The Heart of the Message

Serving the Community isn’t merely an act of kindness; it’s a profound reflection of Jesus Christ’s teachings and a testament to the Oneness Apostolic faith. By reaching out, helping, and uplifting those around us, we embody the love, compassion, and selflessness that Jesus exemplified throughout His life.

Scriptural Foundations

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45)

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

How Can the Church Youth Serve the Community?

Community service isn’t just an option; it’s a fundamental component of the Oneness Apostolic faith. It’s a way to embody the teachings of Christ and demonstrate His love to the world. But how can the church youth effectively serve the community, and what are some practical steps to make it happen?

Organizations That Help the Community
One powerful way to serve the community is by partnering with existing organizations that help the community and share your vision for making a positive impact. These partnerships can extend your reach and resources, allowing you to serve more effectively. Organizations like the local food bank, homeless shelters, or youth outreach programs can benefit greatly from the support of your congregation.

Community Engagement
Community engagement is about being actively involved in the lives of the people around you. It’s not just about providing material assistance but also about fostering relationships and connections. This can include visiting the elderly, mentoring other youth, or simply being a listening ear to those in need.

Community Service Ideas

To ignite your congregation’s passion for community service, consider hosting brainstorming sessions or workshops to generate creative community service ideas. These ideas can range from organizing neighborhood clean-up events, providing free tutoring for students, or even offering free worship services and bible studies.

Personal Testimonies
Sometimes the most powerful inspiration comes from real-life stories. In 2011 a tragic accident in Johnson City, Texas, served as a wake-up call for the local United Pentecostal Church. The loss of two young lives highlighted the urgent need for a safe, faith-based environment for local youth. The youth pastor collaborated with other community leaders to transform an old antique store into a haven, free from alcohol and drugs. Partnering with local non-profits, as well as other church youth groups, they created the Youth Community Action Program and hosted weekly “5th Quarter” events after football games, which became the local hang-out spot for area youth. This initiative not only aimed to keep the young people safe but also demonstrated the love of God by meeting their needs in a world filled with danger and temptation.

Conclusion

Serving the Community as the hands and feet of Jesus is more than a duty; it’s a calling that resonates deeply with the Oneness Apostolic faith. By embracing this calling, believers not only enrich their spiritual journey but also sow seeds of love, hope, and unity in the world around them.
Embracing the call to serve isn’t just about hearing the message; it’s about living it. Our community awaits the touch of Jesus’ love, and you have the power to be that conduit.

GET INVOLVED!

Pray, Fast and share….. AND INVITE!

 To convince your friends at school or work to come to church, casually invite them to join you, share your positive experiences about church community and how it relates to their lives, address any concerns they might have openly, and offer to answer questions about the service or your faith without pressuring them; you can also suggest attending special events like Christmas or Easter services which might be more appealing to newcomers.  Remember, you are an EVANGELIST. All Christian are.

Key points to remember:

·         Be genuine and casual:

Don't force the topic, instead, naturally mention your church experience and ask if they'd be interested in coming with you sometime. 

·         Highlight the positive aspects:

Talk about the welcoming community, inspiring messages, music, or activities that you enjoy at church. 

·         Connect to their lives:

Share how church teachings or values have helped you deal with challenges or made positive choices in your life, showing how it could be relevant to them. 

·         Address concerns:

If they express worries about church being too formal or unfamiliar, be open about what to expect and assure them it's okay to ask questions. 

·         Offer to answer questions:

Be prepared to explain basic aspects of your faith and church practices if they have any inquiries. 

·         Suggest special events:

Invite them to attend holiday services like Christmas or Easter which can be more festive and welcoming to newcomers. 

·         Respect their boundaries:

If they're hesitant, don't pressure them; simply let them know you're open to talking about it further when they're ready. 

Do:

·         Invite them to specific events:

"Hey, there's a youth group event at my church this weekend, would you want to come with me?"

·         Share personal stories:

"Church has helped me feel more connected to others and deal with stress, I think you might like it too." 

·         Offer to pick them up:

"If you're worried about transportation, I can pick you up and drop you off." 

Don't:

• Guilt trip them: Avoid phrases like "You should come to church, it's the right thing to do." 

• Lecture or preach: Focus on sharing your positive experiences rather than giving religious lectures. 

• Ignore their concerns: Address any doubts or questions they might have openly and honestly.