Moved to Serve

Series: OWN IT

Jan 11

Moved to Serve

1. From Consumer to Contributor

Everyone has a gift given and empowered by the Spirit of God. These gifts are not given for personal gain but for service to God and the good of others. When those gifts are activated, the body of Christ is strengthened and unified.

Moving from consumer to contributor begins with a shift of heart. Instead of asking, “What can I get from this?” the question becomes, “What do you need, and how can I help?” This shift moves away from passivity and toward ownership within the local church.

God never intended for His people to remain spectators. Spiritual gifts are meant to be used, not admired. When gifts are exercised, each person discovers their function within the body of Christ, and the church operates with holy purpose and synergy.

God has gifted you to be a gift to the local body of Christ. Serving is not about filling a role; it is about faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to you for the common good.

2. From Critic to Change-Maker

Being aware of problems does not make someone a problem-solver. Criticism alone does not strengthen the church, but action does. A change-maker is someone who moves beyond observation and steps into responsibility.

It is easy to notice what is missing, what could be improved, or what did not meet expectations. But those moments of frustration can be invitations from God. Often, the very thing that stands out as a problem is where God is calling someone to serve.

The body of Christ is made up of many parts, each arranged by God according to His design. Comparison, excuses, or withdrawal only weaken the body. Participation strengthens it. Every role matters, and every part is essential for healthy growth.

When you move from critic to change-maker, your perspective shifts. Instead of standing outside and evaluating, you step inside and contribute. Your involvement becomes part of the solution God uses to bring growth and impact.

3. From Casual to Committed

Serving occasionally can be helpful, but committed service produces lasting fruit. Commitment reflects trust in God’s design and faithfulness in stewarding spiritual gifts over time.

Committed service moves beyond convenience and becomes an act of obedience. It transforms good intentions into gospel impact and allows God to produce growth through consistent faithfulness.

When each part of the body is working properly, the church grows as God intends. The body is built up in love, unity deepens, and maturity develops. God holds the body together, but He works through willing and faithful servants.

God has gifted you to be a gift to the local body of Christ. Serving with commitment allows you to experience the blessing of being an active participant in what God is doing through His church.

Take Action

If you’re sensing a nudge to move from simply attending to actively serving, don’t ignore it. God has uniquely gifted you for the good of others and the building up of His church. Take a moment to explore where your passions and gifts might align, and consider taking a next step toward serving in the life of the church. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just be willing to say yes and see how God uses your faithfulness.

See Serving Opportunities

SERMON DETAILS

Speaker: Ben Marshall
Series: Own It
Sermon Title: Moved to Serve
Date: Jan 11, 2026

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES