Years ago, a pastor told me that 20% of churchgoers accomplish 80% of the work. I've heard this repeated often, with only slight variations in percentages. Yet the Bible encourages us all—100% of us—to "serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13 NIV) and use our divinely bestowed gifts to "faithfully [administer] God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10 NIV).

    Sometimes Christians are unsure how to help, but finding a successful ministry can be as simple as keeping an ear open for special skills, needs, or ways to connect "departments" within the church body. For example, one staff member prayed about activity ideas for her congregation's senior adults. Soon afterward, an elderly member learned a neighboring fellowship was knitting caps for hospital newborns. Her simple question, "Why couldn't we do something like that?" triggered a multi-pronged ministry which benefited both the church and the community. All it took was a little organization and newsletter publicity.

    First, the entire church donated leftover yarn and needles. Next, the senior adult women taught the junior high girls (and one brave boy!) to knit—a lost art for most modern kids. The students then found "sponsors," who pledged a certain amount per completed cap, and that money benefited another church mission. The result? The kids loved knitting, the seniors felt useful in passing down their skill, and some lasting intergenerational friendships were formed. Moreover, the hospital and new parents appreciated the hats, and the local paper gladly published a photo of the young girls delivering their colorful shipment. One additional connection was made when some community folks read the paper and called the church to request cap patterns. And it all began with a prayer and a simple question.

    Sometimes Christians attend worship service, mingle with a few people, and leave their church behind until next Sunday. If we aren't happy about something in our congregation, we go on "auto pilot" rather than working to improve the situation—it's easy to do. But the more we invest in our church, the more we will get out of it. And the beauty of Christ-like service is that it is contagious; when we begin to minister to others, they in turn will minister to us. For ways to serve your church, consider the following suggestions, or let them prompt further ideas:

1 Prayer is one of the most important ministries of the church body. Join the prayer chain, or organize a small group to pray regularly for your church and its programs. In addition to the weekly evening Bible study and prayer meeting at my church, two or three women meet early each Tuesday morning to pray for specific needs.

2 Does your neighborhood have children whose parents don't attend church? Offer to drive them to Sunday school. Elderly people also often need a ride to church functions, not to mention medical appointments and shopping. If you have a car and a little extra time, you could be a huge blessing to someone without transportation.

3 Greet worshipers. If your fellowship doesn't have ushers, serve as a Sunday morning greeter, official or otherwise. First impressions are especially important for visitors, but everyone likes to be greeted personally, with a smile.

4 Teach a Sunday school class. I know—this one can be intimidating if you've never done it. However, most Sunday school curriculum is structured, with easy-to-follow lesson plans. Loving children and being able to relate to them are the prime requirements.

5 Volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School. In addition to teaching, there are many ways you can lend a hand, such as demonstrating a craft, telling stories, or assisting in the kitchen.

6 Lead a Bible study in your home. Offer light refreshments, and use a study guide to keep conversation on track.

7 Correspond with missionaries. Reading news from their home church helps them feel connected and appreciated. While e-mails are convenient for those with Internet access, nothing can replace the personal touch of a handwritten note.

8 Write invitations to people in your community, letting them know a warm welcome awaits them at your church. Include a recent Sunday bulletin to familiarize them with the worship service and weekly activities. Or write visitors a short note expressing appreciation for their attendance and describing your fellowship's programs.

9 Send greeting cards from the church to ill or bereaved members. Your fellowship may provide cards and stamps for this ministry, which could also extend to the general community.

10 Pilot a Christian book drive to augment your church library's collection. Bulletin inserts and posters can list categories most needed. Or offer to organize your church's books, and consider asking the teens to help.

11 If you are computer-literate, consider volunteering to prepare the Sunday bulletin or special events posters.

12 Kitchen help is always needed. Volunteer to set up for potlucks, to clean up afterward, or to prepare and deliver meals to the seriously ill or bereaved. When crisis strikes, cooking—or even eating—is probably the last thing on a person's mind. (Call first to inquire about any special dietary needs.)

13 Organize a work drive and ask everyone to bring their own tools. Needed repairs, new playground equipment, or a fresh coat of paint can improve your church building substantially.

14 Visit shut-ins. Most church rolls list people who can no longer attend and desperately need Christian fellowship. Homebound members will appreciate knowing you love them. Between visits, notes or phone calls can let them know they are not forgotten.

15 If your church does not distribute Christmas boxes to shut-ins, start a new tradition. A summer gift box would also be welcome, perhaps with fruit and homemade preserves.

16 Is gardening your forte? Do yard work at the parsonage or church grounds, and recruit your church youth group to help. Or, create floral arrangements for the altar. If someone already oversees this, donations of fresh flowers might be appreciated.

17 Are you good at photography? Offer to take pictures at potlucks, picnics, baby dedications, and other programs. Then keep a large photo album in an accessible area at church.

18 Volunteer to chaperone a youth group to a concert, meeting, or other Christian event.

19 Sports are always a favorite. One fellowship had a great time with their "Senior-Senior" (senior high/senior adult) Mini-Golf Tournament. With two younger and two older golfers per team, participants enjoyed each others' company, serious and humorous awards, and pizza (yes, senior citizens love it too).

20 Think of ways to help your military families. One resourceful church collected calling cards totaling thousands of minutes and gave soldiers free phone time.

    Pray. Be creative. Try to discover individual and corporate needs of the congregation, and look for ways to meet them. One person can't do everything, but together we can make a tremendous difference. And whether your service is visible or behind the scenes, you will be rewarded by the Lord Himself for your efforts: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV).

by Marie E. DisBrow