Intentional Spiritual Growth: Serving the Body of Christ

At the outset of this month’s focus on intentional spiritual growth, Ali wrote, “growth happens best when it’s fostered.” A PK (preacher’s kid), I grew up in the church, and sometimes it felt like I lived there. From a front row pew, I saw the beauty of God’s people united in Christ working together to bring about His purpose. Serving the Body of Christ (no matter how big or small the task) is an outward expression of faith that can foster spiritual growth.

The Body of Christ

And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (Colossians 1:18)

Neither country club nor service organization, the Church is uniquely identified as Christ’s body. It is led by Christ, bears His name and is a stronghold for His kingdom. Empowered by the Holy Spirit the Church exists for the fellowship and equipping of Believers to share the Gospel with the world. God designed the Church for growing disciples: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Equipping the Church

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4: 11-14)

God gives a variety of gifts for the purpose of building His church and sharing the Gospel. Spiritual gifts are given to Believers, made effective by the Holy Spirit, and are used specifically for God’s purpose: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). God also uses our talents, which are ours by virtue of being His unique creations, for His glory. The Church is designed as a place where our spiritual gifts and talents are practiced, utilized and honed.

Spiritual Growth through Service

Despite all the Scripture about spiritual gifts and serving each other, churches have a difficult time filling their volunteer positions. I encourage you to take steps this week to find a need and fill it with a local congregation or parachurch organization.

Explore: Volunteer for a short commitment or a series of short commitments. Try new areas of service, some that match your talents and some that challenge you. Pray as you serve, asking God to show you if this is where He wants you to grow. Take note of what you see God doing in you and through you as you serve.

Discover: After dabbling in a variety of types of service, you might be ready for a longer commitment in an area of service where you’ve seen spiritual growth in yourself and in those you’ve served. Identify those who are leaders in your area of service and learn from them. Enjoy the fellowship with those you serve alongside.

Employ: Develop your spiritual gift or talents further. Pursue extra training. Be willing to grow into a leadership position. Continue to ask God to use your gifts and develop them for His glory. Be willing to train and develop others— always pointing them to Jesus.

As you serve the Body of Christ, you will grow in spiritual maturity, helping the entire body become more like Jesus. I would love it if you would share in the comments the ways you serve the Body of Christ and how you have grown spiritually as a result.