This week, Jena Hippe brought an encouraging word as we celebrated the joy of giving our lives away in service and leadership in the church. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ for a purposeful life of good works prepared in advance. There are two paths a life can take: a “small heart” that seeks comfort, avoids hardship, and results in minimal spiritual impact, and a “ministering heart” that embraces others, walks with God through difficulty, and participates in His redemptive work through servant leadership. Ultimately, we are called as believers to pursue a life of deep fellowship with Christ that produces lasting joy and meaningful impact in the world.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV)
2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The stats are out!
- Those who receive a warm welcome are 30-50% more likely to return to church
- Those who are ushered to a seat are 15% more likely to return to church
- When kids love the church, families are 40-60 % more likely to return to church
Two Distinct Courses of Life:
Small Heart
o Safe and seeks to minimize sorrow.
o Dodges the troubles of life.
o Avoids entangling relationships.
o Holds themselves back from others.
o Does not seriously embrace God’s goals.
o Escapes affliction.
o Cultivates deafness and blindness.
o Shields from seeing ugly side of life.
o All this nurtures a small heart.
o Goal: Make it through life with minimum trouble.
o Impact: Little Kingdom impact.
Ministering Heart
o Opens self to others.
o Seeks to impact gospel change.
o Walks with God in difficult situations.
o Have deep fellowship with the Lord.
o Experiences the great victories of Christ.
o Sees the beauty of God in every situation.
o Follows the example of Jesus.
o All of this nurtures a ministering heart.
o Goal: Leave a lasting legacy of impact.
o Impact: Great joy and leave lasting impact on the world.
“We live in a time when there is an urgent need for enlarged caring hearts which are disciplined for ministry.” Kent Hughes
Discussion Questions:
- In 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3, how do faith, love, and hope show up in practical service? Which of these do you see most in your life right now?
- Which traits of a “ministering heart” do you most want to grow in right now?
- Where might God be inviting you to step into discomfort for the sake of loving or serving others through servant leadership?
Application Questions:
- What is one specific way you can serve someone this week—either in the church or in your everyday life?