How To Encourage Volunteers In The Church

Have you ever wondered how to encourage volunteers when it feels like everyone’s calendar is already bursting at the seams? I certainly have.

A few months back, I stood in the church lobby holding my clipboard. My heart sank a little as I watched people hurry past my volunteer sign-up table. Their eyes darted everywhere except toward me and my hopeful smile.

Sound familiar?

I’ve been in ministry since I was a child. I genuinely love serving in the church. But let me be honest with you – I’ve struggled with motivation to volunteer too. Especially after the pandemic, it feels like people are always too busy or too far away to take part.

Sometimes both. It’s quite discouraging.

I’ve also noticed something interesting. It’s easy to get volunteers when the church event is fun and involves food. But getting people to help with seemingly mundane tasks? That’s where things get tricky. I still struggle with this, but I’m trying hard to find what actually works.

Today, I want to share seven effective ways to encourage volunteers. These aren’t just generic tips you’ll find everywhere online. They’re strategies I’ve learned through real ministry experience, seasoned with grace and sprinkled with hope.

Create Personal Connection Before Asking for Commitment

Learning how to encourage volunteers starts with relationship, not recruitment. Too often we approach people with our needs first. But here’s what I’ve discovered: people volunteer for people they know and trust.

Start by genuinely getting to know potential volunteers. Ask about their week. Remember their prayer requests. Share a laugh over coffee. When someone feels seen and valued as a person, they’re naturally more inclined to serve alongside you.

This approach takes longer than posting a volunteer recruitment poster. But it builds something beautiful. It builds an authentic community where people want to contribute. Training volunteers becomes easier when they already feel connected to the mission and to you.

I learned this lesson the hard way. For months, I made announcements seeking help. The response was lukewarm at best.

Then I started having real conversations with people. I asked about their passions and giftings. Suddenly, volunteer recruitment strategies became less about convincing and more about connecting the right people with the right opportunities.

Discover What Motivates Someone to Volunteer (It’s Not What You Think)

Understanding volunteer motivations changed everything for me. Most people don’t volunteer just because they should. They volunteer because it meets a deeper need in their hearts.

Some people are motivated by making a difference. Others crave community and belonging. Many want to use their specific skills or learn new ones. Some are drawn to causes that connect with their personal story.

Take time to learn what motivates each potential volunteer. During your conversations, ask questions like: “What kind of work energizes you?” or “When do you feel most fulfilled?” Listen carefully to their answers.

When you match people with opportunities that align with their motivations, you’ll be amazed at their enthusiasm. What motivates someone to volunteer becomes the foundation for how to motivate volunteers long-term. It’s not about filling positions anymore. It becomes about helping people flourish in their calling.

Start Small and Build Confidence Gradually

One of the biggest mistakes in motivating volunteers is overwhelming them initially. When someone says yes to helping, resist the urge to immediately give them huge responsibilities.

Instead, start with simple, manageable tasks. Let them experience success and see the impact of their contribution. This builds confidence and creates positive associations with serving.

For example, instead of asking someone to lead an entire ministry, invite them to help with one specific aspect first. Maybe they could greet people for thirty minutes before service. Or help set up chairs for a small group meeting.

As they grow comfortable and confident, gradually expand their involvement. This gentle approach to encouraging people to volunteer honors their growth process. It also prevents the burnout that comes from taking on too much too soon.

Creative ways to recruit volunteers include creating “trial runs” or “volunteer dates” where people can test out different roles without long-term commitment. This reduces anxiety and increases participation.

Celebrate the Ordinary Moments, Not Just the Big Wins

Here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: learning how to encourage volunteers isn’t just about recognizing their big achievements. It’s about noticing and celebrating the small, faithful acts of service.

Did someone show up early to set up chairs? Thank them personally. Did a volunteer stay late to help clean up? Send them a text appreciating their heart for service. Did someone encourage a newcomer? Make sure they know you noticed.

