Serve Like Jesus

This past Saturday morning, I had the privilege of speaking to the men of Ignite Church at our Man Up Pancake Breakfast. The room was filled with laughter, fellowship, and the scent of coffee and pancakes, but more importantly, it was filled with men hungry for truth. We opened the Word together to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked marks of a godly man: servanthood.

I reminded the men that the greatest example of strength in Scripture is not found in dominance or position, but in humility. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, said in Mark 10:45 (LSB), “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Those words define true manhood. If Jesus Himself came to serve, then every one of us who follows Him must do the same.

What Jesus Taught Us About Service

When Jesus knelt to wash the disciples’ feet in John 13, He was teaching us that greatness in the Kingdom of God is not measured by the number of people who serve you, but by the number of people you serve. It was a radical act that turned the world’s definition of leadership on its head.

He said, “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14–15 LSB). True leadership starts with a towel, not a title.

Why We Serve

Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Our motivation to serve should always be love—love for God and love for people.

When we serve out of love, we reflect the very heart of Christ. Every act of service, no matter how small, becomes a form of worship. Whether you’re greeting guests in the parking lot, rocking babies in the nursery, leading a small group, or simply praying with someone who’s hurting, it all matters to God.

The Need Right Now

Over the past three months, we’ve met with every ministry leader across Ignite Church. From children’s ministry to worship, from hospitality to tech, from outreach to discipleship, every single one of them expressed the same struggle. Their number one problem is a lack of volunteers.

That’s not just a leadership challenge; it’s a spiritual one. It means that parts of the body are not functioning as they should. When some members are overworked and others remain uninvolved, the church cannot reach its full potential.

Imagine if every believer at Ignite said, “I’ll serve where I’m needed.” Every class would be fully staffed. Every guest would be warmly greeted. Every event would have helping hands. Every ministry would be healthy. That’s what the Church looks like when everyone carries the load together.

Every Believer Has a Role

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” That means you were designed by God for a purpose. Every member of Ignite Church has a place to serve. The body of Christ functions best when every part is working as God intended.

If we truly want to see revival, growth, and transformation, it will not come through spectators; it will come through servants. The early church didn’t change the world with perfect programs or polished presentations. They changed it because they loved, gave, prayed, and served one another with everything they had.

A Church That Serves Together

This message isn’t just for men, it’s for everyone who calls Ignite Church home. We are a family, and every family member has a role. The health of our church depends on our willingness to serve one another.

Imagine what could happen if every person at Ignite decided to serve where God has gifted them. Our hospitality would grow warmer, our worship would grow stronger, our ministries would reach further, and our witness in this community would shine brighter.

Let’s Be Known for How We Serve

It’s time to take up the towel. Let’s be the kind of church that doesn’t wait to be asked, but looks for ways to bless others. Let’s lead with humility, love with intention, and serve with joy.

Jesus said in Matthew 20:26–28, “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Greatness in God’s Kingdom starts at the feet of others.

To everyone at Ignite: God has given you gifts, talents, and opportunities to serve. Use them. Whether it’s greeting at the door, teaching a class, running tech, helping with I-Kidz, FUEL Youth, leading a group, or praying for our people, your service is vital.

The call Jesus gave His disciples is the same one He gives us today: Serve like Him.

Here is a list of our ministries and ministry leaders.

· PRAYER TEAM (VACANT) _ Prayer Nights and Corporate prayer events. Prayer request.
· FELLOWSHIP (JOY WHITE)- Food, Set Up, for church wide events (Picnic etc)  
· CARE -(JENNY STEWART)- Member care, follow-ups, check-ins, etc.
· WOMEN (NAN BURKEEN)- Ladies' events, studies, and help.  
· SECURITY (LOU TOTH)- Sunday Morning and events help
· FACILITIES (VACANT) – Need to find someone to touch up the church/ landscape.
· IKIDZ (ERIN POSEY)- Teachers, nursery, check-in, etc.
· OUTREACH (JOSH AND LUCY WESTFALL)- Community and church help. Food, resources, etc.
· USHER (DEREK WEST)- Sunday morning greeting, seating, communion help.
· SPARKS (CORY GRAHAM)- Special Needs help, teaching, and support.
· 242 GROUPS (JEROD POSEY)- Need group leaders and support
· YOUTH (TIM AND SHARI SOUTHARDS)- Need event coordination and handling, teachers, and support.
· GREETING TEAM (TY HERZOG)- Greeting, tours of the church to visitors, getting visitors/ members to the right people, making coffee, etc.
· WORSHIP (ZACK MEYER)- For those who are gifted vocally or can play an instrument, sound team and tech help needed to.
· CREATIVE TEAM (TONY AND DONITA STONE)- App and Website, coordinating with all the teams.
· MEN (JODY BURKEEN)- Events, breakfast, discipleship, and helping church members.
 
Every ministry needs help. Reach out to me or the team leaders if you feel God is leading you to help.

Soli Deo Glori,

Pastor Jody
[email protected]