[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Julie invited the young women who had been caregivers to her mom to come to a Stonecroft event, not knowing how it would impact the life of one of the women, how she would catch the vision for how they were trying to reach women.
Tanya* came with the other women to the evening gathering not knowing what to expect. She wound up loving it and just kept coming back. Julie and another leader noticed her persistent attendance and wanted her to feel even more engaged. They invited her and another new attendee to be greeters.
“We want to make them feel like a part of the team right away,” Julie explained. “We don’t ask them onto the planning team or put them at the podium. We give them something to do that anyone can. People want to be asked.”
Soon Tanya was attending their Prayer Connection. One of the prayer requests was for door prizes for their next event, as they always needed them. Without being asked, Tanya showed up at the next event with three door prizes and two friends from work she invited.
“I feel so honored that you asked me to serve,” Tanya told Julie. “I wanted to give back. I wanted to be a part of this.”
Julie and the other leaders understand that asking someone to help, even in the smallest ways, shows that you see someone. It’s a way of making them feel seen and known amidst a large group.
“Tanya caught the vision for what we’re doing with our events and now wants to be an active part of what we’re doing,” Julie said. “Don’t have a job for someone? Make one up! Get them to where they’re not just filling a seat.”
Julie first helped Tanya feel seen by inviting her in the first place, but it didn’t stop there. And now Tanya has found a place of certainty in the mission of her local Stonecroft group. Being asked to serve was the key to enfolding her into their community.
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Ask
When was a time you were asked to help that made you feel seen and a part of something larger than yourself?
Pray
God, I praise you that you not only see me but have created good works ahead of time for me to do. Serving has always been a part of your plan for me and for others.
Sow
Who and in what way can you invite someone into what you are doing? Think of three simple ways for someone to serve at your next event or small group.
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