Romans 12: 5-9
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
―
Serving is part of who we are as followers of Jesus. But serving must flow from belonging — belonging to Christ, belonging to community, and belonging to practices that renew us. Whether you’re new or already a covenant member, here’s how we invite you into a healthy, life-giving rhythm of service.
For Newcomers: Belong Before You Serve
If you’re new and still sorting out what you might believe, we welcome you and we’re so glad that you’re here. If our church is feeling like a good place for you, you might be wanting to get more involved and to help in some way. But before we ask anything from you though, we want to know what we can do for you. How can we help you learn more about Jesus and what it means to have faith in him? We believe that this is the first and most important thing for you. Of course if you would still like to help out and get involved, here are some ways you can volunteer while you’re sorting out some big questions.
Volunteer Opportunities
-
Description: Help prepare the church space for Sunday worship by setting up chairs, backdrop, blinds, welcome/information table, and snack tables. Assist with teardown after service.
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation: Able to lift and move light to medium weight items. Brief orientation provided by ministry leaders.
Time Commitment: on scheduled Sundays, arrive by 9am for setup and stay after service for teardown (for about 30 minutes).
Length of Term: 1 year (with option to renew)
Roles Filled: 0/4
Supervised by: Sunday Operations
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
-
Description: create and operate slides for song lyrics, scripture, and announcements during service
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation: Prepare PPT slides for Sundays.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours to prepare PPT, and 2-3 hours on Sunday for setup and service.
Length of Term: 1 year (with option to renew)
Roles Filled: 0/2
Supervised by: Praise Team Leader
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
-
Description: Set-up/tear-down baby room
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation: N/A
Time Commitment: 15 minutes prior to Sunday service
Length of Term: 1 year (with option to renew)
Roles Filled: Varies based on rotation
Supervised by: New Parents Ministry Leaders
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
-
Description: Support the Manna Ministry by organizing one assigned event: planning, serving/ cleaning, and delegating tasks.
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation: Team-oriented, organized, and comfortable coordinating tasks. Light training and event guidance provided by ministry leader.
Time Commitment: 1.5 - 2.5 hours during the event, plus prep time
Length of Term: 1 year (with option to renew)
Roles Filled: 0/4
Supervised by: Manna Ministry Leader
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
-
Description: Assist Broken Buns teachers during small group time, help set up and clean up classrooms, and arrive early to welcome children. No lesson prep required.
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation:
Complete a Vulnerable Sector Check
Enjoy working with children, reliable, and able to follow teacher direction.
Brief orientation provided by Children’s Pastor.
Time Commitment: Serve during scheduled Broken Buns Sundays; arrive early to welcome children and stay after for clean-up.
Length of Term:
1 year (with option to renew)Roles Filled: 0/3
Supervised by: Broken Buns Pastor
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
For Covenant Members (Partners): Belong As You Serve
Serving is an inseparable part of being a Christian. The bible says, “Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).” For any follower of Christ, serving is simply a part of their life. While serving is a privilege and a blessing, it also comes with challenges and pitfalls. There can be status-seeking, works-righteousness, feeling a lack of purpose, serving alone, serving too much, serving one’s own agenda… all of which can lead to burnout, conflict, and even resentment. The church needs people to serve but serve in a healthy way. With this in mind, our belief is that we’re called to Belong As We Serve. This means maintaining three important connections.
Connected to Christ
Knowing Jesus gives us motivation to serve. We give because he gave himself for us. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is indispensable for serving well. Without a growing relationship with Jesus, we will either under-serve because we lack motivation or we will over-serve as we try to save ourselves through our efforts. A deepening sense of our security in Christ saves us from these extremes.
Connected to a Small Group
We can’t serve well apart from meaningful relationships. Belonging to a small group where your presence is expected and appreciated is vital to spiritual health. Small groups is a reminder that we’re part of the family and household of God. This nourishes us as we serve.
Connected to a Renewal Ministry
It was Jesus’ practice to spend time alone with God before he ministered. He drew strength, purpose, and deeper care for others in those quiet moments. Whether it comes in the form of personal devotion time, church prayer meetings, and retreats, please stay connected with these life-giving ministries.
Belong As You Serve means that our service is an overflow of the belonging we have and feel with God and others.
Ministry-Serving Opportunities
-
Description: Setting the menu, buying groceries and leading the volunteers in the cooking duties
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation:
Covenant Member in good standing
Basic meal-planning and cooking skills
Ability to guide volunteers
Orientation provided by YSM Ministry Leaders
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours for planning and grocery shopping, plus 3-4 hours on the day of the event
Length of Term: 1 year (with option to renew)
Roles Filled: 0/1
Supervised by: YSM Ministry Leaders
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
-
Description: Provide administrative support for our Yonge Street Mission ministry by making announcements, coordinating volunteers, and writing communications to ensure each event is fully staffed and organized.
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation:
Covenant Member in good standing
Organized, clear communicator, comfortable coordinating people and logistics.
Orientation provided by YSM Ministry Leaders
Time Commitment: Approximately 30 minutes mid-week prior to each event for volunteer coordination and logistics, plus 3–4 hours on the day of the event.
Length of Term: 1 year (with option to renew)
Roles Filled: 0/1
Supervised by: YSM Ministry Leaders
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
-
Description: Serve as a substitute teacher for Broken Buns classes, filling in when regular teachers are absent. Lead the lesson, guide activities, and care for the children assigned to your class.
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation:
Covenant Member in good standing
Complete a Vulnerable Sector Check
Enjoy working with children, able to lead a class, and follow ministry’s curriculum
Training from Broken Buns Pastor
Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours of lesson prep prior to your scheduled substitute Sunday, plus early arrival and service time on Sunday morning.
Length of Term: 1 year (with option to renew)
Roles Filled: As needed (substitute pool)
Supervised by: Broken Buns Pastor
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
-
Description: Lead a short devotional for the New Parents Ministry, sharing a 5–10 minute reflection to encourage and support parents in their faith.
Qualifications, Training, and Preparation:
Covenant Member in good standing
Comfortable speaking to small groups
Able to prepare a brief Christ-centred devotional
Guidance provided by ministry leaders as needed
Time Commitment: Prep time for each devotional plus participation during scheduled New Parents gatherings.
Length of Term: n/a
Roles Filled: Varies based on rotation
Supervised by: New Parents Ministry Leaders
Sign-up: Email serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com
Whether you’re new or a covenant member, we want serving to be meaningful, sustainable, and rooted in belonging. If you are interested in volunteering/ministry-serving opportunities, have any questions, or need any help, please reach us at serving@brokenbreadtoronto.com.