Church volunteers are essential in many aspects of the local church, ranging from visitors’ initial impressions of the church to trying to unite others (new people) with the church. Volunteers are the connection to the local community. The staff and elders cannot do it all. Most churches that are growing and making an impact have wonderful volunteers.

The church, more specifically, the leadership, can be the tool that sparks volunteers to flourish and grow both spiritually and in their involvement.

I have found several ways leadership can motivate volunteers:

  • Ask; if there is a need, make it known. Many people want to help but don’t know where to get started, especially newer members. If the church is large enough, they could have an “Involvement Coordinator” (also a volunteer). This is the person everyone knows to go to if they want to step up. Make the need known in the bulletin or online.
  • Match the right person for the position. Every Christian has a spiritual gift to edify their local body. “Each of you should use whatever gift you received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” I Peter 4:10 (NIV) 
  • Don’t overuse the volunteer. Rotate them so they can participate in the worship services. Otherwise, you will burn them out.
  • Acknowledge the volunteer. Most volunteers shouldn’t do it for the praise of men, however, everyone likes to feel appreciated. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Matt 6:32 (NIV) I am not saying fawn all over the person. Perhaps an annual event like a dinner or picnic that brings all the volunteers together will suffice. Many volunteers cannot attend services or interact with others during the morning service due to their responsibilities.
  • Give the volunteer a name badge so others (new people) know whom to ask for information. Another thing this badge does is promote a sense of connection with the church. Volunteers wear their badges with pride, the good kind of pride. It is one way a volunteer can make it known they love their church.
  • If a church has a faithful volunteer, who also gives financially, this person may be one of your next deacons or elders. Elders teach others to do good works.

Churches, which comprise of people, should encourage participation and treat them with respect and gratitude.

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them,…” Matt 7:12 (NKJV)