Volunteering in the Church: 28 Ways to Get Started & How to Find Opportunities

For those who volunteer at church, the experience often transcends mere charitable work; it is a profound response to a spiritual calling. Rooted in the teachings of Christ and modeled by the saints, particularly Saint Francis of Assisi, this calling invites parishioners to serve not only with their hands but with their hearts and souls.

Through volunteering, individuals often find a path to greater spiritual fulfillment and new dimensions of faith and purpose. The parish, in turn, thrives on the generosity and commitment of its volunteers, who bring the love of Christ into ministries both within the church walls and beyond. In this way, church volunteering becomes a reciprocal act of grace — a way for individuals to live out their faith and for the church to continue its mission of service, love, and unity.

This article provides an overview of the various ways you can volunteer within your church to deepen your spiritual journey.

What St. Francis of Assisi Tells Us About Volunteering

The Benefits of Volunteering in the Church

Finding the Right Church Volunteering Opportunity

28 Ways to Volunteer in Your Church

How the Church Benefits from Volunteers

How to Build a Volunteer Base

What St. Francis of Assisi Tells Us About Volunteering

St. Francis of Assisi’s life offers an enduring model of service, rooted in humility, selflessness, and an abiding love for all of God’s creations. His approach to service was grounded in the belief that true joy and fulfillment come from giving without expecting anything in return. He encouraged his followers to adopt a similar perspective, saying “Blessed is that brother who would love his brother as much when he is ill and not able to assist him as he loves him when he is well and able to assist him.”

St. Francis embodied this in his own life by renouncing his wealth and choosing a life of poverty, so that he might serve others more fully and live in solidarity with the poor and marginalized. He saw each act of kindness and charity as a reflection of Christ’s love, best expressed through simple, humble service. In this way, Francis demonstrated that volunteering — whether within the church or beyond its walls — is not merely an activity, but a way of life that can draw the faithful closer to God by loving their neighbors as themselves.

Francis understood that in serving others, especially those who are suffering, parishioners meet Christ himself. This perspective on service exemplifies Franciscan values: by giving of oneself freely, one receives a profound gift in return — spiritual joy and a deeper connection to God. This ethos is reflected in the Prayer of St. Francis, which states that “it is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis’s words and actions continue to inspire those who volunteer in the church today, reminding them that every selfless act is but another step on the path to holiness and a testament to God’s enduring love.

The Benefits of Volunteering in the Church

Volunteering in the church provides parishioners with more than just a way to give back; it also offers numerous personal benefits that foster spiritual growth and deepen their connection to their faith:

• Spiritual Growth: Volunteering is an invaluable opportunity for parishioners to deepen their spiritual lives, aligning their actions with their faith in a tangible way. Through service, individuals embody the love of Christ by caring for others, enriching both their lives and those around them. This practice of self-giving reflects St. Francis’ teachings on humility and love, as he urged his followers to seek out ways to serve without the expectation of reward. In giving their time and talents, volunteers often feel spiritually enriched, often experiencing a profound sense of purpose and growing closer to God in the process.
• Building Fellowship: Volunteering fosters a strong sense of community and belonging within the church. As parishioners work together on common projects — whether in outreach programs, liturgical ministries, or parish events — they form bonds of fellowship and mutual support. These relationships become sources of encouragement and inspiration, reinforcing the idea that the church is a family, united in faith and love. Through community service, church volunteers can embrace the Franciscan spirit of harmony, nurturing a spirit of unity and cooperation.
• Living Out Franciscan Teachings: Through volunteering, individuals have a unique opportunity to live out St. Francis’ ideals of charity and humility. His belief that “we must be servants and subject to every human creature for God’s sake” becomes a guiding principle for volunteers. By helping others — even those who cannot repay — volunteers embody Francis’ call to love without expectation and recognize the inherent dignity of every person.
• Making a Meaningful Impact: Beyond the personal benefits of spiritual growth, volunteering also provides parishioners with a way to make a meaningful impact within their wider community. Church-based service projects enable them to address real societal needs, from caring for the sick and feeding the hungry to educating children and comforting the lonely. By working alongside fellow churchgoers, individuals witness firsthand how collective efforts render positive change, deepening their sense of social responsibility. In this way, volunteering becomes a ministry of presence, embodying the Franciscan tradition of serving all creation with compassion and reverence.

