A Heart To Serve: Where My Journey Began

I didn’t always have a heart to serve others. In fact, anxiety often made it hard to look beyond my own needs. But thanks to the steady example of my husband, I’ve learned that serving others is part of who I am—and who I’m called to be as a follower of Jesus.

Christian Service Doesn’t Have to Be Grand

Serving others doesn’t always mean doing something big or public. Sometimes it’s the small, quiet things that make the biggest difference.

At our church, we use a Meal Train to support families who’ve had a baby, surgery, or other life event. I sign up the moment I see it. Bringing a meal might seem like a small gesture, but it’s a beautiful way to show love and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

When We Were Served: The Power of Receiving Help

After our youngest was born, we were on the receiving end of that kindness. At first, my husband was hesitant—he wanted to take care of everything himself. But what he didn’t realize was this was more than a meal. It was a way for others to love us, to lift a burden, and to give him space to care for our family fully.

Accepting help isn’t weakness. It’s allowing someone else to serve with the love of Christ.

Everyday Ways to Serve Others in Your Church and Community

Not everyone serves the same way, and that’s a beautiful thing.

My husband serves quietly. You won’t catch him talking about what he’s done—that’s my job! Whether he’s spraying weeds, weed-whacking, or fixing something around the church, he sees a need and meets it.

I often joke that I volunteer him for things, but truthfully, he’d do it anyway. That’s the heart of a servant.

What Serving Others Looks Like for Me

For me, serving others shows up in different ways:

Praying for others and letting them know they’re being prayed over

Bringing meals to families

Babysitting or running kids to practice

Feeding people at my table

Donating to school lunch accounts

Buying supplies for teachers

Paying for a stranger’s meal

Teaching children’s church or working in the nursery

Running tech or social media at church

Hosting free community events

Christian service takes many forms, and all of them matter.

Faith in Action: Serving Beyond the Church Walls

Serving isn’t confined to Sundays or to church buildings. It’s a lifestyle. It’s about seeing a need and meeting it. Most importantly, it’s about reflecting the love of Jesus and opening doors for the gospel.

Jesus Was the Ultimate Example of a Servant

In John 13:2–17, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. Think about that—feet covered in dirt and dust, probably smelly and rough. And yet, He did it. Why?

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14

Jesus served because we are called to serve. He never asked us to do anything He wasn’t willing to do Himself.

How You Can Start Serving Today

You don’t need a title or a platform. Just a willing heart. Look around—there’s always someone in need of kindness, support, or a helping hand.

Call to Action

Ask yourself today:

Who can I serve right now?

Where do I see a need that I can fill?

How can I reflect the love of Jesus in my daily life?

Share in the comments how someone has served you—or how you’ve seen Christ in the small, quiet ways.