How Can I Help My Congregation?

Being a part of a congregation is like being a member of a family. We are all "mishpocha" (family) - and, like all families, we need to support one another in both good times and bad times. Yet, congregations have a special calling - a calling not only to reach the lost, but to also teach and educate those who come and join the family. But, it takes involvement and participation from everyone.

Here are some following ways that you can help your congregation:

1. Prayer:

2. “Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to G-D” – Philippians 4:6

3. Pray for the Congregation

4. Pray for each other

5. Pray for the leadership

6. Pray for the community

7. Pray for yourself

8. Pray for Rabbi and his family

9. Pray Individually – Daily

10. Pray Corporately – Congregational

11. Service:

12. “ For G-D is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love that you showed for His name, in having served and continuing to serve the holy ones” – Hebrews 6:10

13. Know your gift(s) and utilize it/them

14. Know your fellow members (talk, call, or visit)

15. Know your limits

16. Know yourself (attitude)

17. Learning:

18. “They were devoting themselves to the teaching of the emissaries and to fellowship, to breaking bread and to prayers” – Acts 2:42

19. Participate in Shabbat services

20. Participate in Bible Study

21. Participate in Weekly Prayer Services

22. Participate in Discipleship Studies

23. Participate in weekly Torah Portions

24. Giving:

25. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one give as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion—for Adonai loves a cheerful giver” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

26. Give cheerfully

27. Give freely of your tithes and offerings

28. Give without thought of reward

29. Give systematically (first-fruits)

30. Give according to your abilities

31. Give according to what Adonai has entrusted to you

32. Do not give of what you can spare

33. Do not give out of compulsion

34. Witnessing:

35. “But you will receive power when the Ruach ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit) has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and through all Judah, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” – Acts 1:8

36. Be filled with the Holy Spirit

37. Be responsible with the Gospel

38. Be loving towards others (no matter who they are)

39. Be hospitable towards others (especially our own)

40. Be flexible (all is not according to plan; especially ministry)

41. Be aware that G-D is watching you

42. Be aware that others are watching you

43. Be aware that others look to you as a standard

44. Be aware of your faults and bad attitudes (do not murmur)

45. Be aware of your inclinations or tendencies

46. Be aware that G-D may be testing you

47. Be humble in all that you do

48. Be forgiving to others (especially our own)

49. Worship:

50. “I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of G-D, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to G-D—which is your spiritual service” – Romans 12:1

51. Be faithful to your G-d

52. Be faithful to your Congregation

53. Be faithful to your leadership

54. Be a light in your Congregation (volunteer your services)

55. Be a light to the youth of the Congregation (be good examples)

56. Be a light to the elders of the Congregation (respect our elders)

57. Be a light to your community

58. Be a light to your family

Being a part of congregation is a great responsibility, and as well as a great joy. It's important that we all do our part to encourage one another and support one another. May Adonai bless you and keep you.

Shalom