The Ministry of Helps

In the hallowed sanctity of the church, we often extol the luminaries of faith — the pastors, the preachers, the missionaries, and the evangelists. Their roles are crucial and undeniable. Yet, the heart of the Church beats through another class of servants, those often unseen and unsung — the help ministers. The apostle Paul mentions this sacred calling in 1 Corinthians 12:28, “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”

As we delve into the humble beauty of the ministry of helps, we must acknowledge the immense power and grace that imbues this calling. This sacred calling is to serve, as a demonstration of Jesus Christ's love, to humbly support the Church's mission and ministry, and to embody a servant’s heart in every action.

The Heart of the Servant

A servant's heart finds its purest expression in the life and teachings of Jesus. In Mark 10:45, He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The profound essence of serving is deeply ingrained in the ethos of the Christian faith. This becomes the cornerstone of the ministry of helps - an innate desire to serve and uplift others. The ones who heed this call echo the very purpose of Christ's earthly sojourn, thus becoming His hands and feet in the world.

The Ministry of Helps: A Divine Calling

Just as the preacher brings the Word of God to the congregation, those in the ministry of helps actualize it. They are the church custodians, the communion preparers, the technical crew behind church services, the volunteers at community outreach programs, and those who merely lend a listening ear to a fellow parishioner in need.

Despite the seeming invisibility, the ministry of helps is a divine calling, no less important than other ministerial roles. They help the church function, run smoothly, and further its mission by creating an environment conducive to worship, learning, and community building.

The Ministry of Helps: A Reflection of the Pentecostal Spirit

In the Pentecostal tradition, where the Holy Spirit's empowering presence is highly esteemed, the ministry of helps takes on an even deeper significance. The Spirit empowers all believers, not just a select few, to participate in the body of Christ actively. This Spirit-driven inclusivity breaks down hierarchies, affirming that every believer, through their unique calling and gifting, contributes to the Church's life and mission.

Embracing the Servant's Heart

A servant’s heart finds joy in the act of giving, serving, and loving. This heart, born of the Holy Spirit, does not seek recognition or applause but finds contentment and fulfilment in fulfilling the needs of others and the Church.

To embrace the servant's heart, we need to cultivate humility, selflessness, compassion, and love. Serving is not about what we can get, but what we can give. It's about putting others before ourselves, just as Jesus did.

Conclusion

The ministry of helps is a profound calling that echoes the mission of Jesus Christ in serving others. It is an essential part of the church's function, creating an atmosphere where the love of Christ can be felt, shared, and propagated.

As we seek to cultivate a servant's heart, we must remember that each act of service, no matter how small, is a testament to Christ's love for humanity. In this ministry, we truly become the embodiment of the Church, the body of Christ, serving His people with humility, love, and dedication.

It is not just about filling a role but about embodying Christ's love in our actions, radiating His compassion, and becoming His hands and feet in our communities. This is the essence of the ministry of helps. This is serving with a servant's heart.