Most of my conversations about outreach involve group projects and major initiatives. But the truth is, we’ve got the opportunity to reach others with the life-changing message of Jesus everyday as we come and go. Jesus said in Matthew 25:31-46 that the ones that really know Him are generous in meeting physical needs for Him.
So here are my TOP 5 ways that you can serve others on your own and during your day to day (this is stuff I personally like to do):
#5. Buy a cashier a drink. - When I’m in line at the supermarket, one of my favorite things to do is to just simply ask the cashier what their favorite drink is. When they respond I tell them, “I’ll be right back”, and return with a cold beverage of their choice. I pay for it and leave it for them with an invite card.
#4. Donut Drops - I pop into businesses all the time for different errands… nothing says “Jesus loves you” like a free box of donuts! (sometimes it might even get you to the front of the line!)
#3. Water Handout - Some cold water when it’s hot will make any delivery guy’s day. It’s a practical way to show God’s love!
#2. BIG Tipper - I love to go out to eat, and typically I’m a good tipper, but sometimes I like to leave a big tip just to let the wait staff know that they are appreciated. This is the front side of the card that I usually leave behind:
#1. Pay it backward! – Whether you’re in the drive-thru at Starbucks or picking up a Happy Meal, the shock and awe on the person’s face when you pay their meal is priceless! Give them an invite card and let them know why you do what you do.
Whatever you choose to do, do as if you are serving Jesus himself. If He was hungry would you feed Him? If He was thirsty would be give Him a drink? You can serve God easily by serving others!
Friday we had the chance to serve the teachers at Challenger K8 School (where Crosspoint meets on Sundays). We’ve had the pleasure of doing this 2-3 times a year for the last 2.5 years. It’s our simple way of saying “thank you” to the school we call home on Sundays.
I highly underestimated the hunger for God’s Word among the teachers at Challenger. I only brought 30 Bibles and they were gone in minutes! Thank you God for teachers who are seeking a foundation laid by you!
Saturday, came and we got to see our “Sound Man” Ryan Paris get married to his lovely bride Amy. It was a hot outdoors Summer wedding, but it was perfect for them. (And the DJ at the reception rocked!)
Ok, the only word to describe Sunday morning was PACKED!!
We had our largest regular Sunday attendance ever! Close to 540 people were packed into Challenger K8 for services… I was floored.
Over 200 people signed up to join Small Groups so far! It’s amazing to see people desiring to do life in community! GO God!
We announced to the crowd that they would soon be buying 100 … (ONE HUNDRED!!) NEW SEATS for the auditorium… We need to make some room people!
We also mentioned that if you are sitting in a seat at 11am… you need to make a move to make room for our guests! WE NEED YOU SEAT! (believe me, 9:30am is a great time to hang with God. Think of it as First Dibs!)
God is going to be doing some big things out here in Spring Hill, and I’m so glad to be a part of it. WHAT A RIDE!!
Beyond comprehension – I believe that I failed to mention that – there’s a lack of recognition – when it comes to His position – ’cause if Christ can’t be crossed-over then I’m kicking my feet up over! // Lyrical genius! Seriously, I apologize ahead of time for the ear worm that will be stuck in your head all day.
I don’t know where you lay your head or where you call your home, but this song used to get youth groups up and bouncing. I think every youth group in America was called “Big House” after this song came out.
Last night I read “You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader” by Mark Sanborn. It’s the second book by Sanborn I’ve read, the first one being “The Fred Factor”. His books are quickly becoming “must reads” for me, and they are definitely required reading now for anyone and everyone at Crosspoint. Here are some of the takeaways:
Anyone at any level can learn to be a leader and help shape or influence the world around them.
A leader leads through their relationships with people, as opposed to their control over people.
“The longer the title, the less important the job”
When you do your job – any job – with initiative and determination to make a positive difference, you become a leader.
Being happy is enviable, but being good is truly admirable. It requires character, integrity, and perseverance.
“While I don’t want to shortchange the importance of “the big show”, I am even more impressed by the leaders who know what must be done behind the scenes to make the big show happen.”
Real leaders bring the same commitment to excellence to whatever they do, whether on the stage or behind it.
Genuine leaders make things better not just for themselves but for others.
The people who change the world around them…rarely act from a sense of obligation. Leaders almost always act from a sense of incredible opportunity.
Too often, people confuse activity with accomplishment.
Integrity after all, is measured by the distance between your lips and your life.
Leadership is power with people, not power over people.
Everyone makes a difference. The choice we all have is whether we want to make a positive difference or a negative one.
Wayne Cordova is a pastor at Crosspoint Church in Spring Hill, FL where he focuses on Communicating, Outreach & Service, Graphic Design, and much much more!
He also likes Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain.
