Recently, Pastor Joe Day attended a leaders’ retreat and had a conversation with a new intern for Mars Hill Church Shoreline, Kadi Dawn. Kadi made an observation about the church that Pastor Joe suggested she share with the church. She agreed to do so through the Mars Hill blog.
About two months ago, I made the trip up to Washington from the dry, flat lands of Texas to begin a new adventure as an intern at Mars Hill Shoreline. I was recently asked what stood out to me about the church in the short time I had been there. Without hesitation, the first thought that appeared in my mind was generosity.
Last year, I was one of about forty staff members at a church back in Texas, working to make the church run to its best potential. Moving out here, I was incredibly shocked to hear that there were only two people on staff at Mars Hill Shoreline. It completely baffled my mind! I didn’t think that would be possible. However, after observing the ins and outs of a Sunday and how things operate during the week, I quickly became overwhelmed with the realization of how much valuable time is being selflessly donated to the church. The members of Mars Hill Shoreline have busy families, demanding jobs, crazy schedules, and little time to sit back and relax. But that never stands in the way of serving their church.
Kadi Dawn started as an intern with Mars Hill Church Shoreline earlier this year.
The generosity that I have seen in this community of believers has been incredibly influential and inspiring in my own life. On a weekly basis I see people arrive before dawn to put out road signs, prepare coffee, get the sound system set up, make breakfast to feed the band, or anything else they can find that needs to be done. I then see people stay until after dark to clean the building, stack chairs for weekly services, pray with others who may be hurting, and to help in whatever way they can.
This is such an incredible sight I get to experience every Sunday! 1 Peter 4:10–11 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace . . . whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
Seeing these Christ-like volunteers has encouraged me to seek out how I can actively use the gifts God has given me to serve.
I had an inspiring conversation with a missionary a few weeks ago. Something he told me that really tugged at my heart was, “Working for God is something you will never regret.” He continued to say that the only regret he has is waiting so long to respond to God’s call to serve.
Kadi has been inspired by the generosity she has witnessed first hand in her church.
I’m very thankful to be a part of such a giving and selfless community that pushes me to live a lifestyle of serving God and others. Although I still continually struggle, it’s very reassuring to have a community that is leading me by example.
There are many ways to serve at your local church, and willing volunteers are always needed! If you would like to find out what kinds of service opportunities there are at your local church, visit marshill.com/serve.
