Description
This short article provides a model for deepening volunteer engagement based on the story of Grace Church in Erie, Pennsylvania, a congregation that is supported by a 2/3 volunteer staff. Pastor Derek Sanford shares the principles that create this level of engagement. Congregational leaders interested in learning how one congregation has grown its volunteer base significantly, when many faith communities see a decline, can consider what worked well for Grace Church and whether similar measures could work in their own congregations.
Features
- Links to Barna studies and resources
- 5 key principles
- Link to Grace Church's website
Practical Applications
- Share this article with pastoral or lay leadership in charge of or needing volunteers to learn ways to deepen and broaden your congregation's volunteer base.
- Consider the elements of this article to contextualize the five principles for your congregation.
- Use the Grace Church model in a worship message about volunteering as one method to live the faith in order to inspire listeners to consider how they can contribute to the mission and outreach of the faith community.
