Dear Church Family,

Sometimes when we hear the word service, we immediately think of a position that needs to be filled, a volunteer schedule, or a task that needs to get done. Those things matter, but biblical service begins somewhere deeper.

First Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” I love that picture. God has entrusted something to each of us—our abilities, experiences, resources, personalities, relationships, opportunities—and He invites us to use those things for the good of others.

That means service is not reserved for a particular kind of person. You don’t have to be on a stage, teach a class, or lead a ministry in order to make a meaningful difference. Sometimes serving looks like welcoming a family who is new to church. Sometimes it means listening to a friend who is carrying something heavy. It may mean teaching a child, mentoring a student, delivering a meal, praying with someone, helping behind the scenes, using a professional skill, or simply noticing a need and responding.

Much of the most important Kingdom work happens quietly.

Jesus modeled that kind of life for us. He consistently saw people others overlooked, gave His time to those who needed Him, and ultimately told His disciples that He came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).

As followers of Jesus, service is not simply something we add to an already busy schedule. It is part of who we are becoming. And often, the best place to begin is exactly where God has already placed us. What needs do you see? What abilities has God given you? Where might there be an opportunity to make someone else’s burden a little lighter, point someone toward Christ, or strengthen the work God is already doing?

There are certainly many opportunities to serve through CityRise—campus hospitality; Kids, Students, and Senior Adults ministries; Local Missions; and mission trips, to name a few. You can explore more at cityrise.org/serve, but if you are ready to take a next step, I especially encourage you to fill out our Serve Interest Form. Let us know where you might be interested in serving, and we can help you find a meaningful place to contribute.

But I also hope we will develop eyes to see ministry everywhere we go and wherever God has us. You don’t have to do everything. Simply be faithful with what God has placed in your hands and attentive to the people He has placed in your path.


Expecting Greater,
Pastor Roger