Serve: A Philosophy and Practice of Serving

Why do we Serve at Mountain View Community Church? As we seek to live and love like Jesus we see that Jesus lived a life of service that reflected God’s generous character. Living generously is something we believe in at Mountain View Community Church (MVCC) because:

1. The Bible (God’s Word) wants us to live generously The Bible teaches us that God wants us to Serve Him and one another (Matthew 20:25-28; Luke 22:26-27; Galatians 5:13-14).

2. When we Serve God and one another generously, we bring honor to God Generous living brings honor and glory to God (1 Peter 4:10-11).

3. When we Serve God and one another we are living and loving like Jesus   Serving is a significant part of the character of Christ (Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:1-11).

4. The Bible explains to us that Serving is a part of God’s design for His Church God wants us to Serve each other and His kingdom (1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:4-8).

5. As we grow in Christ we become generous people who want to Serve As we are transformed in our journey with Christ Serving becomes a natural part of who we are (Ephesians 4:11-13; Galatians 6:9-10; James 2:14-26).

What reasons encourage us to express our generosity through Service at Mountain View Community Church?

Jesus came as our Savior to die for our sins. He also, however, came to live as an example for us. As Jesus interacted and walked with us He showed us the godly value of Service that comes from a generous heart. His example of Serving is portrayed by His life and His teachings as we see below:

1. Jesus came as a Servant  Jesus came to set for us an example of a life lived in generous Service to God, the Father (John 13:12-17). Jesus showed us what it truly means to be a servant; that is why we try to live and love like Jesus.

2. We believe that we should follow the example set by Jesus The Bible teaches us that Jesus is the ultimate example of generosity through His commitment to being a Servant (Philippians 2:1-11).

3. We believe that we are blessed with the desire and ability to live like Jesus here on earth We were created and designed by God with abilities and opportunities to Serve (Ephesians 2:8-10). When we became followers of Jesus, accepting Him as Lord and Savior, we were also given spiritual gifts to be used to Serve God and one another (Romans 12:4-8). The more we live and love like Jesus, the more we want to Serve with generous hearts (Philippians 3:12-17).

How do people at MVCC choose to live out generous hearts that serve God?

1. Everyone who comes to MVCC has the chance to discover their gifts, abilities, passions, and strengths that can be used for generous Serving.

2. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to use their gifts and abilities in the church and in our community. We offer a class called “301: Discovering your Ministry” to help people find the right fit for Serving. We also offer personal coaching, so everyone can find a place to express their generosity.  

3. Serving generously is one part of the overall purpose of God’s Church. We see Serving as a critical part of the purpose of MVCC (Growing a community of Christ-followers who live and love like Jesus).

4. We believe that Serving is an expression of our love for God and that generous Serving brings Him honor and glory.

4. We believe that as we Serve generously our understanding and relationships with God and with others grows.

4. We believe that when we Serve we often connect with one another in deeper relational ways. Generosity in Service is a significant way we become a community.