Finding the Right Church Volunteering Opportunity

When deciding where to volunteer at church, it can be helpful to consider where your unique gifts and passions intersect with the needs of the community. By thoughtfully reflecting on your personal strengths and the type of service that resonates most with you, you can find a volunteering opportunity that not only fulfills you spiritually but has a meaningful impact on others.

These questions can help guide your decision:

• What are you passionate about? What roles or opportunities align with your inherent gifts? Whether you are inspired by music, energized by working with youth, or are drawn to hospitality, reflect on the areas of ministry or outreach that align with your interests, as these roles will enable you to serve joyfully and wholeheartedly. St. Francis often spoke of finding joy in service, so choosing a role that excites you can also become a path to personal fulfillment.
• Do you have professional experience or specialized skills that could be beneficial in a ministry or service role? Experience in fields such as education, counseling, or administration can be invaluable to ministries in need of particular expertise. By matching your skills to areas of need, you can make a substantial contribution to your church’s work, helping ministries run smoothly and effectively.
• How much time can you realistically commit? It is important to be realistic about the amount of time you can commit as a church volunteer. Some roles may require a consistent presence, while others may offer more flexibility, so consider whether a weekly, monthly, or occasional volunteer role best suits your schedule. Volunteering should be a meaningful, life-giving experience, not a source of stress or obligation. Assessing your availability beforehand can ensure that you commit to a role that integrates well with your other responsibilities, enabling you to serve consistently and sustainably.
• Do you prefer direct engagement, or are you more comfortable in behind-the-scenes roles? If you are extroverted, you may be well-suited for public-facing roles, such as working with parishioners in need or leading group activities. If, however, you are introverted, roles that allow for quiet, focused work — such as organizing events or managing digital communications — may be more appropriate. Understanding your personal work style will help you find a volunteer position that is comfortable and enjoyable, creating an environment where you are able to give of yourself more fully.
• What are the areas of greatest need in your parish or local community, and how can you meet those needs? Is there a ministry that is struggling to find volunteers or an area where resources are especially limited? Perhaps your parish has an active food pantry in need of support or a youth ministry that could benefit from additional leaders. By asking about and observing the areas of greatest need, you can discern how your unique gifts can best serve your community.

28 Ways to Volunteer in Your Church

There is no shortage of ways to get involved in and give back to your church, and each role offers a chance to serve, connect with others, and enrich your faith. Whether you are interested in ongoing roles or occasional projects, the church volunteer opportunities below can help you make a meaningful impact and support your community in a way that aligns with your gifts and availability.

Church Board

Members of the church board or council are responsible for overseeing the church’s operations and supporting its mission. This role includes making decisions on financial, administrative, and strategic matters. Board members often work closely with church leadership to set goals, approve budgets, and manage church resources effectively.

• Necessary Skills: Strong leadership abilities, financial literacy, strategic planning skills, familiarity with the church’s mission and values, good communication skills, ability to collaborate effectively.
• Time Commitment: Typically, board members attend monthly meetings, with additional time for preparation and follow-up work. This role may require a commitment of several hours a month, with some additional time during major events, budget planning, or annual reviews.

Worship Team

The worship team, often consisting of musicians, vocalists, and lay ministers, is responsible for leading the congregation in song during services. Their role is to create meaningful worship experiences that invite parishioners to connect with God through music. This team may also assist in planning worship sets, rehearsing songs, and coordinating with other liturgical teams.

• Necessary Skills: Musical talent; strong sense of timing, rhythm, and harmony; familiarity with worship songs.
• Time Commitment: Worship team members typically attend weekly rehearsals, as well as participate in Sunday services. Time commitments may vary depending on rehearsal schedules and the number of services, but average at a few hours per week.

Discipleship Team

The discipleship team focuses on helping parishioners grow in their faith and deepen their understanding of Christ’s teachings. This may involve leading Bible studies, small groups, or other spiritual formation programs. Members may also mentor others in their faith journey, provide resources for personal growth, and help develop curricula.

• Necessary Skills: Strong knowledge of the Bible, ability to facilitate discussions and foster an open, supportive environment, compassionate, patient attitude; prior teaching experience is a plus.
• Time Commitment: This role requires a commitment of a few hours per week, including time for group meetings, preparation, and follow up. Leaders of more intensive programs may spend more time depending on the needs of their groups and the scope of the curriculum.

Sunday School/Child Care

Sunday school teachers and childcare volunteers provide a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn about their faith. This role includes planning age-appropriate lessons, teaching Bible stories, and organizing activities for children during church services. Volunteers may work with children of various age groups, from toddlers to teens.

