The document discusses how serving others can lead to conversations of hope. It defines serving as any helpful act done for those in need, whether through a church, community group, or individually. Serving gets people's attention, raises their curiosity, and provides time and opportunity to talk about faith. The document provides suggestions for finding and getting involved in serving opportunities both inside and outside of church.

1. Conversations of Hope: Connecting to People through Serving What do you mean by serving? How do I find a way to serve? OK, I’m serving. Now how I do get to the conversation? What about serving at church? If I help other people serve, will it create more conversations of hope? What does serving have to do with conversations of hope? Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home

2. . . . any act of kindness . . . Most of us already do these things. Let’s connect them to Conversations of Hope. . . . planned or spontaneous . . . . . . with a church group or community group or alone . . . Serving is any helpful act to anyone in need . Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Col. 3:23 . . . one time or ongoing . . . What do you mean by “serving”? Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home

3. So, what does serving others have to do with Conversations of Hope? When you serve someone who doesn’t know Jesus as Lord, you Get their attention Raise their curiosity Earn gratitude Have time to talk with them When you serve alongside someone who doesn’t know Jesus as Lord, you Have fun together Get to know each other Earn their respect Have time to talk with them Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home … always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 1 Peter 3:15

4. How do I find a way to serve? Look at where God has placed you. What needs are there? Look at how God has designed you. What needs can your gifts fill? Your immediate & extended family Your neighborhood & community Ministries in your church Places you’re already serving What needs stir your heart? What people-groups do you enjoy working with? What abilities do you have? (special and ‘common’) What are your spiritual gifts? What life experiences could help others? What from your education and trainings could help others? For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Eph. 2:10 Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home Your work place

5. OK, I’m serving. Now how I do get to the conversation? Start the conversation Build Community Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt. Col. 4:6 Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home

6. What about serving at church? How to find a place to serve at church Pray Just jump in Ask for specific help Talk to people in general Try things For those who lead volunteers and coordinate church ministries Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Cor. 12 Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home

7. Yes! Helping others serve creates more conversations of hope So, how can I help others serve? Serving outside the church walls = more conversations More people serving = more people helped = more conversations Inviting the community to serve with you = more conversations Unless churches intentionally help people serve, they often unintentionally discourage people from serving And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equipthe saints for the work of ministry. Eph 4:11 Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home

8. How to help people serve at church Regularly teach and encourage Written ministry job descriptions Personal help in finding a place to serve Church-wide invitations to serve, with follow up Ministries welcome and train new volunteers Support and affirm those who serve Healthy conflict management Regular evaluation You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. . . . Look for able men from all the people . . . And they will bear the burden with you. Ex. 18: 18, 21, 22 33 Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home

9. Activities List gifts and places God has placed you. Think about your serving, and jot down thoughts, questions & one action step. Try starting conversations about serving. Article “ Build Relationships While Serving ” and worksheet for ministry leaders. Listen/watch the song “Be Our Guest” in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” movie. More details here. Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Next Home

10. Resources www.TheEquipper.org Churchvolunteercentral.com Volunteermatch.org Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Home

11. Using this presentation Slide 1 is “home.” Follow the links to dig deeper. Questions without links are for personal reflection. Write out answers. For individual or group use. More details here (LINK) Using this tool Suggested resources Activities Home