Words Serve a Purpose, But Service Speaks
The Power of Serving Others: Leading by Example
There is something truly special about serving others—it has the power to bring people together in ways that few other things can. This morning, some of our team had the privilege of serving at The Bridge Ministries, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless and those in need. While they provide food and resources, their ultimate mission is focused on the full transformation of lives. The Bridge is just one of many opportunities to serve, but it holds a special place in our hearts.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at a men's conference on the integration of faith, purpose, and everyday work. During the discussion, one particular question stood out to me, and I believe it’s worth sharing as a source of encouragement. A man who owns a small plumbing company expressed a concern—he had seen many believers try to share their faith by asking others about God, inviting them to church, or sharing their testimonies. However, in his experience, these efforts often led to being labeled as "weird" rather than opening meaningful conversations. He wasn’t afraid of revealing his faith, but he struggled with the effectiveness of these approaches. If they weren’t yielding results, was there a better way?
I offered a simple suggestion—one that I have seen stir hearts and create conversations while also producing tangible results: rather than only talking about Jesus, start by doing what Jesus did. As leaders in our businesses and communities, we have a powerful opportunity to share our faith through action. When we invite others to serve alongside us, we create space for transformation—not just in the lives of those we serve, but in our own lives as well.
Today, as we worked alongside The Bridge to serve those in need, two of my teammates experienced this firsthand. We listened to stories, changed our perspectives, and provided some love to those who often feel unseen. Some of us had the chance to pray with people, reminding them of their worth and God’s love for them. A small act of service—just a few hours of our time—can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
Jesus Himself showed us this example in Matthew 25:35-40:
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
As leaders, we face challenges that we cannot tackle alone. But in those moments, we can follow Jesus' example—by opening doors to serve others. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. When we invite people into acts of service, we open hearts and minds in ways that words alone cannot.
Service speaks loudly. Let’s continue to lead with action, showing Christ’s love through what we do. Who can you invite to serve alongside you this week?
-Mark
