What is your favorite way to witness? We could easily identify a dozen or more witnessing styles based on examples found in the Gospels, the book of Acts, and other New Testament passages. However, I want to focus this brief article on just one.
Let’s call this style of witnessing “Loving Service”. Those who witness effectively in this way serve others by identifying a need, then they meet that need in the name of Jesus.
The goal is not only to serve, but also to share the reason why we serve. When someone says “Thank you”, or asks why we stepped in to help, we have the opportunity to witness. We can then share the simple message that we love helping others because of the help God has given us and that the help we provide is a small expression of God’s great love for others.
In Scripture, witnessing through service is seen in the lives of believers such as Dorcas (Acts 9:36ff) and is commended by passages such as Matthew 5:16 which says:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Personally, I love the Service witnessing style because it seems to connect with a broad range of personalities. I also appreciate that it can be practiced by one believer acting alone, by a Christian family serving together, or by the entire church.
IDES’ model for ministry allows Christ’s servants around the globe to practice this type of evangelism. In each relief project IDES undertakes, we enter into a partnership with the local body of Christ—either a U.S. congregation in a community where disaster has struck, or a Christian mission on a foreign field where there is an urgent need.
IDES provides resources to help our local partners meet people’s immediate needs as they share the eternal hope we have in Christ Jesus.
As we care for those whose lives have been touched by disaster, hunger, sickness, and the grinding effects of poverty, the good news is freely shared.
In 1 Peter 2:12 God’s people are encouraged to serve the needs of others in just that way, especially in places where Jesus is not well known:
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
May He greatly empower your witness as you live each day to His glory!
- Gary Finley, Director of Development