SERIES SUMMARY
At Fellowship Greenville, we desire to reintroduce people to Jesus and the life that He offers. We realize that each of us growing as disciples of Jesus is imperative to us being about God’s mission of redemption in our circle of influence. Therefore, as we continue to grow with more and more people joining us, we want to take several Sundays this summer and articulate our discipleship values, while also inviting everyone to the discipleship pathway available to them here at Fellowship Greenville.
PASSAGE GUIDE | Serving: Our lives given away with no expectation of return.
While modern culture encourages us to define ourselves by personality types, social media bios, and personal achievements, Scripture offers a different identity: servant. From the very beginning, humanity was created not to rule for its own sake, but to serve and manage creation on behalf of God. Our God-given purpose is rooted in serving Him, reflecting His character, and participating in His mission. However, because of sin, we naturally gravitate toward serving ourselves. Yet through redemption in Christ, we are restored to our original calling—a calling to serve God and others.
Jesus exemplified this calling most vividly in Mark 10:35–45. While His disciples were concerned about greatness, status, and privilege, Jesus redirected their focus to servanthood. True greatness in the kingdom of God is not about being served, but about serving others—just as He, the Son of Man, came to serve and give His life as a ransom. This redefinition of greatness challenges both ancient cultural norms and our modern American ideals, which often equate success with power and self-promotion. Jesus flips this script, showing that servanthood is not weakness but kingdom strength.
Service is not just a task but an identity. As disciples of Jesus, serving becomes part of who we are. It is the logical response to God’s grace—offering our lives in response to Christ’s sacrificial love. Within the church, service builds up the body, matures believers, creates unity, and provides stability. Ephesians 4 illustrates how every believer has a role to play in strengthening the church through their gifts. Serving within the church is essential not only for organizational function but for spiritual formation and mutual support.
Beyond the church walls, believers are also called to serve their communities. Whether through mentoring, volunteering with local partners, or loving neighbors in simple, sacrificial ways, serving becomes a missional practice. We must see beyond personal comfort or preferences and step into spaces of need—even if it’s not “their thing.” We can take practical action, such as filling out a connection request or scanning a QR code to get involved, underscoring that every act of service contributes to God’s mission in the world.
We must remember that being a disciple means participating in the redemptive story of God—not by seeking prominence, but by embracing servanthood. Just as Jesus came to serve, so we, His followers, are called to lay down our lives for the good of others. Serving isn’t a temporary action—it’s our lifelong posture. Because of Jesus, serving isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace, passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION
Remember, these are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. You do not need to listen to both sermons at both campuses to participate in the discussion.
OPENING PRAYER
Open with gratitude for God’s servant-like nature. Pray for grace to follow His example as the humble Servant who came to lay His life down for all.
READ THE TEXT
Read Mark 10:35-45.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How does Jesus redefine leadership and greatness in verses 43–44? Why is this definition so countercultural?
- Can someone serve without being humble?
- Who in your life serves with humility and grace? What sets them apart?
- Why do you think it’s difficult for many to embrace the role of a servant? What fears or misconceptions might be involved?
- How can grace guide our service to others, especially when serving feels difficult or lacks reciprocation?
- What keeps us going when no one notices our service?
- How do we guard our hearts against pride while serving?
- How can we distinguish between a healthy vs an unhealthy mindset when giving our time and effort to others?
- What is one way God might be calling you to serve others this week, with humility and grace?
- What might be in the way that’s stopping you from tending to the needs of those around you? How can you navigate through those obstacles?
PRACTICE OPTIONS
Life in Community: In your relationships, choose humility over recognition. Ask, “How can I lift others up?” and let grace guide you in loving, listening, and serving well.
Life with Jesus: Walk closely with Jesus, the Servant King, who gave His life for all. Let His example shape your heart, and find joy in serving Him by serving those He loves.
Life on Mission: This week, live intentionally by looking for unseen needs around you—at work, school, or in your neighborhood. Let your mission be marked by compassion and quiet service.
CLOSING PRAYER
Ask that God would give you a heart that is ready and willing to serve. Pray for His guidance on where specifically He would like for you to act in service with love and grace.