• Necessary Skills: Basic understanding of child development and safety protocols, good communication skills, patience, creativity, ability to create a welcoming, engaging classroom environment; prior teaching experience is a plus.
• Time Commitment: Sunday school teachers and childcare volunteers often serve during one or more services on Sundays, but may require additional time for planning and preparation.

Tech Support

The tech support team is responsible for managing the audio-visual needs of church services, including sound, lighting, and video. Volunteers in this role set up equipment, ensuring that microphones, projectors, and other tech function properly and may assist with live streaming or recording services for those attending online.

• Necessary Skills: Technical expertise in operating audio-visual equipment, basic tech troubleshooting skills, familiarity with software and live streaming services, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, ability to work well under pressure.
• Time Commitment: Tech support team members typically dedicate a few hours per week, with additional time required for equipment setup and takedown before and after services. Office Administration Office administration volunteers assist with a variety of administrative tasks, such as managing the church’s database, answering phones, sorting mail, or preparing bulletins. The purpose of this role is to ensure the church office runs smoothly, supporting both church staff and the parish community.

Office Administration

Office administration volunteers assist with a variety of administrative tasks, such as managing the church’s database, answering phones, sorting mail, or preparing bulletins. The purpose of this role is to ensure the church office runs smoothly, supporting both church staff and the parish community.

• Necessary Skills: Good organizational skills, attention to detail, basic computer proficiency, ability to collaborate effectively, customer service skills.
• Time Commitment: Time commitments for this role can be flexible, with most administrative volunteers serving during regular office hours on weekdays. Depending on the specific tasks and the church’s needs, this role may require a commitment of a few hours per week.

Mission Leader

Mission leaders coordinate and lead outreach programs that bring the church’s message beyond its walls. This might include organizing local community service projects, participating in global missions, or planning events that address social issues. Mission leaders inspire others to engage in the church’s mission-based work, often developing long-term strategies for community impact.

• Necessary Skills: Leadership abilities, organizational skills, cultural sensitivity, ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, strong understanding of the church’s mission and values; prior project management, event planning, or volunteer coordinating experience is a plus.
• Time Commitment: This role can vary significantly depending on the nature of the mission projects. Planning and leading mission trips or large-scale events may require several hours per week during the preparation phase and more intense involvement during the events themselves. This role may also include regular meetings with other ministry leaders. Pastoral Care Assistant Pastoral care assistants support the clergy by providing spiritual care to parishioners in need. This may include visiting the sick or homebound, offering prayers, providing comfort to those who are grieving, and assisting with sacraments. They may also facilitate support groups and serve as a compassionate presence within the church community.

Pastoral Care Assistant

Pastoral care assistants support the clergy by providing spiritual care to parishioners in need. This may include visiting the sick or homebound, offering prayers, providing comfort to those who are grieving, and assisting with sacraments. They may also facilitate support groups and serve as a compassionate presence within the church community.

• Necessary Skills: Empathy, nonjudgmental attitude, active listening, ability to maintain confidentiality and show sensitivity to others’ needs; prior counseling or pastoral care experience is a plus.
• Time Commitment: Pastoral care assistants may commit anywhere from a few to several hours per week, depending on how many people they visit or support. Flexibility and availability to respond to emergencies or urgent needs are helpful.

Communion Ministry

Communion ministers, often referred to as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, assist the priest in distributing the Eucharist during Mass. They may also bring Communion to the sick or homebound. This ministry is essential to extending the sacrament to those who may not otherwise be able to attend Mass.

• Necessary Skills: Reverence for the sacrament, deep commitment to the Eucharist, reliability, punctuality, ability to maintain a respectful and prayerful demeanor.
• Time Commitment: Communion ministers serve during Mass, so their commitment is usually tied to the liturgical schedule; however, bringing communion to the homebound or conducting hospital visits may require additional time.

Stewardship Director

The stewardship director promotes a culture of generosity within the parish, encouraging parishioners to contribute their time, talents, and resources to the church. Stewardship directors coordinate fundraising events, educate parishioners on stewardship, and manage campaigns to support the church’s financial and volunteer needs.

• Necessary Skills: Strong communication skills, organizational skills, financial literacy, ability to multitask, ability to develop effective fundraising strategies; familiarity with nonprofit or church fundraising practices is a plus.
• Time Commitment: This role typically requires a few hours per week, with more intensive periods during fundraising events or campaigns. Stewardship directors may also spend time with church leadership to set goals and develop strategies for ongoing initiatives.

