Do you want to give back? 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?
Volunteering is a great way to help make a positive impact in the lives of others and to build friendships. You are a unique individual that can contribute in a way nobody else can. When we all work together, we add immeasurable beauty to the world. In a recent article by Angela Thoreson, LICSW, she noted that, "b y 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 to serve others - both outside of and within churches.
To discover statewide opportunities, Google “Volunteer + (your state)" to find a database of options including a search box to enter keywords.
For example, here is the site for volunteering in New Hampshire .
To discover ways to help in the church, read on to learn about the types of roles available.
This article identifies and describes choices to assist you in finding a part to play that suits your strengths and preferences.
We at Grace Capital Church have been helping people for 24 years to get involved in their congregation and in their surrounding area because we value its impact.
Volunteering paves the way for personal growth, community development, fulfillment in using your talents, and achievements in missional goals.
In addition to a brief description, you will find out:
Volunteers typically work in pairs.
Classrooms are age-appropriately equipped and 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.
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 for teachers to use in 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.
Leaders work as a team providing midweek evening youth gatherings.
There are middle school and high school groups.
Teaching is delivered by a speaker in person, a video, or a book (along with the Bible), followed by facilitated discussion.
Worship music and active group 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.
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.
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.
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.
Local and global outreach teams provide a variety of assistance. Some examples are: volunteering at food pantries or soup kitchens, delivering meals , street evangelism, supporting pregnancy centers, collecting Christmas gifts for children, international missions trips, and helping people secure stable housing .
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.
This team provides support to congregants that are experiencing acutely or chronically life-altering events. It could include circumstances like families grieving a loss, dealing with a sick loved one, or giving birth.
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.
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.
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.
Assists with cleaning, repairs, event set-up and breakdown, landscaping, or snow removal.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Good Candidates: Organized. Handy. Flexible.
Requirements: Many tasks require prior experience, but training may be available for rookies.
There is a place for everyone who wants to help. It takes many people to keep a church running smoothly.
Take initiative. Churches don’t always have a good system to identify and communicate needs, or to find the right people to fill roles. Don’t assume you are not needed because you haven’t been asked to help. If there’s something you’re interested in doing, inquire!
Consider your interests, availability, and skills when checking out opportunities. Give yourself the liberty to express your preferences or limitations.
Don’t be afraid to say “no” if you don’t think a job is a good fit. It is better for you and the church to take time to decide what you can and want to do.
It is important to not make a commitment if you are not ready to take on that responsibility. Churches would rather you ask to try something out than give the impression that they can depend on you.
Do you want to learn more about ways to volunteer? Check out this article:
Are you looking for a church? Check out these articles:
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 .
