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Paul teaches in Ephesians 5 that Christ is the Head of the church, and that the church is called His body. He also tells us that Christ nourishes and cherishes the church and gave Himself for her. Clearly, our Lord loves His bride, the church, and so should every Christian.
God in His wisdom and grace supplied the church with leadership made up of pastors, elders, and deacons. These officers of the church serve two primary functions: The elders minister in Word and prayer (Acts 6:4; 1 Tim. 3:1–7) and the deacons in deeds and service (Acts 6:2; 1 Tim. 3:8–13).
gifts of the spirit to minister in word and deed
What about the members of the church—do they have any responsibilities to one another? We know that Jesus told His people to “love one another” (John 13:34), but what does that look like?
The answer to this question is found throughout the New Testament, but Peter summarizes two primary ministries for the people of the church. We read in 1 Peter 4:10–11, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies.”
Just as God has called men to minister in Word (elders) and deeds (deacons), so He calls laypeople to minister in these same two categories.
First, there are those equipped by God to minister to others through the Word—this would include teaching of Bible studies, Sunday school classes, discipleship, and counseling. These laypeople are equipped by the Holy Spirit both to understand the Word of God and to communicate truths.
Second, God gifts members to minister through deeds. Paul writes in Romans:
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. . . . Be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (Rom. 12:10–13)
He adds in verse 15 that we are to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
examples
The Lord provided a concrete example of ministry in service in the New Testament when He knelt to wash the feet of the disciples in a perfect demonstration of humility and service.
We see, as well, the example of Dorcas in Acts 9:36, where we read that “she was full of good works and acts of charity.” These good deeds included the making of tunics and garments for others, for which she was well known.
We read in passages of those who supported Paul in his ministry (1 Cor. 16:15–18) and of those who gave to the poor experiencing hardship in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8; 9).
In the passage on the final judgment, Jesus commends those who visit the sick or those in prison. But He also adds that when we do this for other believers, it’s as if we do it for the Lord Himself (Matt. 25:36). This reminds us that when we minister to others in the church, it is ministering to His body and thus to Jesus. This should heighten our sense of responsibility and call to serve and love others in the church.
For more practical examples and exhortations on how to serve one another, one can do a survey of the “one another” passages found throughout the New Testament. These may be categorized under (but not limited to) headings such as loving, caring, serving, fellowshipping, submitting, encouraging, and protecting.
how to find those in need
But maybe you’re new to the church or more of an introvert, so you’re not aware of the needs of others. How can you find others to serve? There are several ways. First, check with the deacons. As those who are regularly in the lives of others, deacons are very aware of those who are in need and will usually welcome help in their service. Second, if the church has a prayer guide, you can read through recent prayer requests and learn of the needs of others. Third, attend the prayer meeting and listen carefully to the requests; ask the Lord to direct you to someone who would be best served by you.
how to minister to those in need
Once you know to whom you can minister, consider the person’s situation and ask yourself, “What needs may be present for this brother or sister that I can meet?” These may include a short note or visit, prepared food, mowing the grass, or fixing the car. The opportunities are endless. And it is never inappropriate to ask people how you can help; some may surprise you with their answers.
limits
An important question to consider in this context is whether there are any limits to serving others, when serving makes things worse. And the answer must be yes. Indiscriminate giving of funds or time to those who are not willing to work or to provide for themselves when they are able should be discouraged (2 Thess. 3:10).
The church is to focus on people’s true needs rather than their wants (1 Tim. 6:8). And if we understand the doctrine of depravity, we know that we do not want to incentivize irresponsible behavior (2 Thess. 3:10).
So it is always a good idea to check with the pastors, elders, or deacons before you help someone you don’t know; the officers should have a good idea of the people’s true needs.
be ready to be blessed yourself
One of the ironies of serving others is the blessing it brings to you. Though our motive should not be driven by our own needs, ministering according to God’s Word always leads to personal blessing as well.