4 Ways Disciples of Christ Can Serve Those in Need

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By Aimee Cobabe, Church News

As disciples of Jesus Christ, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to follow His example of serving others with love and purpose. 

In the Church’s Caring for Those in Need 2025 report, President Dallin H. Oaks and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson, wrote that the Church seeks to follow Jesus Christ “by ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry and comforting the afflicted.” 

“Every meal shared, every shelter built, every kindness offered becomes part of the Lord’s work,” they wrote. “As we serve others, we are truly serving Him. In this way, each of us is answering His call to be a light to the world and to follow the Savior’s pattern of loving our neighbor.” 

They also testified that Jesus Christ is “at the center of this great work” of serving those in need. 

“May God bless you abundantly for your goodness, and may you feel His love as you continue to love and care for His children.” 

In 2025, members of the Church volunteered in 3,514 humanitarian projects and spent 7.4 million hours volunteering throughout the year. 

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4 Simple Steps Inspired by Christ’s Ministry 

The 2025 Caring Report outlines ways disciples of Jesus Christ can follow His example in efforts to serve. 

1. See as He Saw 

“Look for those who are lonely, hungry, or burdened — just as Jesus noticed the one in need. Pray for eyes to see and a heart to act” (see Luke 10:33; 3 Nephi 17:7). 

2. Love as He Loved 

“Build relationships rooted in compassion. The Savior listened, taught, and walked with people. Start by listening and showing genuine care” (see John 13:34; Mosiah 18:9). 

3. Act as He Acted 

“Plan and serve with intention. Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, and comforted the sorrowful. Begin with simple acts that meet immediate needs and help others progress toward independence and hope” (see Matthew 14:19–20; Mark 1:41). 

4. Invite as He Invited 

“Share your experiences and invite others to serve. The Savior taught His disciples to go and do likewise. Your example can inspire more love and service” (see Matthew 5:16; John 13:14–15). 

Ways to Get Involved 

Many of the volunteer efforts by members of the Church — and friends of the Church — are accomplished through local JustServe projects. The JustServe platform is a free website and app where community organizations list their service needs and where volunteers can find service opportunities around them. 

After helping neighbors with yard work in September 2025 as part of a JustServe project, Perri Matthews in the Eager Arizona Stake said he “had a rewarding experience assisting others” and contributing “to the happiness of others.” 

Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, said anyone wanting to get involved should look for opportunities on JustServe within one’s own community. 

“Start with those that are closest to you, and look for ways to bless them,” he said. 

The 2025 Caring Report also lists dozens of ways to serve others. The list includes: 

• Participate in a type of community service that is new to you. 
• Volunteer through JustServe.org to find local opportunities to serve in your community. 
• Offer to help a child with their homework. 
• Check in on a mother you know and ask her how she is doing. 
• Build an emergency preparedness plan for your family and neighborhood. 
• Collaborate with local leaders to organize local cleanup days. 
• Volunteer to make hygiene kits for those in need. 
• Donate bedding and other essential items to a local shelter. 
• Help a neighbor with home repairs. 
• Send job leads or networking opportunities to someone looking for employment. 
• Donate items to your local Deseret Industries store (or another thrift store near you). 
• Educate others about energy consumption and energy access. 
• Use energy-efficient appliances and smart HVAC systems to reduce demand on the grid. 
• Make a meal for someone in your neighborhood. 
• Donate needed items to your local food bank. 
• Plant a garden and share its produce with others. 
• Offer to drive someone to their medical appointments. 
• Enroll in a self-reliance course at Self-Reliance.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. 
• Take the Finding Strength in the Lord: Emotional Resilience course and share what you learn. 
• Support someone with their mental and emotional challenges by listening, encouraging, and sharing helpful resources. 
• Collect supplies and donate them to a local classroom. 
• Volunteer to help someone practice a skill. 
• Reduce water waste and teach others about water conservation. 
• Organize a school supply drive or vocational training event in your area. 
• Donate soap or shampoo to a local shelter. 
• Offer to give someone a ride to a medical appointment. 
• Donate to organizations that provide health care supplies, educational tools, or job training for vulnerable communities. 
• Mentor displaced people in your area to help them acclimate to their new environment and feel loved. 

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