Making students get off the roof at church…breaking open 2,000 neon glowsticks…getting scared to death by a raccoon in a trashcan…buying 120 bricks of cream cheese…
Do you know what those things have in common?
It wasn’t until I was in my late thirties that I began to understand and realize how serving has played such a pivotal role in my life. Giving back to others was a basic lesson in my life growing up. My parents were very much the type of people who if we (my brother & I) were involved in things, then they were involved in things. From leading sports organizations to running the concession stands and picking up rocks. I began to realize this “giving back” is serving. Serving is getting the chance to give back to our amazing God. So much of my faith development, my lifetime of friends, and my joy has been based on the things I’ve learned and the people I’ve met through serving at PCC.
Serving has helped me see outside of myself and see God’s big picture. There are so many needs. God has uniquely designed and placed each of us where we live to help fulfill His plan. I’ve learned that there is a sweet spot where my talents and gifts meet God’s needs. BUT I’ve also learned that sometimes God just needs a job done and I’m the one that happens to be standing there. I started helping in the sound booth during COVID. At the time, PCC was just beginning to broadcast services. They needed able bodies to help reach people while we were all on lock down. I’m a Type A, extrovert – 1st born. Sitting in a box with 2 other people and pushing buttons is in no way my giftedness. It’s been a blast. You would love to see what happens behind the scenes!
Serving has also given me a lifetime of great friendships in every age range. Every time I’ve served in a different area of church, I’ve met people who have become dear friends. I have friends who are 80 years old to 13 years old. It’s been such a blessing to have all these people share their faith. The wisdom of the people who have walked with God for their whole lives and the wonder and awe of new believers. All ages of people can rock babies, open doors, smile, make coffee, say “Good morning!”, cut vegetables, and/or serve a meal.
My favorite part about serving at PCC is the joy!! The very act of giving back boosts my happiness and my sense of well-being. There is something internal which happens during the act of serving. I really do think that regularly volunteering helps manage stress. Yes, sometimes it can seem like an inconvenience. The bottom line is Jesus has used serving to draw me closer to Him and to others. Serving has caused me to see the real purpose in knowing Him.
It’s easy to come to church most Sundays and listen to the sermon. I would like to challenge you to do the harder thing:
- Make a commitment to focus on the next generation.
- Make a commitment to focus on the new people entering the building.
- Make a commitment to focus on how to serve the needs of others.
Plainfield Christian itself is a huge mission field. The people who walk in PCC’s doors are the local mission field. The kids who go the Children’s Center and the Pier are PCC’s mission field. As a church let’s breathe into people the love of Jesus. Let’s stand in the gap with action and serve others so people can see Jesus!
And you never know…you may get to corral students off the church roof, crack open glow sticks for a family worship, be a part of teaching people about babies from another country, or making 300 desserts for a women’s conference. You will see God’s plans, make friends, and find true joy and best yet you may earn the opportunity to share the Gospel with someone.