October has been a whirlwind month with a trip to visit my parents in Georgia and service projects for our church plant.
Spending time with my ministry-minded parents reminded me of the often overlooked ways we can serve our church body. During our meals, I listened to their stories about who they were praying for and the simple ways they were serving in their local church.
In a day when we can easily make ministry about ourselves, it prompted me to reflect on the many ways I’ve been served by my earthly family and my church family in the last few years. And the more I remembered, the more overcome with gratitude I became for the simple ways I’ve been shown love.
So, I’m excited to announce I’m launching a new Ministry Monday series called Simple Service. For the next few Mondays, I’ll offer you some easy ideas for taking care of your church family one act of kindness at a time.
(And yes, most of these ideas feature food and probably lots of brown sugar).
The idea of missional living is rampant on Christian blogs and books. But with two preschoolers in tow, missional living looks differently for me. Somewhere along my life timeline of parenting and homeschool, I needed to be reminded that service can be simple. God has gifted me – and you – to live on mission in the specific life situation he’s placed us.
In case you need this reminder, too, moms can be ‘on mission’ right where they are. Simple acts of service can have a big impact on others and fill a critical need of congregation care in our churches.
So, this month, I’m challenging myself to mirror the simple acts of service I’ve been shown. In this series, I will feature some of the simple ways I’ve been served by those in my church, who stepped into the role of “family” when we moved far from home and all things (and people) familiar to us.
And while none of these ideas are new, they are often easy ways we can serve others without taxing our calendars or forfeiting family time.
This month, I’m challenging myself to serve others in simple ways. I hope you’ll join me for this Simple Service Challenge! Post pics of what you’re doing or what others have done for you and use the hashtag #simpleservice.
Real chicken soup for the soul
1 easy way to stir up love in your church family
The best way to encourage the mother of a challenging child
A missional meal for new moms or new move-ins
What are simple ways you find to serve others in your church? Share your ideas in the comments and I just might feature you in this series!
You must be a mind reader.I had exactly the same thoughts,lined up for tomorrow.
can’t wait to read your post Nive!
I am soooo looking forward to this series, Melissa! One of my favorite ways for young kids to serve (I have this in my ebook) is after a big church potluck or conference meal, to have the kids walk around with little mints or candies to each table and hand them out. So simple, but gets our kids involved in blessing others and brings them to the forefront of church life.
I loved that idea Kristen! I think there might be a great guest post in this series for you!