Community

1 min

11 Ways to Volunteer at Church (& How to Find the Right Fit For You)

Are you thinking about volunteering but unsure how or where to plug-in? Do you want to meet people with whom you share common interests and values? Have you considered getting involved in your church community? You are a unique individual that can contribute in a way nobody else can. In fact, the Bible puts it this way in Ephesians 2:10, "for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

God calls each of His children to serve so we can share His blessings with others. Before jumping in, it is important to understand that we are not saved by good works but for good works. We are saved by grace through Jesus Christ and then given the privilege to walk in the good works God purposed for each of us.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:8-10, ESV

Not only does serving make a positive impact in the lives of others but it also benefits the volunteers. It paves the way for personal growth, friendship building, fulfillment in using your talents, discovering new interests and achievements in missional goals. A recent article by Angela Thoreson, LICSW, notes that, "by spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect."¹ Whether you want to get involved as an individual, a couple, a family unit, or a friend group, meaningful and rewarding jobs await.

There are many ways both within the church building and out in the community to serve others so take your time checking out the options. This article will assist you in finding a part to play that suits your strengths and unique circumstances by identifying and describing choices most churches offer. To discover ways to help in the church, read on to learn about the types of roles available.

Contents:

8 self-reflective questions to help you find a good fit
11 common church ministry opportunities explained, including requirements and time commitment.
frequently asked questions
suggestions for next steps
works and other websites cited
list of additional articles for spiritual growth

For nearly three decades, we at Grace Capital Church have been helping people to get involved in their congregation and in their surrounding area because we value its impact. Wherever you attend church, we would love to see you take part in serving others. [If you're looking for a church, read: 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Church for You.]

Self-reflective Questions

Take as much time as needed to consider these questions. Your introspection, especially if it is done prayerfully, will play a big role in directing you to a rewarding role.

What are my interests?
What is my availability?
Do I want to try things out before making a commitment?
What is my personality?
Do I prefer working with others or alone?
What are my skills and experiences?
What are my primary areas of giftedness²?
Is there something I’ve never done that I would like to try or learn?

11 Common Ministry Opportunities

1. Teaching/Childcare

Description: Volunteers typically work in pairs. Classrooms are age-appropriately equipped and generally divided, including a room for babies, preschoolers, and school-agers. Curriculum is usually provided and often contains crafts. Many churches have video-based teaching materials.
Time Commitment: Sunday mornings for about 2 hours, with additional preparation time if materials need to be gathered.
Good Candidates: Nurturing. Clear communicator. Good listener.
Requirements: For children’s safety and to help you be prepared and optimally matched, an application, background check, and interview need to be completed. Membership may be required.

2. Craft/Curriculum Support

Description: This is a great fit for anyone interested in crafts and children’s activities without being in the classroom. In this role, you would plan and prepare creative activities that pertain to the lessons. Tasks can include selecting projects, cutting, assembling kits, or shopping for materials.
Time Commitment: This position is very flexible. It can be done onsite or at home, as well as anytime that works for you.
Good Candidates: Creative. Organized.

3. Youth Ministry

Description: Leaders work as a team providing midweek evening youth gatherings. There are middle school and high school groups. A biblical message is presented by a speaker in person or via video, followed by facilitated small group discussion. Worship music and active games round out the evening.
Time Commitment: Weekday evening for about 2 hours, with additional preparation time for those helping with set-up.
Good Candidates: Outgoing. Adventurous. Good listener.
Requirements: For student’s safety and to help you be prepared, an application, background check, and interview need to be completed. Membership may be required.

4. Production Team

Description: Crews assist with sound, video, lighting, online streaming, and other technical elements.
Time Commitment: Midweek practice session for about 2 hours plus Sunday mornings for about 4 hours. Some churches have additional services either on Sundays or another day.
Good Candidates: Technical. Problem solver. Good under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements: Many tasks require prior experience, but newbies can shadow until they are ready to operate the equipment.

5. Music/Worship Team

Description: Band and choir members lead the congregation in giving praise to God through music.
Time Commitment: Midweek practice session for about 2 hours plus Sunday mornings for about 4 hours. Some churches have additional services either on Sundays or another day.
Good Candidates: Expressive. Transparent.
Requirements: Volunteers are selected via auditioning.

6. Hospitality

Description: Team members greet guests and regular attendees, provide refreshments, and make themselves available to answer questions or assist people during services and special events. This volunteer opportunity can be done as an individual, couple, or family.
Time Commitment: Varies. Whether you help out at a church service or a special event, each occasion involves about 2 hours of service.
Good Candidates: Welcoming. Good listener. Intuitive. Helpful. Flexible.

