet in the world which helps us to put the person of Christ on
Serving one another. Not simply coming to our church community to be “fed” or as consumers, but also as participants and hosts
Serving our world. Noticing and helping those around us in need
Some practical tips on serving:
Notice the needs around you
What are the needs in the church in general?
Join the Meal Train
Serve in the Sunday Gathering
What are the needs in your community or smaller group?
What are the needs of those you see around you in our community and the world?
Apply your giftings
If you know what they are, seek to fill an area of need through them
If you don’t know:
Ask those around you what you might have to give
Start serving to find out your gifts - this is especially true for younger believers and people.
Live it out - It’s time to try it
Books
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster (Chapter 9 on the discipline of service
The Selfless Way of Christ by Henri Nouwen