Build the Church: You Were Made to Serve

What is God’s ambition for the Church? In Ephesians 4:11–16, Paul describes a church that is united in faith, growing toward spiritual maturity, and becoming increasingly like Jesus Christ.

But how does that happen?

Paul explains that Christ gave leaders to the Church to equip God’s people for works of service. Ministry was never intended to be something performed only by pastors or paid church staff. Instead, pastors equip believers, believers serve one another, and through that service the entire body of Christ is built up. 

That means Christianity is not a spectator sport. Every believer has a role to play. God has given His people gifts that are intended to strengthen and serve His Church. As Ephesians 4:16 explains, the body grows and builds itself up in love “as each part does its work.”

Serving also changes the person who serves. It develops relationships, shifts our attention away from ourselves, connects us more deeply with other believers, and gives us opportunities to put our faith into action. Ultimately, serving is one of the ways God matures His people and makes His Church increasingly Christlike. 

At First Baptist Hanford, that can mean serving in Kids Ministry, Student Ministry, Worship, Production, Connections, the kitchen, visitation, safety, media, and many other areas. The specific role may be different for each person, but the calling is the same: don’t stand on the sidelines—help build the Church.