Serving Together=Serving Each Other

“For I am yearning to see you, that I may impart and share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen and establish you; That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:11-12 AMP)

Your volunteers need you. And you need them. Maybe not for the reasons you think. God has called us to serve together…but also to serve one another. This verse gives us two distinct benefits (or should I say mandates) for all of us.

First off, Paul wants to impart a spiritual gift to his team; one that will strengthen and establish them for ministry. As a leader you have spiritual gifts that can and should be used not just in “formal” ministry settings, but in the lives of your team. Whatever form that gift takes, don’t overlook the opportunity you have to edify your leaders and volunteers with that gift.

On the flip side, your team has spiritual gifts that can help you! When someone tries to serve you in their gifts, don’t let pride keep you from receiving. You may miss out on a gift from God that will “strengthen and establish” you for ministry.

The other benefit of serving each other is that we will be mutually strengthened, encouraged, and comforted by each other. Ministry (serving, caring for others, helping people in times of crisis, teaching kids, leading services) can be tough. We need to lean on others and not feel like we have to carry the burdens on our own. Whether you are in leadership or serving in a volunteer role (or both!) you need to let others encourage and comfort you. Be honest about your feelings and experiences; chances are others have similar feelings and would love to encourage you–and to be encouraged.

How can you reach out to your team today? In what ways do you think you could use your spiritual gifts to encourage them?