Key Takeaways

• Churches rely on volunteers with a wide range of skills, time availability, and personal callings.
• Common volunteer roles include childcare, youth ministry, worship teams, outreach, and administrative support.
• Time commitments vary significantly depending on the role, from occasional service to weekly involvement.
• Background checks and training are often required for volunteers working with children and youth.
• Aligning personal strengths with church needs leads to more meaningful and sustainable volunteer service.

Allan E. Perry is a Yorba Linda, California–based litigation attorney with nearly three decades of courtroom experience who is transitioning toward full-time ministry. Over the course of his legal career, Allan E. Perry conducted more than 50 jury and court trials and led a successful private practice.

In recent years, his professional focus has shifted toward faith-based service and pastoral work. He is currently completing a master’s degree in theology at Liberty University and has already preached sermons at churches across Virginia.

For more than 25 years, Allan E. Perry has been deeply involved in church-based outreach, including homeless ministry work, weekly preaching at a Salvation Army men’s facility, international mission trips, and service as a deacon and drama director. This long-standing engagement with church life provides practical insight into how congregations rely on volunteers with different skills, schedules, and callings to support their ministries.

Practical Ways to Volunteer at a Local Church

According to a 2024 Gallup study, 30 percent of Americans attend religious services every week, with an additional 21 percent attending almost every week and 11 percent attending religious services about once a month. Americans who wish to become more active in their church have many options for volunteer opportunities.

Before reaching out to a church official about volunteering, individuals should ask themselves a few questions to get a better idea of how they can provide support. Churches always benefit from volunteers with special skills, whether a person is a talented artist or an experienced office administrator. Availability is another key aspect to consider – churches need all types of volunteers, but must distinguish between helpers who will show up every day of the week and those who can only volunteer a few times per month. Volunteers should also consider whether they work better on their own or when collaborating with others.

To begin, churches often require assistance with educational and childcare roles. The church may pair volunteers together and assign volunteers to age-appropriate groups depending on the volunteers’ skills and experience. The curriculum for infants, preschoolers, and school-age children mainly involves crafts and video-based educational materials.

Volunteers in this role should allot at least two hours on Sunday mornings, though they may need to spend more time on prep work. Unlike other volunteer roles at a church, any person working with children should expect to undergo a background check as part of a comprehensive screening and interview process. Artistically inclined individuals with less time can help provide classes with arts and crafts materials.

Similarly, churches generally welcome youth ministry volunteers. Youth ministry leaders maintain various responsibilities, such as overseeing midweek evening youth gatherings. Churches usually divide youth ministry groups by age, with groups for middle school and high school students. While youth ministry volunteers may occasionally rely on video materials, they must also teach from the Bible and feel comfortable facilitating conversations.

Youth ministry gatherings typically end with group games and worship music. With this in mind, individuals may consider volunteering as musicians or as part of a church’s worship team. Churches rely on both instrumentalists and vocalists as part of various programs, services, and special events. Music and worship represent a considerable time commitment for volunteers – in addition to as many as four hours of performing every Sunday, volunteers must also schedule midweek practice sessions of about two hours.

Individuals can pursue additional volunteer work beyond the church grounds. Many churches operate mission programs, for example, and require a variety of assistance while organizing and executing these missions. The church may employ local and global outreach volunteers in various roles, such as supporting pantries and soup kitchens, making meal deliveries, or practicing street evangelism. Outreach volunteers are especially important during the holiday season, when churches collect, organize, and distribute gifts to in-need children.

The time commitment associated with mission and outreach work can vary considerably, but international mission trips can last for several weeks or months. With this commitment in mind, mission volunteers should consider signing up with a friend or as part of a family group.

These represent only a few ideas for volunteering at a church. Additional options include joining the church’s discipleship team, taking on a hospitality role, or helping the church with administrative tasks. Once a person has considered their abilities, availability, and interests, they should reach out to their local church and discuss the organization’s most pressing needs.

FAQs

What should I consider before volunteering at a church?

Individuals should evaluate their skills, availability, and whether they prefer independent or team-based roles.

Do church volunteer roles require a long-term commitment?

No, commitments range from a few hours per month to regular weekly involvement depending on the role.

Are background checks required for church volunteers?

Yes, volunteers working with children or youth should expect background checks and screening.

What types of outreach opportunities do churches offer?

Churches support local and global missions, including food programs, evangelism, and holiday assistance.

How do I get started volunteering at my local church?

After assessing interests and availability, individuals should contact church leadership to learn about current needs.

About Allan E. Perry

Allan E. Perry is a veteran litigation attorney based in Yorba Linda, California, with nearly 30 years of legal experience and more than 50 trials to his credit. He is currently completing a master’s degree in theology at Liberty University and preparing for a transition into full-time pastoral ministry. Allan E. Perry has long been active in church service, homeless outreach, mission work, and preaching, and he brings decades of leadership, teaching, and community service experience to faith-based initiatives.