"For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45 NRSV)
Serving is at the heart of Jesus' ministry. Making the connection between Jesus feeding the five thousand and setting up a food pantry is easy. God serves others through us. Jesus calls us to be more than good waitstaff. The ministry of feeding is commendable, but there is more to serving.
To follow the example of Jesus and serve all people requires us to get involved in the lives of others. Jesus valued relationships. Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman, making time for children or comforting his friends Martha and Mary serves as a blueprint for moving us beyond projects and anonymous charitable activities to relationships.
Following the life of Jesus leads us into the mess of life where lives are transformed and Christ is made known. Serving as Jesus serves brings us closer to Jesus, the one who did not come to be served but to serve.
As we serve following the example of Jesus Christ, we can:
•Visit the sick and the imprisoned
•Feed the hungry
•Respond to disasters
•Walk alongside others
•Give of our resources
Proceed to "Strive."
Affirmation of Baptism
Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
live among God’s faithful people;
hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper;
proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed;
serve all people following the example of Jesus; and
strive for justice and peace in all the earth?”
Response: We do, and ask God to help and guide us.
Book: Practicing Our Faith
Author: Bass, Dorothy, ed.; Jossey-Bass, 1997
Book: Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Vol. 4 Discipleship
Author: Bonhoeffer, Dietrich; Augsburg Fortress, 2003
Life Together
Author: Bonhoeffer, Dietrich; Harper, 1976.
Gifts For You-Opening Your Spiritual Gifts
See: https://www.womenoftheelca.org (look for the alphabetical listing of resources)
Hand in Hand Global Mission Support, blog digest
See: Hand in Hand Global Mission Support
Lessons for Today’s Disciples-A Seven Session Study of the Seven Marks of Discipleship
See: https://www.womenoftheelca.org (look for alphabetical listing of resources)
Serve-Living Faith In Daily Life-A Small Group Study on Service and Social Ministry
DVD for Youth and Young Adults: Service Learning: Adding Flavor to Life
See: ELCA Young Adult Ministries, https://www.elca.org/youngadults
The Church In Society: A Lutheran Perspective, ELCA Social Statement on Church in Society, [1991]
See: The Church In Society: https://www.elca.org/socialstatements/churchinsociety
Book: To Serve As Jesus Serves-A Guide for Social Ministry for Congregations
Authors: Emily Demuth Ishida and Franklin Ishida; (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1994)
