We have new T-shirts at church that read, “How Can I Serve You?” The idea is to outwardly show people in the church and community that we are here, ready, and willing to serve the needs of God’s children and those He is drawing to Himself. Service is one of my “gifts” so, naturally, I got one of the T-shirts for myself – plus they look really cool.

Last Sunday, a sister in our church was seeking volunteers for the nursery. She walked up to people holding a clipboard and kindly asked various sisters to volunteer. I was one of them. Now, I’m not really the greatest candidate for this particular ministry opportunity so I declined. I work best with teens and women, not children.

At the end of the service, I was convicted as our Associate Pastor’s wife made the announcements. One of the announcements was a request by the youth director for volunteers to teach the elementary age children on Wednesday nights. This time I was the one seeking volunteers.

After the service ended, I walked up to my sister seeking nursery assistance and told her that I would help when I returned from my mission trip next month. Most likely she had the same conviction as she quickly volunteered to teach a class on an upcoming Wednesday night and quite possibly at least one Wednesday night a month thereafter.

Later that day I was reflecting on what had happened when the T-shirts came to mind. I thought about how many people bought the T-shirts and proudly wore them. I got a little “miffed” at the idea that people were willing to wear T-shirts asking the question, “How Can I Serve You?” but when opportunities to serve presented themselves few – if any – volunteers stepped up.

Another thought came to mind; “We shouldn’t be chasing folks down with clipboards begging for help. People should be chasing us down!”

I realize people are busy with jobs, families, and other ministries and activities. I know I am. I am also aware that many people come to church to hear a message and that is all. And then there are those who “did their time” with their own kids and grandkids and feel they are no longer “obligated” to help with children’s ministries. Some, like myself, understand that there are some areas of service best left to others.

When “Five percent of the people are doing 95% of the work” as my Senior Pastor’s wife commented yesterday (she too is needing volunteers in her area of children’s ministry), then we have a problem. After all, if “the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve” what then shall we as the church do? And especially when it comes to children’s ministry.(Matthew 19:14)

Still not convinced to actually walk the T-shirt message? How about this…What if the one thing holding you back from obtaining your true ministry calling is your unwillingness to serve in another ministry or under another’s leadership?

I wonder how many great female pastors and teachers never came to be because serving in a nursery or teaching children was “beneath” their calling. How many pastors never step up to a pulpit because they were unwilling to sit under another’s teaching? How many great evangelists never went out because they never served within? (Zechariah 4:10)

So many people say “I’m just here to serve” and never do more than what they WANT to do. Though there is reward in that; can you imagine how much more reward for those who serve where there is a NEED? Too many want a title, official position of authority, and/or recognition to serve.

I encourage you to read Matthew Chapters 18 and 19. What Jesus says is much more important and trustworthy than the opinion of this sister. Please allow me to also encourage you to serve. Even if it’s behind the scenes where only God can see. Even if no one ever says, “Thank you” or “Good job”. If serving was good enough for our Savior then it is better than good enough for us.

Now, “How Can I Serve You?”