Service
What is service based off pope shenouda
He defines service as lovingly guiding and caring for others leading them close to God. It is not just task but expression of love in action
Why do we need love when we serve
Without love, the service merely becomes an activity. It is love in the heart that is the service, which does not rest until it delivers every soul to theheart of God.
What is the difference between serving and
teaching ?
Teaching is delivering the information
to the mind of the person in way of
tutoring, but the service is delivering
people to God through a spiritual
person who does not only give
knowledge but gives them spirit as well
as the love of God and His Kingdom.
How can we prepare servants for the service
Syllabus
Educational, Holy scriptures , Doctrinal and ritua, Practice excerizes under supervisio, But most important we must prepare them spiritually so they are filled with the spirit of God
According to Pope Shenouda, what is the true measure of success in spiritual service?
The true measure of success is not popularity or visible results but faithfulness to God's calling and obedience to His will.
How must we prepare our servants to be able to
fully serve ?
The future servants must be prepared
spiritually, ensuring that the Holy Spirit is in the servants. He not only takes the
words from Him, but also power, spirit
and influence and deep love with which
he loves those who served, pressing
forward with all effort to their
salvation.
Why do we need discipline when we serve
We need discipline when we serve so that our work remains orderly, faithful, and focused on God’s will rather than personal feelings or impulsive actions — discipline keeps the servant consistent, humble, and committed even when service is difficult.
Acts 6:7
Ifwe talk about sin and repentance, will it be a talk about God
Sin is not merely corruption and falling away, but it is separation from God, and grumbling before Him. Repentance is not merely correcting the way, but in its true picture it is reconciliation with God and a return to God, and also changing the love of the world to the love of God. It is the call to repentance
Why does Pope Shenouda stress the importance of preparation before beginning service?
Preparation is essential because it readies the servant spiritually and mentally, ensuring they approach their service with the right attitude, focus, and reliance on God's strength rather than their own abilities.
Why does Pope Shenouda caution servants against seeking immediate visible results?
Because spiritual growth often happens gradually and unseen; focusing on instant results can lead to discouragement or misguided efforts.
What is the most important part of serving and why?
The most important thing in service is
God's position in it. He is the reason for
the service. He is the one who calls to
the service, He is the One Who works
in the service. He is the aim and end
result. Without God being involved in
the service there will be many issues
and conflicts arising.
Why does Pope Shenouda emphasize that recognizing our weakness is the starting point of true humility in service?
Answer: Because recognizing our weakness reminds us that we cannot serve effectively by our own strength alone. It shifts our reliance toward God’s power and grace, preventing pride and fostering dependence on divine help, which is essential for genuine, lasting service.
What example does the book provide to show the danger of pride in teaching?
Pope Shenouda points to teachers who focus on their own knowledge or popularity instead of the spiritual growth of their students, warning that pride can distort the purpose of teaching.
What practical steps does Pope Shenouda recommend for preparing oneself to serve effectively?
He recommends prayer, self-examination, and humility, encouraging servants to clear their hearts of pride and selfish motives to be fully open to God's guidance.
How does Pope Shenouda suggest servants evaluate their service effectively?
By examining their own faithfulness, humility, and love in service, rather than relying solely on external outcomes or praise.
How can every person serve according to their gifts
Every person can serve according to
their different gifts. A person can serve
the poor by being merciful to them,
another the sick, a third in solving
people's problems, a fourth in teaching
if permitted by the church, and a fifth
serves by being a good example.
Why is obedience considered a practical demonstration of humility according to Pope Shenouda?
Obedience shows humility because it requires setting aside personal will and submitting to God’s authority and the guidance of spiritual leaders. This submission acknowledges that we are not the source of ultimate wisdom, which keeps the servant’s heart aligned with God’s purpose rather than personal ambition.
How does Pope Shenouda illustrate the role of love in teaching through an example?
He explains that teaching without love is ineffective, likening it to water without life-giving nourishment, and stresses that genuine care and love are essential to transform and build up those being taught.
How does Pope Shenouda describe the servant's mindset during preparation?
The servant should cultivate a heart of obedience, readiness to sacrifice, and a sincere desire to please God rather than seeking human approval
What role does patience play in evaluating successful service according to the book?
Patience is essential as servants must trust God's timing for growth and fruitfulness, understanding that their role is to be faithful, not necessarily to see immediate success.
What are different parts of service
1. Service of love
2. Service of giving to all
3. Service is spiritual nourishment
4. Service is holy zeal
5.service is a bridge between God and people
6. Service is a debt on our half
7. Service is duty
8, service is honest talent and responsibilities
9. Service is being filled and overflowing
10. Service is a spirit and not working formalities
11. Service is a spiritual means for growth
Why does Pope Shenouda insist that all good works in service must be understood as gifts from God?
Because this perspective guards against boasting and self-reliance, ensuring that the servant remains aware that their effectiveness is not due to personal merit but God’s enabling. This keeps service pure and centered on glorifying God, not self-promotion.
What example does Pope Shenouda give to illustrate the importance of patience in teaching others?
He compares teaching to the patience a shepherd shows when guiding young or stubborn sheep, emphasizing that servants must be patient and gentle with those they instruct to help them grow spiritually.
Why is self-examination a critical part of service preparation according to Pope Shenouda?
Self-examination helps identify weaknesses and areas needing growth, allowing the servant to address personal shortcomings before they hinder effective ministry.
How can self-examination help servants maintain a correct perspective on success?
helps servants stay humble, recognize areas for improvement, and keep their focus on serving God sincerely rather than seeking human approval.