CHURCH MINISTRY GROUPS

Find out what outreach programs your church has.  Many churches have opportunities to serve the homeless, the community and the church body.  If they do not have a group that you are interested in, talk to your leaders about starting one in an area you are passionate about.  Pray for wisdom and direction in where to invest your time.

 

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

There are many opportunities to volunteer around the community.  Faith-based non-profits are a good place to start looking, but there are other groups that are also doing good things in the community.  If you feel like God is leading you to join a specific group, than do it.  Just help the people he has put around you.  

TAKE INITIATIVE TO MEET A NEED

If you see a need, you do not need an organization to meet it.  You can just go do something about it.  When you pass by a homeless person, you can help them or take them out to lunch.  If there is trash on the streets, you can get a group of friends together one day to go pick some of it up.  Go play with kids in an orphanage or sing songs for the elderly at a retirement home.  You can go by yourself, with friends, or even start your own organization.
 

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

This is not just a metaphor.  You have actual neighbors.  Do you know them?  Do you talk to them?  Do you serve them?  Love the people who live right next to you.  Host a community potluck or take cookies to your neighbors around the holidays.  Invite them over for dinner or to watch a movie.  Build a relationship with them and help meet their needs as you discover them.  Partner together with other believers in your neighborhood to love the community.  

START A SMALL GROUP

A good way to meet needs in a very intentional way is to start a small group.  You can start one in your neighborhood, your community, or through your church.  Find other people who want to know and serve God more deeply, and who want to do life together.  Study God's word together, serve together, and serve and encourage one another.