It’s sad that churches have the reputation of only wanting your money. It’s true; the church won’t be able to accomplish its mission as effectively if it isn’t well-funded. But there are actually other things you can give that have just as much value as your money.
Here are four things every fully-bought-in church attender should bring to the table at their local congregation.
1. Your story.
Your church needs your story – your real story. Not the white-washed version or the perfect picture you feel tempted to put out there. They need to know your failures and struggles, but more importantly, what God is doing in your life. Your church needs your transparency.
It will encourage others and set an atmosphere of honesty in your congregation. Let people into your story; you need it as much as they do.
2. Your good assumptions.
Stuff happens in the church that appears bad to the outsider – the person who isn’t sitting in the meetings and part of the tough decisions. I’ve seen it first-hand. The church doesn’t need you to assume the worst is happening, even when it appears it is. They need your positivity and trust.
If you need to provide accountability, talk to senior leadership. There’s place for that. But more often than not, your trust is the most valuable thing you can provide.
3. Your ownership.
If you were the pastor, how would you greet that new person sitting behind you? What would you do if you saw the bathroom was dirty? What if you saw a need? You’d do everything in your power to welcome that person, clean the bathroom, and meet the need.
Your pastor might be the person getting paid, but you’re just as much a part of the Church as they are. Take ownership and jump in. Serve as if you owned the place.
4. Your prayer.
Finally, your church needs your prayer – especially your pastor. Didn’t agree with their sermon last Sunday? Pray. Seems like the worship team was having a rough day? Pray.
You have no idea all of the fiery arrows being shot at your church each day. Your prayer provides protection and encouragement for them. Don’t underestimate the power of your prayers.
The truth is, your church needs these things from you. But even more, you need to do these things. You’ll see the value of giving this part of yourself just as much as your church will. The Christian life is about giving of yourself, and the local church is the best place to start. It shouldn’t stop there, but it’s where you begin.