Most faith-based organizations thrive on the dedication and service of their volunteers. These devoted people bring the organization’s mission to life. They teach classes, cook meals, care for the sick, sing, play instruments, run AV and sound equipment and much more. Yet, connecting your ministry’s needs with potential volunteers can be challenging. How do you attract and keep volunteers? These six ideas can help you find willing workers and expand your volunteer base.

  1. Host a ministry or volunteer fair

People with a heart for service may not know how to get involved in your organization. Hosting a ministry or volunteer fair, with coffee and dessert, showcases service opportunities and connects directly with potential volunteers. By creating a welcoming environment, attendees can easily explore roles to find one that matches their skills and talents.

  • Promote the event well in advance and through multiple channels. Use your bulletin, newsletter, pre-service video announcements, and social media to spread the word. Design eye-catching fliers and online posts to highlight the event’s date, time and a preview of available opportunities.
  • Take it a step further and schedule a Ministry Shadow Day, where attendees can experience volunteering firsthand in their chosen ministry.
  1. Create a volunteer job board (digital and print)

A well-organized job board makes it easy for potential volunteers to find opportunities that mesh with their interests and talents. Set up a bulletin board at your organization in a high-traffic area. Create a dedicated section on your website where volunteers can easily browse roles and sign up.

  • Use straightforward, inviting language to make each listing appealing. For example, instead of “Help in our nursery,” try this: “Share God’s love by tending our smallest blessings.”
  • Make enrollment seamless. Include physical sign-up sheets (with pens!) on your job board and an online form with an easy-to-access link or QR code.
  1. Promote the impact of volunteerism

People want to know that their time and effort make a difference. Feature the tangible results of recent volunteer efforts to show the real-world impact of serving. Share stories of the good work being done, such as meals served at Vacation Bible School, children cared for in your after-school program, or a house repaired for a disabled community member. Visualizing the results of their work reinforces the value of volunteering, shows appreciation and inspires others to get involved.

  • Post regular updates and testimonials on your social media channels, website and newsletters. Include visuals such as photos of smiling volunteers in their roles and infographics showcasing numbers (e.g., “100 meals served this week”).
  • Create a recurring Volunteer Appreciation feature on your website or in your newsletter. Share personal stories of volunteers and the lives they have touched.
  1. Launch a volunteer spotlight video series

Stories of others making a difference inspire people. A video series starring your volunteers — their roles, experiences and the impact the make — can encourage others to join. Pair this with testimonials from people whose lives have been touched by these efforts, such as a mother who finds respite through the all-access ministry for disabled children. These stories bring your mission to life and inspire action.

  • Keep videos short (one to two minutes) and authentic. Show moments of goodwill and service, focusing on volunteers and those they serve. Share these videos on social media, your website, in pre-service displays and during in-person gatherings.
  • End each video with a clear invitation, such as: “Join [volunteer’s name] to make a difference. Visit [your website] to learn how.” Include a direct link or QR code to your volunteer sign-up page.
  1. Make signing up simple

Getting involved should be as easy as possible. By providing multiple sign-ups in accessible locations, you open the door for more people to volunteer. Make it simple, seamless and welcoming for everyone.

  • Use digital and physical options to meet people where they are. Create online forms, embed QR codes on flyers, bulletins and your website, and provide physical sign-up sheets at church. Clearly label each option to encourage action.
  • Consistently promote your sign-up choices across all marketing channels. For example, highlight QR codes during announcements, include links in email newsletters, and create a dedicated social media post showing how easy it is to enroll. The easier it is to act, the more likely people will say “yes” to serving.
  1. Use social media to attract volunteers

People love to read inspiring, heartwarming stories. Use your social media to share volunteer opportunities, celebrate volunteers, and feature stories that encourage others to get involved.

  • Create visually appealing, shareable posts. Use quality photos or videos that share the joy and impact of volunteering. Incorporate hashtags such as #FaithInAction or #ServeWithUs to expand your reach and find new audiences.
  • Invite your followers to share their stories about volunteers who changed their lives. Sharing personal experiences can inspire others to step forward and build a sense of community online.

Expanding a volunteer base isn’t just promotion. It’s also building genuine connections and inspiring meaningful action. By creating authentic connections, you encourage your members to share their gifts and make a lasting impact through their service.