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Our Little Secret: Keep Volunteers Engaged
What’s Up? Church leaders and volunteers aren’t as committed as they used to be. And that’s a problem in many (most!) churches.
So What? If people are prioritizing everything but church, it’s not just because they’re busier. It’s because they see less value in what the church offers. We have to find a way to keep volunteers engaged.
The Point Is …
Define the Role Before You Recruit. Don’t just ask for warm bodies. Develop a missional position description that ties their role directly to your church’s mission, making it clear how their service transforms lives, the church, and the community. People step up when they see real purpose.
Set Clear Expectations. Volunteers need to know what they’re signing up for. How often will they meet? What responsibilities do they have? Who holds them accountable? Too many churches recruit board members without mentioning there’s a monthly meeting. (Duh.)
Train Them—Then Let Them Lead. Give leaders the tools they need, but don’t micromanage. They don’t have to do things your way; they need to get the job done well. Trust them to lead.
Meet Regularly and Check In. If you want to keep volunteers engaged (and leaders too!), you need to invest in them. Monthly one-on-ones are key. These aren’t casual chats—they’re check-ins on goals, struggles, and how to better serve. If someone isn’t thriving in their role, help them find where they will.
And … ? Church engagement isn’t about begging people to show up—it’s about giving them something meaningful that they find value in committing to. When volunteers know exactly how their role impacts the mission, they’re more likely to stick with it. The church isn’t a social club; it’s a movement. If leaders don’t see themselves as part of that movement, they’ll find other places to invest their time.
People stay engaged where they feel valued, equipped, and supported. If your church is struggling to keep leaders involved, the answer isn’t another sermon on commitment. It’s creating a system where commitment makes sense.
Action! Take a look at your volunteer roles. Do they have missional job descriptions? If not, start fixing that today.
