Volunteering
We encourage everyone to have at least one area where they are primarily receiving (a Community Group, for example) and another area where they are primarily giving to someone or something other than self and family. Those who give without receiving tend to face burnout. Those who receive without giving tend to become lazy and self-focused.
Throughout Scripture, God calls his people to care for each other, come to the defense of the poor and give themselves to the mission of Jesus. Every Christian has a calling to serve (Romans 12:5-8). But we all serve in different ways, whether it is giving some hours to an AIDS hospice, helping at More Than Carpentry, working with children’s Sunday School, greeting new people Sunday mornings, setting up chairs in The Chapel, hosting a Community Group, or playing guitar, djembe, viola or trumpet. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).
Deacons and Deaconesses
Our deacons and deaconesses also work to mobilize the Memorial community to give themselves in care for the poor and needy, whether that involves providing meals for the Grace & Peace women’s shelter, helping those in the Memorial community go through a period of personal crisis, providing support for those with HIV/AIDS, or visiting the elderly or volunteering at Sunshine Ministries downtown. We seek to partner with other churches and ministries to renew St. Louis socially, spiritually, culturally and physically.
While deacons and deaconesses have some unique responsibilities, they share a burden for deed ministry and care for those in need. Depending on the circumstances, the Diaconate may provide social, emotional, physical or well as financial support. They also serve to help connect individuals to the broader Christian community within the church as “friends to the friendless” in the hopes that they will feel Christ's love.
As lead servants as well as servant leaders, the Diaconate hopes to enhance God's presence in our community, serve those who are in need (especially the poor and marginalized), and restore the reputation of the Christian Church in St. Louis.
Some Volunteer Opportunities More>>
