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Why Serving Our Community Is Almost as Important as Serving in Our Church
Hello, Church Family!
We talk a lot about serving in our church, helping with children’s ministry, greeting at the doors, running tech, and a dozen other essential jobs that make Sunday mornings happen. But did you know the Bible calls us to look outward as well? Serving within the church is vital, but serving outside our doors, meeting real needs in our community, is almost as important for a healthy, gospel-centered life.
Jesus set the pattern for us. He cared for spiritual needs: preaching the Good News, calling people to repentance, offering forgiveness and new life (Luke 19:10). But He also fed the hungry, healed the sick, befriended outcasts, and wept with those who were grieving (Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 2:17; John 11:35). His compassion for physical and emotional pain was never an “extra” it was at the heart of His ministry.
The Old Testament consistently reminds God’s people to “seek the welfare of the city” where He has placed them (Jeremiah 29:7). The church in Acts gained favor among all people because they “had everything in common” and “gave to anyone as he had need” (Acts 2:44–47). Faith that works itself out in love is a powerful evangelism tool (Galatians 5:6; Matthew 5:14–16).
This is why at The Crossings, we want our church to be known not just for Sunday services, but as a blessing to Brunswick and beyond. Meeting only “spiritual needs” isn’t biblical. James 2:15–16 says: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” Real faith acts.
What does this look like today? Maybe it’s helping neighbors with yard work, tutoring kids at the local school, organizing a meal for a struggling family, or advocating for the vulnerable. Maybe it means visiting those in nursing homes, supporting local food banks, or taking time to listen to someone battling loneliness. When the church shows up to meet everyday needs, we build trust and open doors for sharing Jesus.
This isn’t simple charity, it’s demonstrating that God’s love meets us in every area of life. When we serve, we reflect the truth that the gospel restores the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. It also keeps our hearts soft. Serving those who can’t repay us breaks our pride and reminds us that, before Christ, we were all needy “outsiders” whom God welcomed in (Ephesians 2:12–13).
As we look toward the future at The Crossings, I am praying for leaders and servants who feel called to launch and join our new “Serve Team.” This group will help us organize monthly service projects, partner with local agencies, dream new outreach ideas, and be a consistent, tangible expression of Christ’s love. Maybe God is tugging on your heart to get involved not just with your hands, but with your creative ideas and contacts! If so please come see me.
And let’s not forget serving our community and serving in the church aren’t competitors or opposites. They’re two sides of the same coin. As we strengthen one, the other thrives. The warmth and hospitality we show on Sunday becomes far more powerful when matched by love and service all week long.
So, Crossings family, let’s roll up our sleeves, see where God has planted us, and get out there! Whether you want to lead or just jump in and help, reach out, we need you. Together, let’s make the love of Jesus impossible to miss here in Brunswick, one act of service at a time.
Pastor Justin |
