"What can you do?" - Chris Giesler

[jrabbach]

[chrisgiesler]

Some things to ponder:

1. What most motivates you to reach out and help someone, or to become involved in a service project?
2. How can you be a catalyst for getting your congregation to be more active in serving in the community?
3. How often have you asked your family, your congregation, or your pastor "What can I do for you?"

[jrabbach]

My answer to these questions would be that I feel the most "whole" when I can do things like missions and service projects. That is the way that I can truly be living my faith, and it is what energizes me.

I think that this is really what all Christians are looking for, a way to live out their faith in a sincere way. I think the best way to help ourselves, others, and our congregations to to take the lead in identifying areas where collectively and individually we can be of assistance wherever we are. I would suggest that we start with things we are passionate about. That way, when you ask for help, or suggest a certain course of action, people will see how invested you are in the idea.

I think the idea of asking, "What can I do for you?" is a great idea. If we are willing to offer our time, talents, and gifts, we will be able to motivate others to do the same, and soon we will be surprised at the impact it can make. I mean, I think this idea worked well for Isaiah (you know, the whole, "Here I am Lord, Send me.")

I do encourage people to begin thinking in tangible terms now. Can you think of three real needs that you could identify, and possibly begin to do something about in the area where you are?

In the information age, we no longer have the excuse of "I couldn't think of anything." When we are stuck, that's what google is for. For example, if you google "community outreach ideas" you come up with lots of ideas. Some as simple as those found here: www.christianitytoday.com/outreach/features/ideas.html

[Dason Kurkiewicz]

I really liked this. One of the questions I've thought should drive a church is "What would this community be like if this church suddenly vanished?" Would it be a worse place if the church wasn't there. Would it be a better place if the church wasn't there? Asking ourselves the question of "what can I do for you?" I think is vital. To answer the first question I think this idea is a driving factor in the motivation to do service projects and whatnot. I mean there is the satisfaction of helping others out but in doing the projects we are furthering God's glory and in doing so making the world a better place.

I liked how this ideas in this sermon of asking Jesus what you can do for him ties up with Hopeton's sermon in the way that one of most tangible ways we can ask Jesus what we can do for him is to ask the people around us what we can for them.