These ordinary moments of faithfulness are what keep ministries running. When we celebrate them, we communicate that every act of service matters. This motivation to volunteer comes from feeling genuinely appreciated, not just used.

I started keeping a small notebook where I jot down specific ways people serve. Then I make it a point to acknowledge these contributions personally. The impact has been remarkable. People light up when they realize their service is truly seen and valued.

Provide Clear Purpose and Show Real Impact

People need to know their service matters. Vague requests like “we need help with stuff” don’t inspire anyone. But when you clearly communicate the purpose and show the real impact, hearts are stirred.

Instead of saying “we need Sunday school volunteers,” try this: “We’re looking for someone to help shape young hearts for Jesus by sharing Bible stories that will anchor these children for life.“

Feel the difference?

Share specific stories of impact regularly. Tell volunteers how their service is changing lives. Show them the bigger picture of what God is doing through their faithfulness.

How to inspire volunteers often comes down to helping them see beyond the task to the transformation happening because of their service. When people understand they’re part of something eternal and meaningful, they’re naturally more motivated to participate.

Create simple ways to communicate impact. Maybe it’s a monthly email with stories. Perhaps it’s a brief testimony during volunteer training. The key is making the connection between their service and God’s greater work clear and compelling.

Build a Culture of Mutual Support and Growth

The best volunteer retention happens when people feel they’re growing and being supported, not just serving. Create opportunities for volunteers to develop their skills and deepen their faith through their service.

Offer training that goes beyond just explaining tasks. Teach them about the biblical foundation for their service. Help them grow in areas like leadership, communication, or spiritual disciplines. Show them how their volunteering is part of their spiritual growth journey.

Also, encourage volunteers to support each other. Create group chats or regular gatherings where volunteers can share experiences, pray together, and celebrate each other’s contributions. When people feel supported by their fellow volunteers, they’re more likely to stick around.

How to engage volunteers in this deeper way requires intentionality. But it transforms volunteering from duty to discipleship. People don’t just serve.

They grow, connect, and thrive in their calling. This approach naturally leads to both volunteer retention and personal transformation.

Make Volunteering Flexible and Life-Giving

Here’s what I’ve learned about how to encourage volunteering in our busy world: rigid expectations kill volunteer spirits. Life is complicated. People have seasons of availability and seasons of overwhelming demands.

Create flexible opportunities that honor people’s real lives. Maybe someone can’t commit to every Sunday, but they could help monthly. Perhaps they can’t lead a ministry, but they could support behind the scenes when needed.

Develop creative ways to recruit volunteers by offering various levels of commitment. Some people thrive with ongoing responsibilities. Others prefer helping with specific events or projects.

Both are valuable and needed.

Also, make sure volunteering adds life rather than drains it. Yes, service requires sacrifice, but it shouldn’t leave people depleted and resentful. If volunteers consistently seem stressed or overwhelmed, it’s time to reassess expectations and support systems.

Remember, we’re called to equip the saints, not exhaust them. When volunteering becomes life-giving rather than life-draining, people naturally want to stay involved and invite others to join them.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to encourage volunteers is an ongoing journey, sweet friend. Some seasons will be easier than others. Some people will say yes enthusiastically, while others need more time and gentle invitation.

Be patient with the process and with yourself. Remember that building a thriving volunteer culture takes time. It’s rooted in relationship, anchored in purpose, and sustained by grace.

As you implement these strategies, stay connected to your own calling and motivations. When you serve from a place of joy rather than desperation, people are naturally drawn to join you.

What has been your experience with encouraging volunteers in your church?

I’d love to hear your stories of both challenges and victories. Sometimes the most powerful encouragement comes from knowing we’re not alone in this beautiful, messy work of ministry.

Let’s continue growing in wisdom together, supporting one another as we seek to build God’s kingdom one volunteer at a time. After all, we’re all just fellow servants learning how to love well in the season He’s given us.