In the Body of Christ, there are many roles and functions that work together to fulfill God’s purpose. While some roles may seem more visible or prominent, every act of service is valuable and honored by God. The ministry of helps is one such role that often operates behind the scenes, yet it plays a vital part in supporting the church and advancing the Kingdom. At the Mary Banks Global Training Center, we encourage believers to embrace the ministry of helps, understanding that a heart for service is at the core of true Christian discipleship.
In this article, we’ll explore what the ministry of helps entails, why it is essential, and how believers can develop a heart for service that glorifies God.
What is the Ministry of Helps?
The ministry of helps is the calling to assist and support others, particularly within the church, so that they can fulfill their roles more effectively. This ministry encompasses a wide range of tasks, from administrative duties to practical acts of service, such as hospitality, maintenance, and event coordination. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this role in 1 Corinthians 12:28, saying, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
The ministry of helps includes anyone who serves to meet the practical needs of the church. These individuals often work quietly in the background, but their contributions allow the church to function smoothly, enabling others to focus on prayer, teaching, and ministering to the congregation. By serving in this capacity, they become an integral part of the Body of Christ, demonstrating God’s love and humility through their actions.
Why is the Ministry of Helps Important?
- It Reflects the Servant Heart of ChristJesus Himself set an example of humility and service. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Through His life and actions, Jesus showed that true greatness in the Kingdom is found in serving others. The ministry of helps allows us to follow His example by serving with a humble heart, putting others’ needs above our own.
- It Strengthens the Body of ChristThe church functions best when every member plays their part. Ephesians 4:16 reminds us that the whole body is “fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” The ministry of helps is essential to building up the church, as it fills practical needs that contribute to a well-functioning community where everyone is supported.
- It Enables Others to Focus on Their CallingsWhen members of the Body of Christ step into the ministry of helps, they free up others to focus on specific callings, such as teaching, preaching, and counseling. In Acts 6:2-4, the apostles appointed seven men to handle the daily distribution of food so they could dedicate themselves “to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” This example illustrates the importance of delegation and shows that the ministry of helps supports other areas of ministry by allowing each person to focus on their God-given role.
- It Cultivates Unity and LoveServing in the ministry of helps fosters unity and a sense of community within the church. When believers work together to meet needs and support one another, they build bonds of fellowship and love. Galatians 5:13 instructs us, “By love serve one another.” The ministry of helps provides opportunities for believers to serve with joy and compassion, strengthening relationships and fostering a spirit of unity.
Developing a Heart for Service
If you feel called to the ministry of helps, or simply want to grow in your willingness to serve, there are steps you can take to develop a heart for service. Here are some ways to embrace this calling with humility, joy, and purpose.
- Seek God’s Guidance and Pray for a Servant’s HeartBegin by asking God to cultivate a servant’s heart within you. Pray for the humility, love, and strength needed to serve others faithfully. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your heart so that you desire to serve out of genuine love for others and a desire to honor God.
- Serve Willingly and WholeheartedlyColossians 3:23-24 encourages us to “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Approach every act of service with joy and enthusiasm, knowing that you are serving the Lord Himself. Whether the task is small or large, serve with excellence and integrity, trusting that God sees and values every effort.
- Embrace Humility and Avoid Recognition-SeekingTrue service is not about seeking praise or recognition. Jesus taught His disciples to serve with humility, saying in Matthew 6:3, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” In the ministry of helps, much of the work may go unnoticed by others, but God sees everything. Embrace a humble attitude, knowing that your reward comes from the Lord, not from human applause.
- Be Faithful in the Small ThingsJesus said in Luke 16:10, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Often, it’s the small acts of service that build character and prepare us for greater responsibilities. By being faithful in the seemingly minor tasks, you demonstrate your reliability and commitment to God’s work. These small acts are significant in God’s eyes and contribute to the overall mission of the church.
- Support and Encourage Others in Their RolesThe ministry of helps is about supporting others, so look for ways to encourage and uplift your fellow believers in their callings. Romans 12:10 instructs us, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” By serving alongside others, you can offer encouragement and assistance, fostering a spirit of teamwork and unity within the church.
- Remain Open to God’s LeadingThe ministry of helps often involves flexibility and a willingness to step into new roles as needs arise. Be open to God’s leading, and don’t be afraid to try new areas of service. Isaiah 6:8 exemplifies a willing heart when Isaiah says, “Here am I; send me.” By remaining open to God’s direction, you allow Him to use you in various ways to meet the needs of the church and community.
The Eternal Impact of the Ministry of Helps
While the ministry of helps may seem simple, its impact reaches far beyond the immediate needs it fulfills. When you serve others with love and humility, you embody the character of Christ, setting an example for others and drawing people closer to God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
The ministry of helps has a ripple effect, as each act of service builds up the Body of Christ and enables the church to reach more people with the gospel. By meeting practical needs, the ministry of helps creates an environment where people can experience God’s love, both in word and action. This love and unity become a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the reality of God’s Kingdom.
Embracing the Ministry of Helps at MBGTC
At the Mary Banks Global Training Center, we believe that the ministry of helps is a calling that reflects the heart of Christ. We encourage our students and community to embrace this ministry as an essential part of their walk with God. Through our courses and resources, we provide practical training and spiritual encouragement to help believers grow in their ability to serve others effectively.
If you are drawn to this ministry, know that your role is valuable and deeply appreciated. By serving in the ministry of helps, you are fulfilling a vital function within the Body of Christ, contributing to the work of the church, and glorifying God through your actions. Remember the words of Jesus in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Let us embrace the ministry of helps with joy and commitment, serving one another as Christ has served us, and honoring God with every act of love, humility, and dedication.
