Service and Power in Service (Training Servants

The lecture explains that service is not merely teaching or information, but a life of true love overflowing from a heart filled with God to connect souls to God and work for people’s salvation. The true servant is one who lives a spirit that is transferred from spirit to spirit; not merely giving dry information but giving grace and spiritual life.

Spiritual and educational dimension from a Coptic Orthodox perspective

Service is considered partnership with the Holy Spirit — it is not a purely human act, but God’s work through people using His instruments. The servant is a spiritual intermediary who conveys the living word of God, teaching by example and the traditional Christian Orthodox life (liturgy, psalmody, lives of the saints, doctrine), to hand down the faith practically as the early church handed it down.

Characteristics of the true servant (practical excerpts)

• Deep love for the Kingdom, the people, and God.
• A holy zeal and an inner fire that drives to give.
• A continuously giving nature like a tree or a river or the sun.
• Responsibility and trust regarding the souls entrusted to him.
• Sensitivity to people’s needs and giving without being asked.
• A living example; people look to the servant’s life before his words.

Service as an effective power

Service must be filled with spiritual power — not information without effect. The spiritually strong servant bears fruit: he raises children and youth who grow in faith and establishes strong churches. Power comes from the work of the Holy Spirit; examples from the New Testament (Stephen, Paul, Peter, John the Baptist) show that Spirit-filled service produces wide transformation.

Practical and educational responsibilities

Service is a duty and self-denial: those who taught us must be taught by us; our Lord showed us the way and we must pass it on to others. Service is not limited to Sunday school; it is continuous giving at all times of life. The servant must provide spiritual food in its season, not dry information.

Conclusion

Service is life, love, and dedication — the work of grace in both servant and served together. If we want effective servants, there must be a personal spiritual life, true partnership with the Holy Spirit, and a sense of responsibility and example. Service without power is not service; true service changes hearts and bears fruit for the Kingdom.

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