To be a part of building the local church is an immense privilege. One way that everyone can be involved in this is through volunteering. Volunteering is where someone who isn’t necessarily on the staff of the church, makes a contribution of their personal time, energy and talents to building an area within church life.

The following 4 keys are at the heart of volunteering:

1. Volunteering is about service

Serving other people is ultimately what volunteering comes down to. It’s not about becoming well-known or “climbing the ladder.” The heart of volunteering is that it’s all about loving people, serving people, and investing into their lives.

2. Volunteering is a sacrifice

Volunteering often requires us to sacrifice something. We choose to sacrifice our time, energy, and sometimes even our finances – but it’s something we choose to do out of a love for Jesus, people, and the church. It’s not something we have to do, but something we want to do because it helps the church move forward.

3. Volunteering unlocks potential

Volunteering unlocks the potential that God places on peoples’ lives. From creativity to leadership to administration, God has given different gifts and talents in each and every one one of us. Volunteering allows us to discover what it is that God has placed on our lives. It allows us to use and grow in these gifts, in order to glorify God, and help serve people as we build His house.

4. Volunteering becomes family

Over time, the community that you volunteer with becomes family to you. The Church has a big vision, and through volunteering, you can work alongside like-minded people in making this vision a reality. Volunteering allows you to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself! As leaders, let’s not make volunteering simply about doing tasks, but encourage people to do life together – to become family. Care for your team. Love them, catch up with them, celebrate with them, and honour them.

To partner with God to build His Church is an honour to be a part of. In whatever way, through whatever gifts and talents we have, we can all play a significant part in serving people and moving the Church forward.

This thought was originally shared by our Hillsong Cape Town team discussing Volunteers during an ‘Online Open Week’ webinar in February 2016 hosted by Lourens Krouger. Online Open Week is your opportunity to receive impartation and training direct from the Hillsong team through live webinars.

If you would like to participate in any of the webinars during the upcoming Online Open Week hosted by Hillsong Leadership Network, click below.