Disaster Response Coordinator

The disaster response coordinator leads the church’s efforts to assist the greater community during emergencies, such as natural disasters or local crises. Disaster response coordinators ensure the church is prepared to offer aid when needed; as such, this role involves organizing volunteers, coordinating with local relief agencies, and mobilizing resources expediently.

• Necessary Skills: Strong leadership abilities, organizational skills, crisis management skills, ability to work well under pressure, strong communication skills, ability to manage logistics and deploy resources effectively; familiarity with emergency response protocols is a plus.
• Time Commitment: The time commitment for a disaster response coordinator varies based on the frequency and severity of emergencies. During a crisis, the role may demand intense, full-time involvement for a short period of time. In between crises, the coordinator may spend time on preparedness activities, which could require several hours per month. ASL Interpreter ASL interpreters facilitate communication between the church and parishioners who are deaf or hard of hearing by interpreting sermons, prayers, and other church activities into American Sign Language. This ensures that the church remains a welcoming and inclusive environment, and that all parishioners can fully participate in services and events.

ASL Interpreter

ASL interpreters facilitate communication between the church and parishioners who are deaf or hard of hearing by interpreting sermons, prayers, and other church activities into American Sign Language. This ensures that the church remains a welcoming and inclusive environment, and that all parishioners can fully participate in services and events.

Special Event and Holiday Volunteers

Volunteers in this category play an essential role in creating memorable church celebrations and gatherings, especially during significant liturgical seasons such as Christmas and Easter. These volunteers support both the logistical and creative aspects of events, creating a festive atmosphere and fostering community engagement. Since these roles are usually event-based, they do not require a long-term commitment; however, they often involve more concentrated effort during the days leading up to and following an event.

• Fellowship Volunteer: Fellowship volunteers create a welcoming and inclusive environment at special events, greeting attendees, answering questions, and assisting with hospitality needs. Fellowship volunteers may also play a role in welcoming newcomers and facilitating connections between parishioners.
  
  As such, this role requires friendliness, a welcoming demeanor, and strong interpersonal skills. Fellowship volunteers should be attentive to guests’ needs and feel comfortable engaging with people of all ages.
• Handyman: Handymen (or women) provide practical support by completing minor repairs, maintenance, or setup for special events. They may be asked to move furniture, install decorations, set up equipment, and troubleshoot technical issues. Basic repair and maintenance skills are required, including familiarity with tools and equipment. Volunteers should be able to lift and carry items and work efficiently in a fast-paced setting. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are also important.
• Set Up and Tear Down: These volunteers are responsible for preparing the event space before an event and cleaning it afterward. This may include arranging tables and chairs, setting up equipment, and hanging directions. After the event, they clean up, pack away items, and restore the space for regular church activities.
  
  Physical stamina and the ability to work quickly and efficiently are important in this role. Volunteers should have a good eye for detail and be comfortable with tasks such as lifting items, moving furniture, and following setup instructions. Individuals in this role often work closely with fellow volunteers, so coordination and an ability to work well with a team are key.
• Event Organizer: Event organizers oversee the planning and execution of special events, including coordinating logistics and managing volunteers. They are involved in every stage of event planning, from conceptualizing themes to coordinating with church staff, securing necessary permits, and handling day-of logistics.
  
  Strong organizational and project management skills are essential. Event organizers must possess strong communication skills and should be detail-oriented, good at multitasking, and comfortable leading and motivating volunteers.
• Decorating Volunteer: Decorating volunteers transform event spaces by setting up decorations that reflect the theme of the occasion, whether for a holiday, a feast day, or a special church celebration. Their efforts are essential to creating a festive, welcoming environment that enhances the experience for attendees.
  Decorating volunteers require creativity, attention to detail, and a good sense of design. They should be able to work with different materials, follow visual guidelines, and collaborate with other team members. Crafting skills are a plus.

• Donation Organizer: Donation organizers manage donations for special events, such as food drives, clothing collections, or holiday gift distributions. They collect, sort, and distribute items, ensuring that donations meet quality standards and are properly categorized. This role may also involve coordinating with local charities or agencies.
  
  Donation organizers must possess strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented, and be comfortable working with both donors and recipients. This role may require some physical ability for moving boxes and handling larger items.
• Program or Play Director: Program or play directors organize and lead special performances, such as holiday pageants, church plays, or choir concerts. They are responsible for everything from selecting scripts and casting performers to overseeing rehearsals and coordinating productions. Program or play directors may also have a role in managing costumes, lighting, and sound.
  
