You’ve probably noticed that many people in your church say they want to serve others, but something always seems to get in the way. One of the biggest reasons? People feel overwhelmed by their own needs, schedules, and struggles—they’re not sure they have anything left to give. The desire is there, but the margin and confidence often aren’t. The good news is, you can help your church become more others-minded—one step at a time.
5 Ways to Become an Others-minded Church
1. Start Small
Start by encouraging your people to look for simple, everyday ways to bless others—whether it’s a kind word, a note of encouragement, or a practical act of service. Even small gestures can have a big impact. Ask your leaders and volunteers to model this by intentionally affirming and serving those around them. Over time, these small acts create a ripple effect, shaping the culture of your church.
2. Find a Partner
Serving doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Invite your congregation to partner together—whether that’s joining a ministry team, collaborating on a service project, or simply supporting one another in practical ways. When people serve side by side, they not only accomplish more, but they also build relationships and discover their unique gifts for ministry.
3. Use Your Hands
Challenge your church to move beyond “checkbook charity” and engage with those in need on a personal level. Encourage members to volunteer at local shelters, food banks, or organizations that support the poor and marginalized. When you serve with respect and humility, you learn quickly that every person is made equally in God’s image. Personal connection transforms both the giver and the receiver.
4. Speak Up
Help your people recognize that serving others sometimes means using their voices, not just their hands. Equip them to speak up for those who are overlooked or mistreated—whether that’s advocating for the vulnerable in your community, supporting foster families, or standing against injustice. Your church can become a place where the voiceless are heard and valued.
5. Cultivate Soft Hearts
Finally, focus on the heart. Challenge your congregation to pray for a deeper compassion for others, asking God to open their eyes to the needs around them. Share stories of sacrificial service and celebrate when people step out of their comfort zones. Over time, as compassion grows, so does the willingness to serve—even when it’s costly or inconvenient.
Being Others-minded is Part of Discipleship
If you want to take the next step in equipping your church to serve others, check out discipleassessment.com. It’s a free tool that helps people identify where they are on their discipleship journey and provides personalized next steps—including ways to grow in sacrificial service. Give your leaders and small groups a practical way to move from intention to action, and watch your church become more others-minded, one life at a time.
Start with Your Staff
If this is the kind of ministry you want but you know it means making some big changes you are going to need help. The best place to start getting buy-in and seeing results is with your staff. However, like a parent struggling to teach their kid to swim, there may be a better person for the job of helping your staff navigate the kind of changes you want to make. Email admin@loganleadership.com to learn how coaching your team will help you maximize their effectiveness, foster unity, and serve others with greater impact.