His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that the true service we need is a powerful service: a service that has effectiveness and a clear spiritual impact, not merely activity without effect.

Source of power

The power is not physical strength but the power of the Spirit: the power of the word, the power of prayer, and the power of personality and endurance which the Holy Spirit grants the servant.

Biblical and historical examples

Examples of powerful service were given by His Holiness: Stephen who spoke to the councils and many entered the faith, Peter who brought three thousand on Pentecost, Paul who served with power in prisons and among the nations, and John the Baptist who prepared the people with love and repentance.

Traits of the strong servant

The strong servant is distinguished by love for God and people, by the effect of his word on hearts, by the ability to endure and persevere, and by a strong intellectual and spiritual personality in organization and implementation.

Results of powerful service

A service with power shows fruits: growth of the church, people’s response, spread of the word, and practical results in mission, teaching, and preaching.

Warning against weak service

Service that lacks power remains without impact or influence; it is not enough to have many servants if they do not possess the power of the Spirit and sufficiency in word and action.

Call to action

We urge every servant to ask God for the power of the Spirit, and to work on strengthening his word, his prayers, and his spiritual personality to be an effective and influential servant.

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