What a Family Reunion Can Teach Us About Serving in the Church
Imagine a family reunion: generations gathered under one roof, laughter echoing, and everyone working together to prepare a meal. There’s joy in the chaos—kids setting the table, aunts stirring pots, grandads telling jokes, someone bringing in meat from the grill, and everyone catching up on life. As more family members arrive, they’re welcomed, given a role, and soon enough, it’s time to eat. Together, they enjoy the fruits of their collective labor.
This scene paints a beautiful picture of what church community involvement should look like: joyful, intentional, and collaborative.
The Power of Many: How Church Should Reflect the Body of Christ
Just as a family reunion requires many hands to come together, so does the church. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as a body made up of many parts, each with a specific role. Every part is essential for the body to function properly—no task is too small, and no role insignificant.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV)
When we embrace our individual roles within the church, we create a unified body working together for a greater purpose—advancing the Kingdom of God.
Are You a Consumer or a Contributor?
In today’s culture, it’s easy to treat church like something we attend to get filled up and then go on with our week. But what if we flipped the script?
Instead of asking, “What can I get out of church today?” let’s begin asking, “What can I give?”
Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Church isn’t meant to be a consumer experience—it’s meant to be a place where believers serve one another, using their God-given gifts for the building up of the body.
How to Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gifts
Not sure where to begin? Start by identifying your spiritual gifts. Here are some steps:
Reflect on 1 Corinthians 12:28, Romans 12:6–8, & 1 Peter 4:10-11.
Ask yourself: What are the needs of my church body? Where are others affirming my strengths? What brings me joy?
Seek godly counsel. Elders, small group leaders, mentors, etc.
Pray & ask the Lord where He is guiding you to serve.Using your gifts is not about self-promotion—it’s about kingdom contribution.
Why Consistent Church Attendance Matters
One of the best ways to serve the church is to simply show up consistently.
Hebrews 10:25 reminds us: “Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
If we aren’t gathering regularly, we can’t fully contribute. Active church involvement starts with faithful presence.
The Church is the Bride of Christ
The church is not just a building. She is the Bride of Christ, and Jesus is returning for her. May He find her vibrant, unified, and actively engaged in the things of God. Most importantly—may He find you there.
Working in the beautiful and beneficial gifts He’s entrusted to you.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned churchgoer or just getting plugged in, remember: you have something to offer. Your presence, your gifts, your service—they matter.
Let’s be the kind of people who contribute with joy, serve with purpose, and show up with love.
Meet the Author
Elizabeth Jordan Arias
Elizabeth Jordan Arias is a prodigal daughter who has come back home and is determined to bring as many people to the Feast as she can. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia with her husband of 11 years, Benjamin, and their fluffy and very vocal cat, Guppie.
Elizabeth is passionate about studying scripture, particularly around the themes of hospitality, redemption, and eschatology, and has been in ministry for the past 5 years.
At any given time, she can be found buried in a fantasy book, embroidering or crafting something whimsical, or re-watching The Office for the millionth time.
