When Service Looks Like Showing Up
1 Corinthians 12:12–14 reminds us of a powerful truth:
"There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts."
I’ve always considered myself a “background person.” I’m the one who notices the little things and makes sure they’re taken care of so everything runs smoothly. I’ve said it for years: “I work behind the scenes so the more important ministry can happen.” But recently, a friend gently corrected me.
And they were right.
The background work is ministry.
Every unseen task, every detail handled quietly and faithfully, is a vital part of the Body of Christ. The Church doesn’t function because of just one person on a stage or one person greeting at the door. It takes all of us. Every role matters. Every part has purpose.
We are each created with a unique function in the Body. One isn’t more important than another—just different, and all deeply needed.
We need people who:
All of it is ministry.
All of it makes room for the Gospel to be shared.
Let me tell you about Amy.
Amy is a single mom with two little ones. Her morning is chaos, getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door on time is a miracle. She hits traffic and walks into church feeling frazzled, just hoping for a moment of peace. At Kids Check-in, someone greets her with a smile and helps her get the kids settled. Volunteers welcome her children warmly, giving her confidence they’ll be cared for. A greeter smiles and says, “Good morning.” An usher helps her find a seat in the dim sanctuary.
Each of these people has preached the Gospel that morning. Not with a microphone, but with kindness, with presence, with love.
Because of them, Amy gets to sit. To breathe. To worship. And maybe, just maybe, to encounter Jesus face to face.
That is ministry.
So… what part of the Body are you?
What role has God called you to play in His Church?
Because it all matters.
And it all points to Him.
Reflect:
What "behind-the-scenes" things do you do that might feel small or unseen?
Who has made an impact on your life through small acts of service?
How might God be inviting you to see your contribution, however simple, as sacred?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me with intention and purpose. Forgive me for the times I've believed that what I offer isn't important or spiritual enough. Help me to see every act of service, no matter how small, as holy and significant in Your eyes. Remind me that I am part of something bigger than myself, and that together, we reflect You more clearly to the world. Strengthen me to serve with joy, faithfulness, and love, knowing that my part matters and that it makes room for someone else to meet You. Use my hands, my time, my heart, and all that I have, for your glory. Amen
"There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts."
I’ve always considered myself a “background person.” I’m the one who notices the little things and makes sure they’re taken care of so everything runs smoothly. I’ve said it for years: “I work behind the scenes so the more important ministry can happen.” But recently, a friend gently corrected me.
And they were right.
The background work is ministry.
Every unseen task, every detail handled quietly and faithfully, is a vital part of the Body of Christ. The Church doesn’t function because of just one person on a stage or one person greeting at the door. It takes all of us. Every role matters. Every part has purpose.
We are each created with a unique function in the Body. One isn’t more important than another—just different, and all deeply needed.
We need people who:
- Prepare the coffee
- Speak on the stage
- Rock a baby
- Clean the toilets
- Teach the kids
- Greet at the door
- Help someone find a seat
- Keep the church safe
- Set up the computer system
All of it is ministry.
All of it makes room for the Gospel to be shared.
Let me tell you about Amy.
Amy is a single mom with two little ones. Her morning is chaos, getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door on time is a miracle. She hits traffic and walks into church feeling frazzled, just hoping for a moment of peace. At Kids Check-in, someone greets her with a smile and helps her get the kids settled. Volunteers welcome her children warmly, giving her confidence they’ll be cared for. A greeter smiles and says, “Good morning.” An usher helps her find a seat in the dim sanctuary.
Each of these people has preached the Gospel that morning. Not with a microphone, but with kindness, with presence, with love.
Because of them, Amy gets to sit. To breathe. To worship. And maybe, just maybe, to encounter Jesus face to face.
That is ministry.
So… what part of the Body are you?
What role has God called you to play in His Church?
Because it all matters.
And it all points to Him.
Reflect:
What "behind-the-scenes" things do you do that might feel small or unseen?
Who has made an impact on your life through small acts of service?
How might God be inviting you to see your contribution, however simple, as sacred?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me with intention and purpose. Forgive me for the times I've believed that what I offer isn't important or spiritual enough. Help me to see every act of service, no matter how small, as holy and significant in Your eyes. Remind me that I am part of something bigger than myself, and that together, we reflect You more clearly to the world. Strengthen me to serve with joy, faithfulness, and love, knowing that my part matters and that it makes room for someone else to meet You. Use my hands, my time, my heart, and all that I have, for your glory. Amen
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