Serving for God’s Glory

Serving others within the church community is a great privilege, but why do we serve? On a mission to find out, I sat down with our sister in Christ, Stella Chan, to hear her story of serving in the hospitality ministry at RMCC.

Stella began coming to RMCC in late 2021 and spent the better part of that year in the ‘sit and soak’ phase of any new attendee, marinading in God’s Word weekly and making godly connections.

I asked Stella what it was like to connect with others when she first came to RMCC. She replied, “It was a bit difficult at first, only because I came to RMCC as a relatively new believer. I didn’t know what to expect because I didn’t have proper teaching before. I also attended the 9:00 am service while my friends went to the second service. It was lonely at first. I prayed and asked God for opportunities.”

She started attending the church-led home group in early 2022. This was her first step of faith.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20, NIV).”

Stella went on to share how she learned about other areas to serve at RMCC from this home group setting. “I’ve always felt called to serve at church. I just want to give back to the community. I ushered previously but did not feel God calling me to continue in that area. I continued to pray about it.”

Months later while at this home group Stella and Melody Daze connected over food. Because Stella loves to cook and bake it was easy to bond over food. Food is the perfect start to any conversation and new friendship, right? Melody discerned a passion and gift in Stella and introduced her to Joan Petersen and Sandra Baker, who lead and serve in the areas of hospitality and women’s ministry. And so the story of Stella being part of RMCC’s hospitality ministry began!

“I wanted to serve in hospitality. I love making meals for church members in need—from a new mother to a grieving family. It felt right to begin serving in this area.” For the first time in a long time Stella felt the joy of her gifts meeting a church need and she was eager to begin to bless others.

I asked her what it was like to meet others on the hospitality team when she started serving in this ministry. She said, “I was so welcome and as I met Joan and Sandra I got to hear their heart and the vision behind the ministry and spend time around ladies who really love Jesus.”

The first time Stella dropped a meal off with some other ladies from RMCC they connected and bonded as they shared their favorite recipe ideas. She enjoyed spending time with her ministry leader, Sandra, who prepares and organizes the food for church events, like women’s brunches, conferences, and more.

“It was awesome to meet new friends who love Jesus so much. I was excited about this new community,” remembers Stella.

Have you been thinking about getting connected and serving at RMCC? Stella’s advice is this: “Pray on it, make sure you give it time, and research all the areas of serving available at RMCC because you don’t know all the options.”

We know God is always working and very intentional when He gives us a gift — He desires to be glorified by it. Stella has learned how to use her gifts to accomplish just that.

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:11, NIV).”