Spotlight on: Volunteers

 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

There is a lot going on at St John’s. None of it is to win a badge of busyness or to make a mark as a ‘successful’ church, but because we have a vision which involves serving our community and spending time in fellowship with one another. To grow for God’s Kingdom so that together we can:

Make disciples, build a network, and change a city.

However, everything that does happen only runs smoothly – or happens at all – because we have so many wonderful volunteers who give up their time and use their God-given gifts to do their part within the church family. We are so grateful to them and to God for all that they bring.

In 1 Peter chapter 4, Peter writes to Christians in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) about Living for God, or as one translation titles it, Thinking Like Jesus. If you read the whole passage, you will see that it is all about leaving behind sinful ways, in exchange for living ‘according to God’. This means not only serving, but serving without complaint and with proactivity, grace, and doing so sacrificially – because it is what Jesus would do, and an act of worship.

We have been given the ultimate gift in Jesus - eternal life - and yet He continues to give in this earthly life; in answers to prayer, in provision, and in gifts and skills that can be used for His glory.

If you are already serving at church, do you remember this truth as you give up your time and energy? It is easy to get caught in the cogs and rhythms, but reflecting on God’s Word can give us fresh energy and ideas for whatever we are doing.

If you have not yet found your place on a team, do you know where it could be? What has God gifted you with? Or what are you passionate about? Either of these things could be a good starting point for working out where you belong; finding a ministry where you could find deeper community and serve at the same time.

There are so many opportunities: on a Sunday in the welcome team, serving tea and coffee, doing a reading, on the technical team, or the worship team. With emerging generations serving in a Sunday group, a midweek youth or children’s group. With compassion ministries who serve those in need. Perhaps you’ve even spotted a gap or had an idea of how you can help that’s not listed.

Volunteering is a key part of being a member of St John’s, as it deepens connection, and enables you to flourish in the gifts and skills God has given you – if you’d like to have a conversation, please get in touch: hello@sjbchurch.co.uk