Feeling Needed Part 3 of 3, "Serve at your Level"

What is your role within the church?  The Bible is clear that whether you feel needed or not, you're needed.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"  On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,  (1 Cor 12:21, 22)

So, if you are a new believer simply find a place of need that sounds interesting and not too intimidating and get involved.  God will begin to steer you into other responsibilities, but as the saying goes, "He can't steer a parked car."  For those who have been walking with Christ for years you've learned about your spiritual giftedness and whether you’re more of a support person or a leader or possibly a teacher.  So, here's your question...  Is your role commensurate with your abilities and maturity level?  Don't settle for an entry level job!

Whether you prefer to support or lead or are called to teach, God has an important job for you  at your level.  Some times your job will be fun and other times it will require frustration and sacrifice.  This is because serving is Spiritual Warfare and the Devil knows that your ministry builds the body and is a catalyst for your growth.  At the same time, remember that God has provided spiritual help when serving becomes difficult.    

1) A promise -  He won’t let you be tested beyond what you can bear (1Cor 10:13.)  

2) A provision - The rhythm of hard work and Sabbath rest is the key to long-term ministry impact.

Feeling Needed Part 1, "Why it's important"

After this past summer our church has lost roughly half our members for a variety of reasons.  It wasn’t fun, and it puts us in a financially fragile position.  However, I trust God that it’s part of His plan.  At least part of God's plan seems to be:    

1.     We’re more dependent on Him

2.     Members who were on the sideline before now feel needed

Of course all our members were needed before, but that doesn’t mean that they felt needed.  Some felt marginalized or not old enough or too old or not talented enough or not spiritual enough.  There's also a tendency for people in larger churches to feel that if they don't serve that they wouldn't be missed.

Along these lines, think about this.  These same feelings of marginalization are often felt by our children.  We need to help our children feel needed in the family.   Unfortunately, many children and youth don't see the potential value they could contribute to the family.  So, they grow up as consumers feeling entitled to the privileges of family without being expected to embrace any real responsibilities.  

How do we better help people in our church and family feel needed?