How can I serve you today?
You know you can use a little help with something. Maybe it’s a phone call someone wants you to return or some copies you’ll have to make before your next lesson. Some of those things require you, but I’m guessing not all of them do. It’s just a matter of delegation.
Now reverse that, and imagine how this is playing out in the lives of the other people around you. They can use a little help with something. Your senior pastor or another church leader could really use a fan of the next big thing they’re about to announce. A few parents of kids in your youth group need you to print off a form for them that you assume they’ll just download off the internet. The other adult leaders you serve with require one less meeting you’ll ask them to be at this month because they haven’t been investing into their family like they have the church.
So ask them – “How can I serve you today?”
Be prepared for raised eyebrows and tongue-tied responses. Even in the church we can nurture a culture of independence where we’re all trying to “earn our keep.” It’s humbling to admit you need help.
And yet you know that you need help, so why wouldn’t the people around you?
- At home, ask if there is a job you can take on short-term that you normally don’t do.
- Ask busy neighbors if your family can cook them a meal this week, because you’ve seen how crazy their schedules are.
- Tell your senior pastor you’d like to babysit his or her kids this weekend, passing along a gift card for a date night out to the movies.
- Approach someone in your church who serves in a different ministry and offer them two hours next week to help them with “whatever.”
- Send a quick text to the parents of the kids in your small group, asking what you can pray for them about or help them do?
Or…simply ask…“How can I serve you?”
Someone did this for me a few months ago, saying, “Whatever you need me to do this week, I’ll do it. Just tell me.” I had him proof-read a sensitive email and share a testimony before I taught. Both blessed me in ways I’m still reaping.
So…how have you been blessed like this or been a blessing?