Connections Class

It's like recess...

“I’m a carpenter by trade, but my real job is being Teacher John to the three-year-olds.” That’s how one teacher describes his service at Lincoln Berean Church. That’s the part of his week that energizes him. For him, to prepare for three-year-olds is like recess… it’s when he can do the thing he enjoys the most.

John’s response to serving is the outcome God had in mind when He said, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another…” I PETER 4:10.When a person serves, something happens that changes perspective, passion and people. It’s a transformation of becoming more like Christ.We are never more like Jesus than when we serve others. Jesus made it very clear that He Himself came to serve. His passion to serve was great enough to be obedient to the point of death. In Philippians 2:3-8, He is asking us to have this same attitude and passion.

Service should be as natural to the believer as breathing. It’s evidence of the life of Christ flowing in us. Serving is an attitude and lifestyle that is contagious, addicting, rewarding, fulfilling, enjoyable, fun and of ultimate importance to God.

Whatever is of ultimate importance to God is of ultimate importance to our ministry at Lincoln Berean Church-and that’s why we have Service Network Ministries. Service Network is a ministry that promotes service. It’s about providing and fostering an environment where people have every opportunity possible to flesh out God’s specific, unique purpose and calling for each individual to serve within the church body or community. Service Network involves educating people about the biblical view of service, providing opportunities to serve and helping people discover their perfect fit for service. It’s essentially taking someone who says “Here am I, Lord. Use me!” and connecting them to a ministry that will energize them and flourish because they were willing to become part of that team and serve.

Lincoln Berean has over 1,500 people who serve in various areas of ministry. Throughout the week and on weekends, unpaid staff is busy working, planning, preparing or leading in some area of ministry throughout the entire building. Our ability to effectively minister to our church body and to the Lincoln community is heavily reliant upon those who serve — and God’s perfect plan is that everyone serve…that’s the goal and mission of Service Network… and one-by-one we’re getting there!

Here’s “the rest of the story” about Teacher John. He initially started serving with Children’s Ministries only because his wife, Teacher Sally, needed help. His first position was being a “jungle gym” for all the kids to climb on! It was only going to be a temporary thing. Eighteen years later, Teacher John is still there… teaching about a great and mighty God who longs to fit into the small heart and mind of every three-year-old. He loves it and has no desire to ever quit!

Q: What is Connections Class?

A: This is a six-week class that studies the biblical view of service from curriculum written by Bryan Clark entitled Called to Serve.The class also includes an overview of the 450+ serving opportunities available at Lincoln Berean, as well as options with community-based organizations. The next Connections Class is scheduled to begin September 9 at 10:45 a.m.

Q: What is Service Expo 07?

A: This is an all-church effort to expose LBC attendees to each ministry area and their opportunities to serve. During this expo, each ministry has a booth where information can be received with the goal of encouraging people to find their place of service. Service Expo 07 will be held on August 18/19 and 25/26.

Q: How many unpaid staff serve at LBC?

A: Approximately 1,500 unpaid staff serve in various areas of ministry at LBC. Our ability to effectively minister to our church body and to the Lincoln community is heavily reliant upon those who serve-that is God’s perfect plan. But His plan is that everyone serves… that’s the goal and mission of Service Network…and one-by-one we’re getting there!