Biblical Foundational Reference: (1 Corinthians 12:1-31)
"The Ministry of Helps: Having Enough Loving People Serving"
The definition of helps is literally “one who gives assistance.”
The Ministry of Helps is a supernatural gift from God.
a) It is a supernatural ministry, listed among spiritual gifts as the "working of miracles" and the "gift of healings."
b) It is a “gift” God has set in the church like a concrete pillar to hold things up.
People who are maturing, growing up in Christ, will exhibit two qualities:
1) They will build up and add to the welfare of God’s family, the Church.
2) They will learn to minister - to help or serve others.
You can tell mature Christians in every situation by those who help and not hinder.
Here are 2 hindrances to the Ministry of Helps: 1) division and 2) sin
Here are 4 requirements for those that serve in the Ministry of Helps:
1) Faithfulness: be steadfast, dependable, reliable, consistent, and loyal.
2) Punctuality: be prompt, precise, on schedule. Don’t plan to arrive on time, plan to arrive early!
3) Balance: the proper distribution of time and energy. It is crucial for every believer to keep Christ first in every area of his or her life.
4) Accountability
You can find your place in the Ministry of Helps through:
1) Prayer
2) Seeking wise counsel
3) Watching and observing; assessing where you can best serve.
4) Getting started
The believer that serves in the Ministry of Helps must:
a) Pray
b) Understand that the Church isn't perfect.
c) Respect everyone
d) Refuse to be offended.
e) Never get too big to do the small things.
f) Never plan to arrive on time, plan to arrive early. Be dependable.
g) Retain your joy! Enjoy what you do!
h) Build relationships with other believers.
i) Be big enough to be corrected, rebuked, or instructed.
j) Be willing to submit to authority. Do what you are instructed to do, not what you want to do.
k) Be very flexible and open to change. Serve as if you were serving Jesus Himself.
l) Remember that loyalty and commitment go beyond personal feelings.
m) Serve without expecting anything in return. Don’t expect Pastor or anyone else to praise you, reward you, or thank you.
n) Have a servant’s heart and attitude.
o) Remember, you don't have to serve, you get to serve! It's a privilege!!!
God knew the importance of placing a Helps Ministry in the Church. In order for the body of Christ to grow and mature, a Helps Ministry must be in place.
