A47 15 principles of volunteering

By examining five ministries

First published on this website in April 2020 and last updated in March 2024

Synopsis

This article examines five areas of church ministry and suggests three principles for working with ‘volunteers’ in each area. This builds up a list of 15 key recommendations for how to encourage and manage your church’s members in practical service.

The five areas of ministry, with an idea of the range of service in each, are:

1. Worship services (speakers, children’s group leaders, flower arrangers …)
2. Finance (Treasurers, cash counters, Finance Committee members …)
3. Governance (Trustees, leadership teams, committee members …)
4. Small groups (home group leaders, youth leaders, activity leaders …)
5. Outreach events (enquirers course team members, Fresh Expression event leaders, global mission secretaries …)

The 15 principles that arise from examining these particular areas include the following:

• Think big project
• Value training for all
• Express genuine thanks
• Limit scope and length
• Check motives
• Work in teams
• Set control limits
• Offer freedom to fail
• Provide leadership support

Each is explained in the context of the particular area of ministry.

This article was updated in March 2024 with minor amendments to the text and layout.