“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching…” – Romans 12:6-7
We often talk about ministry as an idea—but Scripture calls us to ministry in action. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul uses the word helps, a term that means “to take up someone else’s burden and place it on yourself.” It’s the picture of someone who sees a need and quietly steps in to carry the weight. This isn’t new to the New Testament. The Old Testament uses the word ezer—“helper”—the same word God used when describing Eve in Genesis 2:18. From the beginning, God has woven the idea of support, strength, and burden‑bearing into the fabric of His people. Those gifted in this area are watchful. They see needs others miss. They step in before being asked. And this gift isn’t limited to cleaning floors or stacking chairs—it shows up in every corner of the church. The pastor who labors to make Scripture clear, the evangelist who longs to win souls, the teacher who patiently explains truth—all of them are helping, all of them are serving.
Acts 6 gives us a powerful picture of this gift in motion. As the early church grew, widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles appointed seven Spirit‑filled men to take on this responsibility—men whose hearts said, “Where can I help?” Two of them, Stephen and Philip, would soon step into prominent ministries of preaching, miracles, and evangelism. But before any of that, they were glad to wait on tables. They didn’t say, “This is beneath me,” or “This isn’t my calling.” They simply served where they were needed, and the Holy Spirit carried them into greater ministry as they walked in obedience. The same pattern appears in Acts 9 with Tabitha (Dorcas), a woman “full of good works and charitable deeds.” She used her hands to clothe widows, care for the lonely, and meet practical needs. Her ministry wasn’t flashy, but it was faithful—and God used it to touch an entire city. When Peter raised her from the dead, “many believed on the Lord” (Acts 9:42, NKJV). One act of service opened the door for countless acts of salvation.
This is how God works. When we move, He moves us. When we serve, He leads us. When we take up small burdens, He entrusts us with greater ones. Ministry is not a title—it’s a posture. It’s not a platform—it’s a willingness. The gift of helps weaves through every act of love, every moment of compassion, every unseen sacrifice. Ministry happens when we step into the needs around us. You don’t have to wait for a position, a microphone, or a moment of recognition. Ask the Lord, “Where can I serve right now?” The same Spirit who empowered Stephen, Philip, and Tabitha empowers you. As you move in obedience, God will guide your steps, multiply your impact, and weave your service into His greater work. Step into ministry in action—and watch God work through you.
“If we cannot be great, let us be little; if we cannot rule, let us serve. For the lowest place is too high for us, and the highest is not too low when we are in the path of duty.” – C.H. Spurgeon
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