Helping Carry

The Voice of Zion August 2026 - Editorial --

As children, many of us spend years simply receiving. We come to church and services, sit beside our families, attend camps and gatherings, and receive care and teaching from those around us. Others prepare lessons, organize events, care for practical needs, and carry responsibilities we may hardly notice.

There is nothing wrong with this. Children are meant to receive. Jesus Himself said of little children, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14). Children do not earn their place in a family. They simply belong.

As young people grow older, however, something beautiful often begins happening. Many already feel at home in the congregation. Gradually, they begin to see that this home carries responsibilities and opportunities. And they realize that they too can help carry some part of the work God gives His congregation.

Scripture compares believers to members of one body (1 Cor. 12). Not every member has the same task or purpose. Some serve in visible ways, while others work quietly and unseen. Yet God Himself places the members where it pleases Him, and each belongs to the whole. Belonging comes first. Service follows (Eph. 2:8–10).

The apostle Peter writes, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another” (1 Pet. 4:10). God gives different gifts and different opportunities, but He gives each believer a place within His congregation.

God’s kingdom has always been carried through generations in this way. Those who came before us carried the work faithfully in their own time. They taught classes, prepared meals, worked in kitchens, cleaned buildings, served in leadership roles, and tirelessly looked after countless details. Many of those hands that once carried responsibilities are now slowing. Some have already been called home.

Yet the work itself was never theirs.

It is God’s work.

And God continues to gather and call people into His congregation, giving each generation opportunities to help carry it forward.

We all share in both the work and the blessings God gives through His congregation. We enjoy the fellowship, teaching, music, care and encouragement that come through the efforts of many willing hands. And all of this work is ultimately done for the sake of the gospel and to the glory of God. Those who serve often discover that in return they receive much: precious fellowship, encouragement, and lasting connections with other believers.

This gives encouragement both to younger and older believers. Young people should not simply be expected to someday find a way to serve on their own. Sometimes an opportunity is found because someone notices them, invites them, and gives them something meaningful to do. Perhaps someone is asked to help in the kitchen, direct parking, assist at camp, help with music, work in the bookstore, or simply lend a hand where there is a need. We come to know one another while serving together. We learn names, share conversations, and form bonds. God often cares for us through these ordinary connections.

When invitations to serve are extended broadly, people often discover gifts, friendships and ways to participate that might otherwise have remained hidden.

At the same time, perhaps some young people hesitate to step forward. No one wants to appear overly pleased with his or her own abilities. Some may worry whether volunteering or offering help could somehow seem prideful or self-seeking.

Yet using gifts in God’s kingdom is not first about being noticed. It is about being willing. The question is not, How will I appear? but rather, How may I help? God often works through ordinary willingness and humble service.

As young people enter adulthood, congregation membership can also be understood in this light. It is more than a practical step or a financial commitment. It can be one way of saying: I want to help carry this too.

Not because our place among believers somehow needs to be earned. Christ has already paid that price.

Rather, we serve because we belong.

We receive, and in time, we begin helping carry what others once carried for us.