Movement of Discipleship Key 7: Serve Together

Serving in ministry together is one of the cornerstones of cultivating strong discipleship within a congregation. Ps Terence Rivera shares practical steps on how Christian leaders can effectively mobilize their congregations to serve together, make disciples and extend God’s Kingdom.

The Assemblies of God currently boasts more than 86 million members worldwide, making it the world’s largest Pentecostal movement and denomination. Imagine if we can mobilize the world AG to serve together! How many more disciples can we make and grow to extend God’s Kingdom?

Although this may sound daunting, as Christian leaders within the AG, here are some practical steps we can take to perpetuate this global movement of serving together.

We are called to serve others and make disciples for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom.

1. Communicate a Clear Vision and Purpose

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 summarized the idea that as Christ’s disciples, we are all commissioned to serve by making disciples. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus reminded us that we are the salt and light of the world which directly tells us that we are called to make an impact on our community by living out the faith and spiritual giftings He has entrusted us. Hence, our purpose on earth as Christians is clear. We are called to serve others and make disciples for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom.

This vision needs to be clearly articulated to our congregations. As leaders, we should regularly share updates on ministry progress and impact stories during services and through church communications. In this way, church members will feel a part of the same, shared purpose.

Let us be intentional in creating opportunities for our members to collaborate with one another and serve in ministries that align with our joint mission to bring God’s love to the world.

2. Foster a Culture of Collective Service

1 Peter 4:10 says that we are called to use our giftings to serve others, and we are to be co-laborers and fellow Workservants of God (Philippians 2:25, Colossians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 3:9).

As ministers and leaders, we can counter the culture of individualism within our churches by promoting teamwork in ministry. Let us be intentional in creating opportunities for our members to collaborate with one another and serve in ministries that align with our joint mission to bring God’s love to the world. Encourage participation from all age groups, backgrounds and gift mixes.

Serving alone makes us very vulnerable to disappointment while serving in partnership with others gives us access to people who can help, support and encourage us in times of difficulties, not just spiritually but also emotionally and physically.

3. Prioritize Spiritual Growth and Support

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 illustrates the importance of unity. This same principle applies to serving together in making disciples. Serving alone makes us very vulnerable to disappointment while serving in partnership with others gives us access to people who can help, support and encourage us in times of difficulties, not just spiritually but also emotionally and physically.

Ministry can be very draining and can take a toll on a person physically and emotionally. It is crucial that our leaders and members support one another through prayer and fellowship. As spiritual leaders, we should encourage unity and love within our congregation by modelling that in our own lives. We can also establish regular prayer meetings and support groups where members can share their struggles and gain encouragement in a safe space.

As we continue to serve together to make disciples of all nations, I pray that God will bless the work of our hands and that His love will touch and transform lives not only within the ministries and nations that we serve, but within our congregations as well. To God be the glory.