  This role requires leadership, creativity, and strong organizational skills. Directors should be patient, have an eye for detail, and communicate effectively with performers when managing rehearsals and coordinating with other volunteers. Prior theatrical or musical production experience is a plus.

Short-Term Opportunities

Short-term volunteer opportunities are ideal for parishioners who want to get involved in their church community but cannot make a long-term commitment. These roles enable volunteers to contribute on an as-needed basis, often with manageable time commitments that align well with busy schedules. Though these are not ongoing commitments, each one is essential to ensuring weekly services run smoothly and creating a positive experience for parishioners.

• Greeter: Greeters are the first point of contact for people arriving at church services. They welcome parishioners, answer questions, and provide directions to different areas of the church. Since greeters set the tone for services by helping attendees feel at home, a warm, approachable demeanor is a must. Greeters should also be comfortable engaging with people and willing to assist newcomers or those who require special accommodations.
• Usher: Ushers assist in guiding parishioners to their seats, distributing bulletins, collecting offerings, and maintaining order during services. They may also assist with special tasks, such as coordinating the procession for Communion. Ushers should be friendly and attentive, comfortable with standing for extended periods of time, and able to assist with light physical tasks, such as passing collection baskets or directing foot traffic.
• Parking Coordinator: Parking coordinators assist in directing traffic, coordinating parking, and helping attendees find available spaces. This role is especially valuable during busy services, such as holidays, when church parking lots can become crowded. Volunteers must be alert, comfortable working outdoors, and communicate clearly with both fellow volunteers and parishioners, particularly during high-traffic periods.
• Coffee Ministry: The coffee ministry team prepares and serves coffee, tea, and light refreshments after church services, creating a space for fellowship and connection. This role entails setting up coffee stations, arranging refreshments, refilling carafes, and cleaning up afterwards. It requires basic hospitality skills and a friendly, service-oriented attitude.
• Breakfast Team: The breakfast team prepares and serves breakfast to parishioners following early morning services, creating a space for communal meals and fellowship. This role is similar to coffee ministry, though somewhat more involved; volunteers cook, set up serving areas, and clean up afterwards. In addition to basic hospitality skills, breakfast team members should also possess cooking or food preparation skills.

General Volunteering Opportunities

Roles within this category are more focused on meeting the needs of the greater community, rather than on the church’s needs. They generally involve direct service and provide practical support, making them a great way for parishioners to make an immediate, positive impact in their community.

• Food Banking or Food Pantry: Food banking or food pantry volunteers help distribute food to individuals or families in need. This may include sorting donations, stocking shelves, packing food bags, and distributing food directly to community members. Some church food pantries operate on a regular schedule, as well as hold seasonal food drives or partner with local food banks.
  
  Volunteers should be physically able to lift and carry boxes and possess basic inventory management skills to track donations and supplies. A compassionate, nonjudgmental attitude is essential, as this role involves direct interaction with people facing food insecurity.
• Organizing Clothes Closets: Clothes closet volunteers assist with sorting, organizing, and distributing clothing donations to those in need. Volunteers must collect donations, assess items for quality, categorize clothing by size or type, and ensure that the “closet” — typically a dedicated room within the church — is neat and accessible. Clothes closets often serve individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income families, and other vulnerable populations.
  
  Good organizational skills are critical to maintaining a well-organized closet. Volunteers should also have an eye for detail to ensure clothing is clean and in good condition. Similar to food pantry volunteers, clothes closet volunteers must be patient and compassionate, as this role may involve interacting directly with clients.
• Community Cleanups: Community cleanup volunteers work to beautify local neighborhoods, parks, beaches, or church grounds by collecting trash, removing debris, and sometimes planting flowers or trees. This role is often part of larger efforts to improve public spaces, reduce pollution, and foster community pride. Churches may host cleanups on their property or partner with local environmental organizations for city-wide events.
  
  Working outdoors is a requirement for this role, as is being on your feet for extended periods of time. Volunteers must be willing to work in various weather conditions, work well within a team, and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Charity Fundraising: Volunteers involved in charity fundraisers help organize events such as bake sales, auctions, or special dinners to raise funds for various causes. This role may include tasks such as planning, promoting, setting up, and assisting during the event itself. Fundraisers can support church ministries, outreach programs, or partner charities, enabling parishioners to come together to make a positive impact.
  
