Q9. Why serve in church?

Why do we serve in our local church? Should we do this in what we feel we’re called to do or where there is a need?

Answer 9

Jesus said in matthew 16: 18 that He would build His church, and the gates of hades would not prevail against it. The church is referred to in a number of sybolical ways in the NT to illustrate the nature of this unique organism. One of my favourite references is to the church being the bride of Christ. In essence, the picture here is of a corporate community of people, who have consecrated (themselves) and are living in anticipation of the return of the Groom (Christ).

Whilst we wait for the second coming, we are positioned to serve Christ in a local assembly/ family. How do we define a local church.
1. Covering
There is a designated leadership community within the church that functions in the role of oversight, Governance and shepherding. This leadership is also usually accountable whether through the Senior Minister or Board to a larger entity, such as a state executive or council for that organisation.
2. Calling
The church is organised to function in three primary callings:
a) To evangelise and reach out to people who are yet to know Christ
b) To equip believers in how to obey the teachings of Christ
c) To assemble for worship and the ordinance of communion 
3. Community
Christian life is not a theory that can only be seen in the pages of a book. Rather it is people living a genuine holy life in relationship / partnership and teamwork with each other. The greatest witness of the kingdom of heaven is when non believers see christians loving one another. Ephesians 4: 1 encourages all christians to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. When it comes to serving in our local church, just like in any family, there are things we love to do, and there are thankless tasks that just have to be done. Our goal should be to serve where we are needed and where we are gifted. It's only through our sacrificial love and service that the world will see a true christian community in operation. If everyone just does what feels good it will leave massive gaps and the job will not get done.

Blessings Ps Phil