Give God Your “Yes!”
PATHMAKER Emphasis Day
Serving is one way that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus. When we devote our time to serve, we are doing what Christ has called us to do. Helping and loving others is one way we can help spread the Gospel and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Often, though, service is one of the first things that gets pushed to the back of our minds. We attend church, have quiet time, worship, and think we've "checked all the boxes." While those things are important, there are other ways to live out our calling as Christians.
Tony Bianco, from The Loop Campus, explains:
Serving is part of the discipleship process. As one grows in their relationship with the Lord, we should be drawn into meeting the needs of others, sharing the Gospel in various ways, and reflecting a heart to serve. Jesus came "not to be served but to serve," and as we grow into a more mature relationship with Him, this heart attitude should begin to be reflected in us.
PATHMAKERS are individuals who commit to serving at Houston’s First, helping to remove barriers and guide others toward a relationship with Jesus. A PATHMAKER is someone who prepares the way for others to encounter Jesus. Becoming a PATHMAKER is an opportunity to meet people right where they are.
This might feel intimidating, but anyone can serve! There are roles where you can teach the Bible, and there are roles where you can simply be a smiling face on a Sunday morning. Every position can open doors for Gospel conversations and positively impact lives.
Many might be asking, "What if I'm too busy to serve?" Tony Bianco put it this way:
Give God your "yes" and leave the rest up to Him. We will always be too busy. If we waited until we didn't have things to do, we would never do anything. It's about making Jesus and His call on our lives in His Kingdom a priority. God has a plan and purpose for everyone in His Kingdom, and the local church is a great place to explore those gifts and passions so others can know Him more.
Qualified is something that comes with time. There was a season in my life when I wasn't qualified to drive a car — but the time came for me to learn. Practice, the experience of others, and consistency helped me pass my driver's test. While we don't have tests and scores to achieve in order to serve, there are experienced leaders who will prepare you for the task, give you time to practice and see what feels right, and over time you'll have everything you need! Give God your "yes" and leave the rest up to Him.
Additionally, it is important to realize that every position matters. Think about a Sunday morning. Some may assume holding the door isn't that important, but every role is significant. We need PATHMAKERS in every area to help meet the needs of the church and the body. Without door holders, a production team, teachers, and a parking team, Sundays would look very different. The church needs you and your story, because who knows, your interaction with someone else could plant a seed for a life change.
If you're not sure where to serve, check out HoustonsFirst.org/Serve! Take our quiz to find your preferences and availability, and we'll suggest areas where you can serve!