  Fundraising volunteers should be comfortable with tasks such as coordinating logistics, managing donations, and interacting with attendees. Creativity and problem-solving abilities are especially valuable to this position, and prior experience with event planning or marketing is a plus.
  

How the Church Benefits from Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of any church, enabling it to fulfill its mission of serving both the parish community and the broader world. By lending their time and talents, church volunteers make it possible for the church to provide pastoral care, support social justice advocacy, and grow in fellowship and community — all of which are vital to spreading the gospel and embodying Christ’s love. 

The diverse skills and experiences that volunteers bring enriches the church’s ability to respond to a variety of needs. Whether coordinating events, teaching Sunday school, providing technical support for services, or spearheading fundraising efforts, each volunteer role is crucial to the church’s mission. This diversity also enables the church to adapt to the unique challenges facing its congregation and community, making it more resilient and responsive. 

Volunteers not only strengthen the church’s ministries but also create a vibrant, inclusive community where parishioners feel connected, supported, and inspired to live out their faith. 

How to Build a Volunteer Base

Building a strong church volunteer base is essential to creating a vibrant, active parish community, as volunteers provide support for essential ministries, outreach programs, and daily operations. To encourage more people to get involved, church leaders can take intentional steps to identify needs, recruit parishioners, and foster a culture of service that values each individual’s contribution. Here are a few steps church leaders can take to get started:

• Assess Needs: Conduct a thorough assessment of your current ministries, programs, and operations to determine where volunteers are most needed — this might include liturgical ministries, community outreach, event planning, and more. Understanding these needs enables you to focus your recruitment efforts on areas where volunteer involvement is essential to sustaining or growing church activities.
• Develop a Committee: Establish a committee dedicated to volunteer coordination. This committee, which should consist of church leaders, can create role descriptions that clarify the responsibilities and skills required for each position. By having a group focused on the logistical aspects of volunteering, church leaders can ensure that volunteer efforts are organized, purposeful, and well-supported from the start.
• Reach Out Personally: Personal invitations can be an effective way to encourage members of the congregation to volunteer at church. Church leaders, clergy, and staff can identify potential volunteers by observing parishioners’ interests and skills, and then reach out to them individually. By expressing appreciation for their gifts and explaining how they can make a difference, leaders can inspire a sense of personal investment in the church’s mission and increase the likelihood of parishioners getting involved.
• Promote Opportunities: Use multiple channels to advertise volunteer opportunities, including announcements during services, church bulletins, newsletters, and social media platforms. Highlight specific roles and the impact they have on the parish, and be sure to keep your messaging consistent and inviting. Regularly promoting available roles can keep volunteering at the forefront of parishioners’ minds and ensure that all members are aware of opportunities to serve.
• Make Volunteering Accessible: Offer a range of volunteer opportunities with different levels of time commitment to accommodate diverse schedules. Some people may be able to volunteer on a weekly basis, while others can only serve occasionally. By providing flexible options — such as short-term roles for events or ongoing positions with rotating shifts — church leaders can make it easier for parishioners to fit volunteering into their lives.
• Provide Training and Support: Equip your volunteers with the skills and resources they need to feel confident in their roles. Offer orientation sessions, hands-on training, and access to ongoing support from church staff or more experienced volunteers — this will help new volunteers feel prepared and make sure they understand the expectations and responsibilities of their positions.
• Foster a Culture of Gratitude: Show appreciation for volunteers both publicly and privately, recognizing their contributions in service, in bulletins, and on social media. Church leaders might even consider hosting an annual volunteer appreciation event or writing personalized thank-you notes for their efforts. Expressing gratitude reinforces the value of volunteers’ service and motivates them to continue participating in church life.
• Build Community Around Service: Encourage fellowship among volunteers by organizing social gatherings, team-building activities, or small group discussions. Creating opportunities for volunteers to connect outside of their roles helps to build community and a sense of belonging, making volunteering a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for all involved.

Volunteering at church is a meaningful way to discern and fulfill your vocation, aligning your interests and passions with the needs of your community. Each act of service is a step toward discovering how God has called you to live out your purpose, strengthening your connection to him and others.

If you are seeking to deepen your understanding of this calling, pursuing a master’s degree can further enrich your journey, providing you with the tools and knowledge to support your vocation and participate in your parish in more impactful ways. Explore your vocational calling today — download this free resource, 6 Questions to Consider Before Pursuing a Master’s Degree, for guidance on how to get started.