Jesus commands us to let our light shine before others so they may see our good works and give glory to God. For church plants, ServeNC Week is a platform to do exactly that. Discover how tangible service opens doors to kingdom multiplication in your city.
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus gives this command to His disciples: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
This is why North Carolina Baptists are on mission together. When we shine God’s light in our communities through tangible acts of service, we give people a glimpse at God’s love for them. Communities experience the transformative power of God’s grace, and He gets all the glory.
For church plants, ServeNC Week offers a platform to do exactly that.
SendNC exists to help local churches plant churches everywhere, for everyone. But planting a church in a new community means first understanding that community and building trust. It requires establishing a gospel presence that locals recognize as genuine. At SendNC, we refer to this practice as “engaging the city with the gospel.” When we do this well, our mission field recognizes our genuine heart for them and the community.
For church plants in small towns, growing suburbs and downtown neighborhoods, ServeNC Week, Aug. 1-8, is an opportunity to show your community that your church is a people called to love their neighbors as Jesus did.
Church plants are uniquely positioned to understand and respond to their local context. They are likely recent arrivals who’ve taken time to walk the streets, learn the demographics, and meet teachers, city leaders and business owners. You understand the felt needs and have the desire to shine the light of the gospel upon them.
ServeNC can transform that knowledge into action.
- Start with prayer. Ask God to open your eyes to the unique challenges your neighborhood is facing. Then discover those needs practically. Talk to local government leaders, school administrators and first responders. What do they say the community needs most?
- Connect with local organizations already doing effective work. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Partner with them; serve alongside them. Build relationships with people who care about your community.
- Mobilize your volunteers. Your church may be small, but your impact can be enormous. One team can mow lawns for seniors while another collects school supplies for children in need. Consider building wheelchair ramps, delivering meals to the homeless, hosting a community health fair or serving at a local food bank.
These actions matter. But they’re also doorways.
Every service project is an opportunity for a gospel conversation. A neighbor notices your church showing up. A volunteer shares their faith. A person in crisis experiences the love of Christ through your church’s care. That’s when ServeNC Week becomes a launching pad for kingdom multiplication.
Your church knows your community best. What resources do you have? What are your members passionate about? What needs remain unmet in your schools, neighborhoods and public spaces?
Since 2024, N.C. Baptist churches have united during ServeNC Week to demonstrate that our faith moves us to action. This year, we’re again calling every church — from established congregations to new plants — to serve boldly and visibly.
Sign your church up today at servenc.com. Download free resources and order T-shirts here. Join thousands of N.C. Baptists serving their communities together.
By SendNC Team
