Jesus and We: Part 2 - "Spiritual Contributors" with Craig Groeschel - LifeChurch.tv

We Are Spiritual Contributors

Scripture References

• John 4
• Romans 12:6-8
• Matthew 5:14-16

Overview

Jesus told His disciples that real nourishment comes from doing the Father’s will, not from being served. Building on that truth, Pastor Craig contrasted a consumer-minded faith with the biblical call to be spiritual contributors. The church is not a place we go to have our needs met; we are the church, created and gifted to serve in the body and shine in the world.

Context

This is part 2 of the series “Jesus and We,” highlighting the four core value statements of Life.Church. Last week: faith-filled, big-thinking, risk-taking. This week: contributor vs. consumer.

Main Points

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me”

• John 4: Jesus ignores the disciples’ concern about lunch and reveals a deeper hunger: finishing the Father’s work.
• Serving others satisfies the soul in a way self-focus never can.

From “Have It Your Way” to “Serve His Way”

• Illustration: Burger King’s 1973 slogan shifted culture toward “the customer is king.”
• That mentality crept into church language—“church shopping,” “can’t find a church that meets our needs.”
• Refrain:

  “We are not spiritual consumers; we are spiritual contributors.
  The church does not exist for us. We are the church, and we exist for the world.”

Gauge Your Mind-Set

• Congregation asked to rate themselves 1–10 (2 = pure consumer; 8-9 = active contributor).
• Challenge: if 6 or below, let God move you toward serving.

1. God calls you to serve in His church

• The church is people, not property (buildings only appeared after A.D. 313).
• Romans 12:6-8—seven sample gifts: prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, kindness.
• Apple-pie illustration helps listeners spot their primary gift.
• Stories of members using their gifts:
  • Gavin (13)—leads 50 students on the host team.
  • Chris—maintains facilities, unseen but essential.
  • Dallas—former gang member discipling 30 students.
  • Adam—ex-bouncer turned greeter, testifies that “my heart started working again.”

2. God calls you to serve as His church

• Matthew 5:14-16—believers are the light of the world; good deeds point people to the Father.
• Not saved by works, but saved for works.
• Real-world examples:
  • Melanie—from the most fatherless zip code in the U.S.; has brought 20+ neighborhood kids (and their relatives) to Christ.
  • Ken—founded “Life Troops,” ministering to deployed soldiers and veterans with PTSD; many salvations and marriages saved.
  • Abby (21)—inner-city running mentorship, foster mom to an 8-month-old; “I don’t want to live like every 21-year-old—I want to be sold out for Christ.”
• Vision: a church whose absence would grieve the community because of the tangible good it brings.

Key Truths

• Serving others is spiritual nourishment.
• Consumer Christianity contradicts Jesus’ mission and mindset.
• Every believer has God-given gifts meant for building up the church.
• Good deeds in public life illuminate the gospel for a watching world.
• The local church is God’s primary instrument for hope and transformation.

Response

• Discover your spiritual gifts through classes, assessments, and feedback.
• Commit to one consistent place of service inside the church this month.
• Look for a need in your community and meet it this week—no strings attached.
• Replace “What can I get?” with daily prayers of “Whom can I serve?”
• Share your story to invite others into Jesus’ family.

Closing

Pastor Craig envisioned a body where every member refuses passive consumption and embraces the joy Jesus described—doing the Father’s work. Such a church loves harder, gives more, and lights up dark places until even skeptics must admit God is real.

“We are the church, and we exist for the world.”

Prayer

(Representative lines from the congregational prayer)

“Heavenly Father, forgive me of all my sins.
Today, by faith, I give my life to You.
Jesus, make me new and fill me with Your Spirit so I can serve You—
in Your church and as Your church—for the rest of my life.
Thank You for new life; now You have mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”