Serving can be a sore spot in the local church. More often then not, 10% of the congregation steps up to do 90% of the work. These faithful people then get burned out and "ministry" can begin to feel to them like a ball and chain. The joy is lost, and the focus can shift to attitudes of resentment toward those being served and those who are capable of helping but remain uninvolved. Some people are afraid of ministering. An opportunity to get involved will be brought up, and their response is like that of Moses when God called him to go talk to Pharaoh. "I can't do it! I don't have the skill! Please send someone else." The truth is that God wants us to be serving. The body of Christ needs EVERYONE to pitch in and do their part. If you have not taken the steps to get involved here at CDOBC, why not? Are you fearful you don't have what it takes, or maybe unsure of where you could best be used? Remember, God likes to use the weak things of this earth to shame the strong, and Scripture is full of examples of unimpressive men and women God used in mighty ways. If God give you a job, He will surely give you everything necessary to do it. If you are unsure where to begin, one of the secrets of serving is this: DO IT! Maybe you don't know what your gift is, but if I can speak plainly, you might never know unless you start getting involved. Do you already know what your gift is and for whatever reason have made the choice to not get involved? What is holding you back? DO IT! Take the plunge and experience the joy of God using you. If you are currently involved in serving, be careful to guard against burnout and bad attitudes that easily creep in. Are you trying to carry this ministry in your own strength and not trusting God for the results? Have you lost the joy of serving? Talk to God about it! One last thought. Serving does not equal church programs or ministries. A good place to get plugged in with serving is to visit the website serve page, but remember--we serve the Lord and other people. Maybe you just need to pick out a family or individual that you feel God pushing you to go reach out to and see where it goes. Ask God where He wants you and get going!