1. Why are you serving the community?
ACTION is here to challenge and mobilize the Christian community to live out their faith through compassionate acts of service and love towards others. We believe the most powerful force for positive community transformation today is the power of the Holy Spirit moving in the lives of Christians who unite, open their hearts and serve.
2. How do I sign up?
Sign up online or on the Serve Weekend sign-up brochure at your church.
3. How can my church get involved?
Have your church become a Church Partner. (LINK HERE)
4. Our church has never done anything like this before. Where do we start?
We’ll be there to help you every step of the way. Contact a Hub Church representative and they’ll walk you through the process.
5. How does our church pay for these projects?
Many projects have little or no cost. Certain projects will need financial assistance and resources. When determining what those costs will be, look first to your team, then to your church, and for anything additional, contact your Church Hub representative. As a group, be sure to pray–every year we are amazed to see what God provides for these projects.
6. What about kids? Can we bring them along?
Kids can make a great addition to the serving team, provided the projects match their maturity and skills. If you’re patient and have a little creativity, you can involve your child in any of the “Family Friendly” projects denoted by the Family Friendly icon . You’ll know best what project will be a good fit for your family.
7. Can people from my church sign up for any service project?
Yes. Anyone can sign up for any service project as long as it is not full. It is encouraging to work alongside people from different churches for the common goal of serving our community.
8. What do we say when interacting with the people we serve?
“We’ve been blessed by God in so many ways and want to pass that blessing along to others.”
“We’re here today living out what the Bible says, following Christ’s example.”
Instead of saying, “Here, read this”, we’re saying, “Here, experience this.”
9. What about verbalizing the Gospel to them?
Your goal is to share the love of God through service. Memorizing a pat response to use with everyone you encounter generally does not work. A far better approach is to put aside your own agendas and let God open your heart to listen compassionately to those you are serving. Open your heart to understand their journey, help them reach their goals and ask God for wisdom about when to share your own experiences and insights. Let your “action” speak louder than words.
10. Are there any secrets to making this work?
- Listen, actively and openly to those you are serving.
- Don’t judge.
- Do your best work.
- Be sincere, let your genuine concern for their well being show through.
- Smile while you serve!
- Don’t sweat the small stuff.
- Don’t be distressed when you’re denied the opportunity to serve.
- The real power in our serving projects is in your kindness and interest in their well being, even more than in the action of serving.
11. What happens when we lovingly serve others?
a. We give others an opportunity to experience the love of God that we have experienced. By sharing the love He has lavished on us, we give others a glimpse of God that is worth so much more than words could ever say. (1 John 4:12) Experiencing God’s love creates an environment where it is possible for seeds of trust, faith and love can grow in those we serve.
b. We give ourselves opportunities to see Christ in others. With each encounter we open doors to discover beauty in others as we walk in their shoes, learn from their resiliency, and experience a deeper understanding of God’s grace together. (Matt. 25:35)
c. We give Christ an opportunity to work in our lives, helping us become committed disciples and grow each day in our faith and capacity to love. Step by step, God is completing a good work in us. (Phil. 1:6)
12. What if things go wrong during our service project?
A few things will definitely go haywire when groups begin to do servant evangelism. It’s part of the process, but God has a way of working it out in the end. It is best to have a flexible, teachable attitude as you reach out. Keep in mind every time we open ourselves to God’s leading, we give him the opportunity to mold us, guide us and help us grow more mature in our faith. So, whatever the roadblocks, relax, keep smiling, and trust God’s leading. (Romans 8:28)