Improve Your Serve

“A Culture of Serving”

Opening:

Have you ever? . . .

Walked into a room and felt like you belonged?

Attended a meeting a felt like you were on the outside looking in?

Visited a church to be greeted by several people?

Visited a church and felt invisible?

Culture . . .

Culture shapes how people within the organization behave, make decisions, and work together.

The congregation itself, through its collective beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, contributes to the establishment of culture.

Adapting to societal changes or standing firm in certain convictions can influence the church's culture.

The establishment and adherence to traditions and rituals contribute to the cultural identity of a church.

The composition of the congregation in terms of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other demographics can impact the church's culture.

Church cultures . . .

1. Traditional/Conservative Culture:

- Emphasizes adherence to long-standing religious traditions and conservative values.

2. Contemporary/Progressive Culture:

- Embraces a more modern and open-minded approach to religious practices.

3. Community-Focused Culture:

- Prioritizes building a strong sense of community among church members.

4. Mission-Driven Culture:

- Places a strong emphasis on evangelism, outreach, and fulfilling a specific mission.

5. Innovative/Adaptive Culture:

- Embraces change and innovation in response to societal shifts.

6. Prayer-Centric Culture:

- Places a strong emphasis on prayer as a central aspect of the church's life.

7. Multicultural/Inclusive Culture:

- Celebrates and embraces diversity within the congregation.

What is Freedom Christian’s culture?

A “Kingdom” culture?

Jesus taught about a kingdom culture

The disciples carried out Christ’s example of a kingdom culture.

The first century church grew based on a kingdom culture.

A foundational principle of a Kingdom culture is serving.

Text: Mark 10:35–45

English Standard Version (Chapter 10)

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”

38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized,

40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.

42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.

45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Not to be served . . .

But to serve . . .

Give His life . . .

For others . . .