Am I Called to Serve?
Short answer? Yes.
Longer answer? Absolutely, and here’s why.
A lot of us wrestle with that question—“Am I really called to serve?” Maybe you’ve thought: “I’m not on staff,” “I’m not outgoing,” or “I don’t even know what my gifts are.” Totally fair. But Acts 6:1–7 gives us a snapshot of what calling to serve really looks like, and it’s not about having a spotlight—it’s about stepping into the need.
The early church was growing fast, and with growth came problems. Specifically, some widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. The apostles couldn’t do everything, so they asked the community to choose seven people who were “full of the Spirit and wisdom” to take care of this essential work.
Think about that: these folks weren’t chosen to preach or lead worship; they were chosen to serve tables. And the Bible calls that leadership.
It’s easy to think that serving means volunteering only when convenient or when we feel especially gifted. But in God’s kingdom, service isn’t optional—it’s central. It’s how we grow, how we love, and how we lead.
Timothy Keller said it like this:
“If you see Jesus serving you, it will make you into a servant.”
That’s the key. When you realize how deeply Jesus has served you—through His life, His humility, His sacrifice—it changes you. You don’t have to wonder anymore if you’re qualified. Jesus qualifies you, and He equips you with precisely what you need to serve others.
Here’s what’s even cooler: you don’t have to serve like everyone else. God wired you uniquely. Your story, your talents, your temperament—it’s all been shaped by Him for a purpose. Some people serve by teaching. Others listen. Some by organizing behind the scenes. Others welcome people with a smile and a warm meal. All of it matters. All of it is ministry.
In Acts 6, when the church empowered others to serve, what happened? “The word of God spread.” That’s huge. When people stepped up to meet practical needs, spiritual momentum followed. Lives changed. The church grew. Why? Because everyone played their part.
So, if you’re still asking, “Am I called to serve?”—yes, you are. If you follow Jesus, you’ve been picked, empowered, and placed right where you are for a reason.
Don’t wait for someone to give you permission; you already have it. You don’t need a platform—you just need to say yes.
You’re not on the sidelines. You’re in the story.
So step in, start small, and remember:
You are called. You are gifted. You are needed.
