If not you, then who?
Move beyond simply consuming church content and start actively contributing to God’s mission in the world. Faith was never meant to stay inside church walls. Jesus calls ordinary people—not just pastors or church leaders—to serve, love, encourage, and point others toward Him in everyday life. While stepping out can feel uncomfortable and inconvenient, the message emphasizes that people are desperately searching for something real, and God wants to use His people to bring hope into a hurting world. The challenge is simple but powerful: if not you, then who?
KEY VERSES:
- Luke 10:1–21
- Matthew 5:16
- Romans 10:14–15
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Intro: The Need for More Workers
- Jesus compares people to a plentiful harvest.
- The issue isn’t the lack of opportunity—it’s the lack of workers.
- Just like an understaffed restaurant or workplace, things suffer when there aren’t enough people helping.
- Main Passage: Luke 10:1–3
- Jesus sends out 72 followers two by two.
- He tells them:
- “The harvest is plentiful.”
- “The workers are few.”
- “Go, I am sending you.”
- We’re Called to More Than Just Consuming
- Church, worship, Bible studies, and sermons are important.
- But Jesus doesn’t only call us to consume—He calls us to contribute.
- Faith isn’t meant to stay inside a building.
- What “Ministry” Really Means
- Ministry isn’t just for pastors.
- Your ministry is wherever God has placed you:
- your workplace
- your family
- your school
- your friendships
- The Fear of Stepping Out
- Many people avoid conversations about faith because they fear rejection or awkwardness.
- The enemy wants people to stay silent.
- But people today are searching for something real and authentic.
- Five Principles of Being a Contributor
- 1. It’s uncomfortable (Luke 10:3)
- Jesus compared it to lambs among wolves.
- Following Jesus publicly can feel intimidating.
- 2. It’s not about convenience (Luke 10:4)
- Ministry interrupts schedules.
- Helping people often requires sacrifice and flexibility.
- 3. It’s personal (Luke 10:5–7)
- Jesus sent them into homes and relationships.
- Real ministry happens through conversations and connection.
- 4. It involves serving and telling (Luke 10:8–9)
- Serve people practically.
- Also point them toward Jesus.
- Truth and compassion work together.
- 5. It’s ultimately about Jesus, not us (Luke 10:17–20)
- The disciples celebrated what God did.
- Jesus reminded them the real joy is found in Him.
- Jesus Was Full of Joy
- Luke 10:21 shows Jesus thrilled by people stepping into their calling.
- God delights in using ordinary people to impact others.
- Main Challenge
- Are you just watching from the sidelines?
- Or are you actively contributing to what God is doing?
TALK ABOUT IT:
- What stood out to you most from Jesus sending out the 72?
- Why do you think many Christians stay in “consumer mode”?
- What fears keep people from talking openly about their faith?
- Which of the five principles of being a contributor challenged you most?
- Where has God already placed you to influence and encourage others?
- How can serving people open doors for deeper spiritual conversations?
- What would it look like for you to “go” this week?
- Who in your life may need to experience the love of Jesus through you?
APPLY IT:
- Pray daily for opportunities to encourage or help someone.
- Start viewing your workplace, school, or community as your ministry field.
- Move beyond simply attending church and look for ways to serve.
- Have intentional conversations with people about faith and life.
- Invite someone to church, a group, or coffee.
- Be willing to step into uncomfortable situations if it helps others experience Jesus.
- Serve people practically while also pointing them toward hope in Christ.
- Ask God to help you become a contributor, not just a consumer.
Josh Daubert is the Associate Pastor of Community at Grace Free Church. He is an Outreach Ministry graduate from Clarks Summit University, and has been a part of our church for a number of years. Josh previously interned for a summer at Grace Free Church, performing a variety of pastoral duties.