Ministry Involvement Night (080623)

Turn to and read 1 Corinthians 12:14-21. Pray.

1 Corinthians 12:21 KJV 1900

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Jesus Christ, Who is the head of the body, will never say to any Christian, I have no need of you!

Ultimately, tonight’s message is designed for those individuals who, following up after this morning’s message said:

I do desire to serve God.

I am seeking to be yielded to God and to whatever He would have for me.

Specifically, though, tonight...

We are speaking of serving God in and through the ministry of the local church.

And, the local church that we are specifically concerned with is South Charlotte Baptist Church.

Many times, a Christian may have a desire to serve God and are yielded to serve God in any way that they can.

Yet, they, for whatever reason, just don’t how to serve nor how to go about finding the opportunities to serve the Lord through the ministry of the local church.

Complete Part 1 of the Ministry Survey Form

You should have received a Ministry Survey before the service. (If you did not, please raise your hand, and we’ll get you one.)

I am going to ask that, if at all possible, you return this form tonight (or at least by next Sunday).

To begin with, I would like you to fill out the top portion of the survey:

Name

Phone

Email Address

Connection Group

In addition, I would ask that you, somewhere on the survey, put the following information:

Birthday (including the year)

Anniversary (if you are married)

I am asking for these last two items simply to make sure that we have as much information in our church management database as possible. (I like to send out birthday cards.)

Complete Part 2 of the Ministry Survey Form

I have experience in the following fields:

What qualifies as Serving?

It is difficult to answer that question.

We can’t simply supply a list of activities that qualify as acts of service.

Turn to and read John 13:3-17.

John 13:15 KJV 1900

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

We must follow Christ’s example.

According to Mark 9:41, giving a cup of water in Christ’s name (which speaks of motive) could qualify as an act of service.

Hebrews 6:10 KJV 1900

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

What is important is not really what others see you do but what God has seen you do toward His name.

One way, though, that the question can be answered is in this way:

What ever can be done to help further the cause of Christ.

Matthew 5:16 KJV 1900

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Our Purpose

Proclaiming the Gospel; Experiencing the Miracle of Changed Lives

Another way to answer the question of What qualifies as Serving?:

What ever allows us and helps us to be good stewards of that which God has given to us.

Tim Cool, in his book, Plan 4 It, stated:

…Facility stewardship is the one that is rarely considered when we are in the dreaming phase of our planning.

Cool, Tim. Plan 4 It: The 4 Essential Master Plans for Every Church (p. 80). Kindle Edition.

Things to keep in mind.

There are a number of things that we should keep in mind as they relate to serving within and through South Charlotte Baptist Church. (I’m not giving them in any order of importance.)

Everyone should participate in outreach/soul-winning.

Soul Winning Saturdays - These will begin in September.

Soul Winning /Follow-Up on Monday evenings

Serving takes place every day of the week.

Serving happens in more places than simply 12416 Lancaster Highway.

Serving, at times, is a long-term commitment.

Master Clubs

Having this “Ministry Involvement Night” is a good break so that people don’t feel as they have no way out.

Serving, at times, is a regular commitment.

Serving, at times, is brief and a one-time event.

Providing a meal after surgery.

Landscape project.

Some serving is very public; most is not!

Choir is a very public form of serving.

However, most opportunities for serving will never be seen or recognized by others. And, you have to be OK with that.

Hebrews 6:10 KJV 1900

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Serving requires no special skills only a willingness to serve!

Mr. Rideout, Please inflate us!

One skill that is helpful…Initiative!

Initiative: the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.

See a piece of trash…pick it up.

See a light that is on…turn it off.

See a guest…greet them.

Don’t wait to be asked…volunteer.

Some service/ministry opportunities are reserved for church members.

Nursery

Choir

Master Clubs

Some service/ministry opportunities are open to regular attenders.

Let’s not be that church where “20% of the people do 80% of the work.

It would be my desire that everyone who attends South Charlotte Baptist Church would have a “How May I Help You?” servant’s attitude and heart!

Go through Part 3 of the Ministry Survey

I am interested in (or would like more information about) the following ministries:

Before we begin to briefly look at these ministry opportunities, I would like you to consider this question:

Would you be willing to give, at the least, 1-2 hours a month in serving the Lord through South Charlotte Baptist Church?

Transportation Ministry

Van ministry

Hospitality Team

meals after surgery/pregnancy

Landscaping

Helping some of our J.O.Y. Connection Group members with work around their yard.

Music Ministry

Choir

Orchestra

Care Group Leader

Within your Connection Group, taking the responsibility to care for a specific group of people - call on them when they are absent, pray for them, connect them with myself or a deacon when they are in need of help.

Vehicle Mechanic

Can you change oil?

Do you enjoy washing a vehicle?

Can you operate a vacuum cleaner?

Children’s Ministries

I mentioned, not long ago, the need, I believe, to begin, once again, our Children Church ministry.

Maintenance

General maintenance - Can you change a light bulb? Do you know how to use Windex and a rag?

Do you have general electrical abilities?

Replace light switch

Replace outlet

Ushers

Men, Can you count?

Can you make sure that doors are locked?

Welcome Team

Mr. and Mrs. Manzoni have been doing a wonderful job but they could use assistance; Spread the joy!

Can you hold a door open? Can you smile? Can you say, We’re glad you’re here?!?

Guest Care/Follow-Up

What happens when an individual first attends SCBC? That’s guest care and follow-up.

Discipleship

One-on-one discipleship to help an individual grow in the Lord.

SCBA Supporters

Would you be willing to give 1-2 hours, on a weekly basis, to assist in the Academy?

SCBA Helping Hands

Could you:

Help make preschool lunches once a week?

Be a delivery driver once a week?

Be a playground monitor?

Be a classroom helper?

Be a substitute teacher?

Nursery

We are always in need of nursery workers.

Audio/Visual Ministry

Youth Ministries

This would be what you would check if you are interested in helping with Master Clubs this coming fall which will begin on Sunday night, September 10.

Food Preparation/Service

One way in which you can serve our church family is through prayer...

Echo Prayer App

Galatians 5:13 KJV 1900

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

If you have been able to fill out this Ministry Survey, please leave it with me.