The Danger of Serving

A common mistake in disciplining new converts is to “plug them in” to the church through service. The logic is that by serving, the new convert will connect with other members, which will increase the likelihood of retention. While not entirely flawed, it does lead to particular churches placing a greater emphasis on serving than sitting at the feet of Jesus. It also prioritizes developing relationships with people over developing a relationship with Christ. If we are going to give new converts a task, let it be to learn who they are in Christ. When we know who we are in Christ, it produces the fruits of the Spirit, which leads to selfless service and deeper conversion. Serving others is an important spiritual discipline, but it is not an effective means of anchoring a new convert in the faith. In fact, it can do just the opposite. When we amplify the importance of serving it drowns out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit that calls us to simply abide. Like Martha, we get wrapped up in serving and miss the opportunity to fall in love with Christ. Think of what the local church would accomplish if they placed the burden of serving on the spiritually mature and taught new converts how to walk in freedom by abiding in Christ.

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