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Zac went home to be with Jesus today. Who’s Zac? Let this video tell you…

Serving is part of the Christian faith. Jesus came to serve, not be served, so it’s only logical to think Christians should adhere to the same principal.

That being said, I often here Christians say, “how do I serve? Where do I start?” If you’ve ever asked that question, or are still asking that question, this post is for you.

Here’s three ways you can start serving, right now.

1. Visit your pastor – or call a pastor at your church. Tell them you want to serve but you don’t know how to start. They’ll be able to get you connected.

2. Visit your local homeless shelter - either call or just show up. There’s usually programs running at all times and you’ll likely be able to get plugged in almost immediately. Worst case you can talk to a director there and get on the schedule to help in the near future.

3. Visit your neighbor - if you strike out at #1 and #2 above, simply go next door to your neighbor, introduce yourself (if you don’t know them well enough for them to know you onsite) and let them know you’re willing to help get things done. Take the trash to the curb? Mow? Paint? Doesn’t matter. Just be hands and feet.

It’s not hard to get plugged in, you just have to take that first step. You can do it!

If you have more questions, let me know in the comments.

First, read Thom Rainer’s Five Major Trends for Churches in America. Soak it in, marinade on it, then read my thoughts below:

1. It’s more important than ever that churches have competent outreach programs that not only reach deep into unchurched culture but programs that are relevant, not ones that try to be relevant on the surface (read: cool clothing, pop culture mirroring, etc.). Churches will be able to demonstrate relevance by taking care of those in need.

2. The church has to be the church, and unapologetic at the same time. People come to church to see what we’re about, and we have to show them that we’re about Jesus, we’re not some cool club that doesn’t do anything different than the world does except pretend to be religious.

3. We employ seniors to take aggressive mentorship roles for younger adults and couples. We also employ seniors aggressively in outreach to other seniors, allowing the discussions to remain relevant and levels of respect to be established earlier. More than ever we need solid senior leaders.

4. We may see a swing where Boomers remain in leadership positions longer, but instead of remaining in the same roles, they shift to help cover more areas due to their “booming” interest in the gospel. This generation might be game changers in helping to implement points 1-3 and 5.

5. Churches will need to have more cross pollination between adult worship, and “youth” worship (high school, middle school, and younger), having more intentional family Sundays where the whole family is invited to be together on a Sunday. More opportunities for family-friendly small group environments and more family-friendly outreach opportunities.

Thanks to V-Mac for the link to the original article.

What do you think?

Are you a new Christian asking, “what’s next? Now that I’ve chosen to follow Jesus, what do I do now?”

Or, maybe you’ve been a Christian for a long time but you’ve been luke warm or cold in your faith, but you’re ready to make a move, and to start living for Christ. The question, “what’s next,” would apply to you, too.

My first encouragement to you would be, connect with one of the pastors at your church. Ask them what’s next in your spiritual walk.

Then again, maybe you’re asking “what’s next” and want info now. WhatsNextKit.tv can help.

WhatsNextKit.tv is a great website that will give you an idea of what’s next in this new life of following Jesus. You can even get a free Bible plus info on going deeper, serving, and getting help.

Don’t wait – check out WhatsNextKit.tv today.

Image by Kent.

From Matthew 26:

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, Sit here, while I go over there and pray.37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.38 Then he said to them, My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, So, could you not watch with me one hour?41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again

Have you ever had friends that you were sure would be there for you, but at the most critical time, in your hour of desperate need, you were alone?

Jesus experienced this as he was praying to God to “take the cup” of crucifixion from him. Jesus was so distraught he was sweating blood (a known condition called Hematidrosis), in complete anxiety over his impending death.

You may be in the same position as Jesus. All alone, with no one to turn to.

Let me encourage you by saying, Jesus knows what you’re going through. He needed friends to be close as his death approached and yet he weathered his last moments on his own. Jesus knows what you’re feeling.

Turn to him, confess your troubles, open your heart to him, tell him everything. He hears everything you say to him. And remember, no matter how you feel…

You are not alone.