“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
As I sat looking around the table, my heart was full. I was out for a special breakfast with a small group of ladies from my church, and I felt so incredibly thankful to be there with them, sharing that moment.
As I thought about why it was so special, I marveled at the range of women seated there. We had mothers and grandmothers, stay-at-home moms and working moms, homeschool moms and public school moms, and ladies with a variety of different work and life experiences. What we had in common was our love for Christ and being members of the same church body. Yet we were just a small group from our church and there was one more thing that tied us together – we were all part of our church’s children’s ministry.
This small group of women I was privileged to fellowship with was a group I’ve grown familiar with over time spent serving in ministry together. We serve our own children, each other’s children, and other children throughout the week. We work together (and with several men as well) to bring Christ to these children, and to make the Word known in their hearts and lives.
What I find fascinating is that we are also serving one another. Our purpose each week is not to serve the other adults whom we are serving alongside, and yet that happens as a byproduct of our ministry to the children.
Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to “stir one another up to love and good works” and the importance of “not neglecting to meet together.” I have always thought of these verses more in the context of meeting together for church services and regular worship on Sundays. But as I sat there during that breakfast, I realized that it applies to serving with one another as well.
When we join with other believers in ministry, we are spurring one another on. There is something incredibly special about pouring into other people’s lives, and then having others partnering with you in that service. When you see God moving in the lives of the people you’re ministering to and then you can look at your ministry partners and celebrate that work together, it prompts thankfulness.
When I see that particularly frustrating child who is really difficult to work with actually paying attention to a lesson and understanding what the Bible says, I can look at the other men and women I am working with and we all understand how special that moment is. We all can celebrate God’s work together, and as we celebrate together, God is drawing our ministry family together.
When I see a child we work with suffering or going through a hard time, there is a whole team of people there. My coworkers in ministry are right there too. We are all concerned for this child, lifting them up in prayer, finding ways to encourage and support them.
When a child walks away – whether because their family chooses to leave or they choose to leave – my team is there. We are all praying for that child’s future and for God to provide what they need, whether that means coming back to us or finding a new church home which will nurture them and bring them to Him.
I am not alone. I am not the only one who cares for these children. Nor am I the only tool that God has for serving these children. We are all part of His body, working together to serve Him through serving others.
This is true of each ministry in the church, whether it is children’s ministry, women’s, men’s, worship, hospitality, discipleship, evangelism, etc. Each area of ministry where we serve within the church is an opportunity to spur one another on to love and good works, to encourage and support one another.
When you approach your area of ministry, don’t forget that your service isn’t only for those you are serving, but also for those with whom you are serving. Remember that each time you gather is a unique opportunity to encourage one another. And it is an opportunity for you to be encouraged by those people as well – take a moment to look around yourself and be grateful for the people you are working with, the gifts God has given each of them, and the way He is using them in your church family.
I am so thankful that God has created His body as a family where we can serve together. Where we can experience joy (and sorrow) together. Where we can encourage and spur one another on. Where a whole range of different people can come together, put aside what makes us different, and find joy in what brings us together – Christ and His love for us.
Taking It Further:
Think of a time you felt especially encouraged by ministering together with others. Take a moment to thank God for those you serve with. How can you be an encouragement to those around you when you are serving together?
