Saved to Serve, Not to Sit

By B.J. Eaton

I must start by admitting I did not come up with this catchy title on my own. I also have to admit I simply do not remember where I heard it. With that being said, I’m using it, because it is true. I believe we also can agree it is backed by Scripture. It is a truth found throughout God’s Word. God does not intend for His people to be served, but
to serve.

Too many people today are looking for a place where they can get fed, get their needs met, or get entertained. They go to church to “get” something. Jesus never intended for His followers to get saved and get comfortable. Instead, He calls us to get saved and get to work!

Scripture never indicates that when someone believes in Christ, He turns to him or her and says to get comfortable, that he doesn’t have anything to do right now; or to just have a seat in the pew and try not to fall asleep. If you look back over your week and the most suffering you have done for Jesus was not nodding off while the Word was preached, something’s wrong.

In most circumstances in Scripture, when new believers came to Christ, He sent them away with a “go” or “do.” After Jesus’ resurrection and just prior to His ascension, He commissioned His followers to “go” and “be.” Immediately following His ascension, as the disciples stood gazing in amazement, God’s messengers rebuked them: “Why are you guys just standing here gazing? Jesus is coming back just like He left. Get busy!” These messengers were relaying the sense of urgency we all must have toward the gospel we have been entrusted to share. In the mission of His Church, there are no exemptions for anyone truly following Him.

In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul made it pretty clear to the local church that we are all part of the body of His Church. We all have specific tasks we are designed to do with the gifts and talents we are given, and one is just as important as the next. We must all function in our own capacity for the whole to function at its best. God has something for each of us to do as we submit and serve.

As I think back on my time as the youth pastor at First FWB Church in Glasgow, Kentucky, I am so thankful for the folks who followed through with the desire God gave them to get involved in youth ministry. While it is true that what was accomplished would not have been possible without the Lord, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the leadership and direction of the pastor, it is also true several children in that church are children of God today because a layperson chose to serve.

From helping with the bus route, volunteering for activities, teaching classes, visiting families, or simply sitting and talking with a student having a bad day, those men and women were there to help. Many young souls came into the Kingdom because someone chose to serve not sit. No pastor, even if he is blessed with a large staff, is capable of reaching the lost, making disciples, and maintaining the church without the help of the congregation. God didn’t intend for church to be done by the few. I truly believe He intended the church to BE the church.

It is the same with Cultivate FWB Church, which we are helping to plant in Athens, Alabama. God already has blessed us with folks eager to serve. We launched January 27. Every week, people have been willing to help with the kids, greet visitors, prepare and bring food, help with the music and technology, and anything else that needs to be done. Every spot to be filled has been filled with a willing and selfless servant. It is a blessing to be part of this church plant and to witness God’s people coming together to serve willingly.

Without effective service from laypeople, the church cannot survive—much less succeed. Always be praying about how God wants to use you, and be ready to submit to say yes to His call to service. After all, you were saved to serve, not to sit.

About the Writer: B.J. Eaton, along with Joel Franks, is planting a church in Athens, Alabama, in conjunction with the Alabama State Mission Board and North American Ministries. Learn more about Free Will Baptist church planting efforts: www.FWBNAM.com.