Most Sundays, like most churches, New Life Bible Fellowship gathers to sing, pray, and hear the Word of God preached. This is a beautiful, biblical rhythm (Acts 2:42). But what if, on occasion, the most faithful way to worship is not inside the walls of the church but outside, serving our community? Once a year we gather to Love Tucson. Before we worship, pray, and hear God’s Word together, we serve at a partner school.

Love Tucson is one of my favorite Sundays of the year.

Worship that moves beyond words

When we think of worship, we often think of music. But worship is much bigger than singing. Paul calls us to a lifestyle of worship, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom. 12:1). Paul reminds us that worship is not just about what we say or sing—it’s about how we live. Serving others is an act of worship because it reflects God’s heart and fulfills His command to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31).

Jesus modeled service as worship

When Jesus gathered his disciples in the upper room before his crucifixion, he washed their feet (Jn. 13:12-15). He them encouraged them to do likewise, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (Jn. 13:15). When the church serves together, we reflect the humility and mission of Jesus.

One of the things I love about Love Tucson is the way our body rises up in leadership. Greg (my co-lead pastor) and I are just two among the community. It’s a healthy thing to have leaders follow and followers lead. A reminder that Christ’s kingdom is inverted.

A Sunday of service can inspire a lifestyle of service

One of the greatest benefits of a service Sunday is that it can spark a culture of ongoing outreach. When people experience the joy of serving, they are more likely to integrate it into their daily lives.

So, should we abandon Sunday worship altogether? Of course not. But setting aside an occasional Sunday to serve can deepen our understanding of what true worship looks like. It reminds us that worship doesn’t end when the music stops—it continues through the way we love, serve, and give.

Our call to serve goes far beyond one Sunday a year, but it is a gift to be drawn together to demonstrate Christ’s love to our neighbors.

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Photo by ray sangga kusuma on Unsplash