Written By: Mick Hannan
College is a season full of growth, exploration, and preparation for the future. For Christian students, it’s also a time to root themselves more deeply in their faith and live out the values of Jesus in tangible ways. One of the most impactful—and often overlooked—ways to do this is through serving others in the local community. In a world that often encourages self-promotion and personal gain, stepping into a posture of humility and service is countercultural—and deeply Christlike.
“Serving is what Jesus did. Jesus said, ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served’ (Matt 20:28). If we are going to follow Jesus we need to do what he did, which means serving others. Serving not only makes an impact in the lives of others, but it is one of the primary ways believers can grow in our own spiritual maturity. For any believer looking to go deeper in their faith, serving will challenge your faith, give you new insight into the heart of Jesus, and provide an overwhelming purpose and joy in life that can be found nowhere else.” (Andrew Dwyer, Engineering ‘26)
Following the Example of Christ
The life of Jesus was marked by radical service. From washing the feet of His disciples to healing the sick and feeding the hungry, He consistently put the needs of others before His own. Matthew 20:28 captures this beautifully: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” If Jesus, the Son of God, made Himself a servant, then as His followers, we are called to do the same.
College can be a busy time—classes, assignments, clubs, sports, social life. But in the midst of all that, choosing to carve out time to serve not only honors God, but reflects the heart of Jesus to those around you. It reminds the world that Christianity isn’t just about belief—it’s about action.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
The lessons learned in a classroom are vital, but the ones learned in a soup kitchen, at an after-school program, or helping a neighbor move carry a different kind of weight. When Christian students serve their communities, they put their faith into practice in a hands-on way. It’s a living expression of love, humility, and sacrifice.
Service also builds bridges between the college campus and the local community. It shows that the Christian faith isn’t confined to chapel services and Bible studies, but is active, outward-facing, and deeply compassionate. These relationships not only bless the people being served—they also provide students with a broader understanding of the world and a deeper sense of purpose.
Growth Through Challenge
Serving others is not always convenient or comfortable. It often requires sacrifice—of time, energy, and sometimes even pride. But it is precisely in these challenging moments that growth happens.
When we serve, we are forced to rely on God more fully. We are stretched beyond our comfort zones and confronted with the brokenness of the world—and our own hearts. And in that space, something beautiful happens. Our faith deepens. Our character is refined. We begin to see others through God’s eyes.
As the quote above says, “serving will challenge your faith, give you new insight into the heart of Jesus, and provide an overwhelming purpose and joy in life that can be found nowhere else.” In a culture that tells us to focus on ourselves, serving teaches us the joy of focusing on others.
A Lifestyle, Not Just an Activity
For Christians, serving should not be seen as just another thing to add to a résumé or checklist. It’s a way of life. Whether it’s tutoring kids in a local school, visiting nursing homes, helping with disaster relief, or simply being present for someone going through a hard time, every act of service is an opportunity to reflect Christ.
And when service becomes a habit, it shapes who we are becoming. It anchors our faith in action and keeps our eyes fixed on Jesus, who “did not come to be served, but to serve.”
Conclusion
If you’re a Northwestern student wondering how to grow in your faith, discover your purpose, and make a difference—start by serving. Not only will you bless others, but you’ll also experience personal and spiritual transformation in the process. Because when we serve like Jesus, we don’t just change the world—we let God change us too.
