What if there was a better, more lifegiving way to serve?
In Serving with Dignity, we explore a new way of service. One not marked by those with something to offer and those with needs, but a way to serve where we come togethere in the shared economy of God’s gifts and mercy. One where we create lasting impact through building relationships.
Check out this Introduction series below to explore the core pinciples and discover how you can find joy in serving.
Overview
1. Rediscovering Joy
Rediscovering Joy
Is there a wrong way to serve others?
Have you ever thought about that question before? What is your immediate reaction to that question?
I’m sure we can all think of a few examples of wrong ways to serve others. When someone does it with pride or arrogance, or when they are rude or demeaning to those they serve. It’s easy to see these obvious examples of what not to do.
So, if we know what not to do, are we just as confident about what we should do? What practices and ways we can draw closer to God and our neighbor through serving others?
Or put another way, is there a better way to serve others?
What if serving could be something that’s not just good for you but enjoyable? What if serving brought out the best in you and others?
That’s what Serving with Dignity is all about. It’s about rediscovering ways to serve where we all draw closer to God and build healthy, authentic relationships with one another.
Journey forward to re-imagine the ways you serve and the change you could see.
Where we lost joy
As Phil shared, oftentimes serving happens to one person who is left out by another who is burning out. Whether you’ve come across this in serving or in everyday life, you have most likely experienced one of the following:
Take a few minutes and consider these experiences. Which resonates most with you? Have you experienced this in serving others or being served by others?
.png)
The good thing is when we serve with dignity, we create spaces where everyone is invited in. This happens when we take an asset-based approach.
Reflection Questions
- Think of a group that is commonly defined by their needs (the homeless, poor, widows, incarcerated, etc.). What is an asset that they might have? What is something meaningful you could learn from them?
- If compassion literally means “to suffer together”, how could you show compassion this week? How does this change your approach to serving?
- What is one way you could trust and rest in God more this week?
Next Step | Invite someone into relationship
Be intentional this week and try to find a way to be more relational in your everyday life. This could be with the clerk at the grocery store, your spouse, or a neighbor down the street. Instead of hurrying through the interaction, be curious about how they are doing and what they care about.