7. Missions

Description: Local and global outreach teams provide a variety of assistance. Some examples include volunteering at food pantries or soup kitchens, delivering meals³, street evangelism, supporting pregnancy centers⁴, collecting Christmas gifts⁵ for children, international mission trips, and helping people secure stable housing⁶. Inquire at your church about what missions they support. Many of these activities can be done as an individual, couple, family, or friend group.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Good Candidates: Compassionate. Adventurous. Generous. Helpful. Flexible.
Requirements: Some roles require an application, background check, and interview.

8. Care Support Team

Description: This team provides support to congregants that are experiencing acutely or chronically life-altering events. It could include circumstances like families grieving a loss, caring for a sick loved one, or having a child. Serving may entail making phone calls, visiting people, providing meals, transporting people to doctor’s appointments or to church, writing letters, praying, shopping, or running errands. It can be done as an individual, couple, family, or friend group.
Time Commitment: Very flexible. It can be done onsite, in the community, or at home, as well as anytime that works for you.
Good Candidates: Compassionate. Good listener. Comforting. Helpful.
Requirements: Some activities may require a vehicle.

9. Discipleship Team

Description: Volunteers provide opportunities for adults to grow in their faith. Members may facilitate a small group Bible study, lead a topical class, or teach adult Sunday school.
Time Commitment: Varies. About 2 hours whether it is a weekday evening or Sunday morning. It could be ongoing or a designated set of weeks (i.e. an 8-week course).
Good Candidates: Clear communicator. Good listener. Intuitive.
Requirements: Membership and/or training may be required.

10. Administration

Description: Aides help with answering phones, typing or data entry, filing, correspondence, making copies, or bookkeeping.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Good Candidates: Organized. Professional. Works well alone.
Requirements: Membership and/or training may be required.

11. Facilities

Description: Assists with cleaning, repairs, event set-up and breakdown, landscaping, or snow removal.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Good Candidates: Handy. Flexible schedule. Strong.
Requirements: Many tasks require prior experience, but training may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I contact to find out about volunteer opportunities at my church?
A great place to start is by reading through what is posted on the church's website or printed on their handouts. If the information is unavailable in these formats, ask a staff member or volunteer greeter.
Can I try out a role without making a long-term commitment?
Probably. It is important to hold off on making a commitment if you are not ready to take on the responsibility. Churches would rather you ask to try something out than give the impression that they can depend on you. It is better for you and the church to take time to identify your best fit. There may be opportunities to shadow volunteers or help with a one-time event or project.
What if I started volunteering and I don't like my specific role?
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t think a job is a good fit. While it may be uncomfortable, in the long run, you and the church will benefit more by exploring other roles for you .
What if I'm interested in a particular ministry but the leader says I cannot volunteer?
Have a conversation with the leader so you can understand the reason you are not being given an opportunity. If you lack experience or knowledge, ask if you can shadow a volunteer or what else they suggest you do to learn the needed skills.
What if my role is too time consuming?
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries that take into account your other responsibilities and basic daily living needs. Oftentimes volunteers feel obligated to do more because there is a need. In reality, there are times it is best to say “no” to some requests. If your role is taking precedence over your family's needs, personal needs (i.e., adequate sleep), or dedicated time spent praying and reading the Bible, this is a good indicator that you are probably volunteering too much.
How can I find other volunteer opportunities in the surrounding community?
A great place to discover statewide opportunities is to type “Volunteer + (your state)" into a search engine like Google or DuckDuckGo. Some states have a database of options including a search box to enter keywords. For example, here is the site for volunteering in New Hampshire⁷.

Next Steps

There is a place for everyone who wants to help. It takes many people to keep a church running smoothly. Churches don't always have a good system to identify and communicate needs, or to find the right people to fill roles. Trying some of these suggested next steps will help you find a place to contribute your unique skills, make a difference in an area for which you have compassion, develop friendships, and provide opportunities for personal growth.

Consider your interests, availability, and skills when checking out opportunities. Give yourself the liberty to express your preferences or limitations.
Observe how volunteer roles are carried out.
Ask your friends or family that volunteer what they like about their experience. Also ask about any challenges they have.
Ask God for wisdom in choosing a ministry.
Take initiative. If there’s something you’re interested in doing, inquire!
If you are interested in brainstorming more, check out this longer list⁸ of possible opportunities.
Don’t assume you are not needed because you haven’t been asked to help.

Works and other Websites Cited

Thoreson, A., LICSW (2023, August 1). Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
Tyndale - Your Spiritual Gifts – How to Identify and Effectively Use Them. – Unfolding Faith Blog
Meals on Wheels America - Meals on Wheels America: Helping Seniors Nationwide
Care Net - About Care Net - A Pro-Abundant Life Ministry
Samaritan's Purse International Relief - Operation Christmas Child | Shoebox Outreach of Samaritan’s Purse
Habitat for Humanity - Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer NH - Home Page - Volunteer NH
Vanderbloemen - The Big List of Church Volunteer Opportunities - Vanderbloemen

Additional Articles for Spiritual Growth

If you live in the Concord, NH area, come check us out. If you already attend Grace Capital Church and want to get involved, sign up here.