More Church Serving, Not Just More Services

Mar 14

3 min read

In the Bible Belt, church attendance is often preached as if it’s a requirement for salvation. I’ve heard it said in many pulpits that if you’re not regularly in church, you’re not right with God. While I do believe that being part of a church is important—because it encourages, strengthens, and helps us grow in our faith—it is not what saves us.

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through perfect Sunday morning attendance. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it crystal clear:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

No amount of church services, Bible studies, or religious routines will save us. Only Jesus can. However, being part of a church body helps us grow in sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ. A healthy church encourages us, holds us accountable, and equips us to serve. But church attendance itself isn’t the goal—living out our faith is.

Faith in Action: The Example of the Early Church

One of the clearest biblical examples of this idea comes from the book of Acts:

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."— Acts 2:44-45 (NIV)

The early church wasn’t just about gathering for services; they were actively serving. They met each other’s needs, loved sacrificially, and spread the Gospel through action.

Jesus’ Own Words: Serving Over Status

Jesus made it clear that faith isn’t about checking off religious duties. When His disciples argued about greatness, He corrected them:

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."— Mark 10:43-45 (NIV)

If Jesus Himself prioritized serving over status, then the church should do the same.

James’ Challenge: Faith Without Works is Dead

James boldly reminds us that faith without action is meaningless:

"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"— James 2:15-16 (NIV)

A church that only talks about faith but doesn’t walk it out is missing the point. Worship should fuel service, not replace it.

Church Attendance vs. Church Living

Going to church is good. It is encouraging, uplifting, and a place of teaching and fellowship. But sitting in a church pew week after week without living out the Gospel is no different than a student attending class but never applying what they’ve learned.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve confused church attendance with obedience. But obedience to God is not about filling a seat—it’s about following Jesus wherever He leads.

So let’s ask ourselves:

Are we known for what we believe, or for how we love and serve?
Do we just attend church, or do we be the church?
Are we filling seats, or are we filling needs?

A Call to Action

We don’t need more church services; we need more church serving. Let’s follow Jesus’ example, take up the mission of the early church, and put our faith into action. Because the church is at its best—not inside its walls—but outside them.