So p ho mo re Th eo lo g y
Serv ice Pro j ect Ref lect io n Pa p er
Socrates asserted (Plato’s Apology): “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Something similar can be said about service. Service without reflection is often
less meaningful and less useful than service accompanied by reflection. In order to
provide an opportunity for reflection, every service project must include a service
project reflection paper. This paper, if handwritten, must be at least two pages in
length. As for specific content, please consider, and then discuss, the following
three points:
1.
Please give a detailed description of your service (i.e. location and type of service, hours worked,
people involved, etc.).
2.
Explain how the service called you to follow the example of Jesus. In other words, please mention
something specific from the life of Our Lord and relate it to your service. Identify a specific
saying or deed of Jesus. If you can cite chapter and verse from the New Testament, so much the
better.
 Note: If you are not very familiar with the life of Christ, page through the four Gospels.
Please do not tell me that Jesus was nice to everyone and helped people whenever He could.
Be Bible specific!
3.
Consider and discuss how Matthew 25:31-46 applies to your service. What is the key point Jesus
makes?
 Note: While I do not want you to copy down verse after verse of Matthew’s Gospel into your
reflection paper, I do want you to show me that you read and pondered the passage in
question.
Your essay will constitute fifty percent of your service project grade. The other fifty percent will be
determined by your service work (which must be documented on your verification forms).
I will be lovingly critical in grading your reflection paper. Of course, I reserve the right to return a poor
essay and insist that it be redone. Do a good job, and be sure to proofread your work!
Helpful Hints to Consider When Writing Your Paper
 Make sure you: read and understand Matthew 25:31-46, double space your typing, check your
spelling, grammar, and punctuation, cite the source of any quotations.
 Avoid the following: run-on sentences, contractions, second person pronouns (you), ending your
sentence with a preposition.
 Proofread…then proofread, again!
Important Dates
 November 4, 2010: Service project proposal(s) must be submitted and approved by
this date.
 April 15, 2011: Your service project (reflection paper and verification forms) is due.