When I look back on how I first began serving at church, I can only say that the Lord moved my heart. Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:37–38 have always spoken deeply to me: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Through this verse, the Holy Spirit stirred something within me and gave me the courage to respond. I did not know what that would look like, but I wanted to make myself available for God’s purposes.
At first, I hesitated. I was not sure whether I had any particular gifts to offer or whether I was “good enough” to serve. So I began with a small step and joined the Sunday welcome team. It felt simple and manageable, yet God was already using that experience to shape my heart. Greeting people at the door taught me that service is not primarily about ability, but availability.
Over time, I began to see God’s hand more clearly. By his grace, I had the opportunity to study at seminary, where I was equipped for deeper Christian service. Looking back, I can see how the Lord used that season to prepare me to join a Growth Group and, eventually, to serve as a leader. None of this had been part of my original plan, but God gently guided each step and opened doors I had never expected.
a joyful response to the grace we have received
Serving in prayer ministry also changed the way I saw people and their circumstances. As I prayed with others, I learned to look at situations through God’s eyes and with his compassion. I was reminded again and again that I could not rely on my own wisdom or strength, but on his power, love and hope. Each step of service became another step of spiritual growth.
Volunteering has profoundly shaped my faith. I have discovered that whenever I take a step forward, the Lord is already there, leading and sustaining me. Serving has given me greater confidence to say “yes” to new opportunities, trusting that God equips those he calls. My relationship with Jesus has deepened as I have learned to depend on him, listen to him and love his people more intentionally.
I have also learned that service is an important part of discipleship. To call ourselves Christians is to say that we follow Christ. Jesus teaches in Luke 14:27 that his disciples must be willing to carry their cross. Serving can involve sacrifice of time, energy and resources. But it is also a joyful response to the grace we have received and a willing submission to God’s greater purposes.
I am often reminded of the women who followed Jesus in Luke 8:1–3. Although they held little social status, they were active participants in his ministry. Their gratitude, humility, sacrifice and generosity offer us a beautiful picture of faithful service. Their example continues to challenge me to ask how I might cultivate the same servant-heartedness.
My journey of volunteering is still unfolding, but one thing remains clear: God is faithful, and he delights to use ordinary people who are willing, simply to say, “Yes.”
