Holiday Volunteering: How to Inspire Your Congregation

Most church leaders would agree that the holidays are one of the best and busiest times of the year. The extra festivities, events, and needs provide amazing opportunities for community outreach and discipleship, but that also brings added workloads and full schedules to an already overworked staff. Because of this, recruiting and equipping holiday volunteers is crucial for the health of your church.

Holiday volunteers have the potential to make major impacts on both the congregation and the community. Take a look at 5 ways volunteers can inspire and transform your holiday season.

1. Understand the Need for Holiday Volunteering 

As the holidays approach, the needs of the community often become more pronounced. For many, the holiday season is marked by financial strain and loneliness. However, because church staff members are balancing this alongside additional holiday tasks, it often isn’t possible to do it all. 

But, church volunteers have a unique opportunity to come alongside the staff to meet some of these needs. They can help by remaining outward-focused and completing tasks like delivering holiday gifts to families in need, organizing holiday meals, or providing a warm bed to someone without shelter.  Volunteers can make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling during this season.

Volunteers are also needed internally to help plan church events, decorate for the holidays, or welcome guests who may only come to something like a Christmas Eve service. More volunteers make it possible to share the work and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

2. Communicate the Value of Volunteering to the Congregation

To effectively recruit and equip holiday volunteers, it’s essential to communicate the value, impact, and need. Most people won’t volunteer unless they know they’re needed. Because of this, it’s important to start early and work to make your church’s needs known. 

Here are a few strategies to use: 

• Highlight Specific Needs: Be specific in your asks. When recruiting volunteers, be clear and upfront about how many people you need and what you need them to do. People are more likely to say yes when they know what’s expected of them and know the need is real. 
• Share Stories of Impact: Sharing personal stories from those who have been impacted by holiday volunteer efforts in the past is a great way to establish emotional connections and show volunteers the impact of their actions. 
• Use Multiple Communication Channels: Advertise the need for volunteers by getting the word out in as many ways as possible. Include details in your printed pieces, social media, newsletters, service announcements, and anywhere else you communicate with your church.
• Focus on Community and Spiritual Growth: Lastly, emphasize that holiday volunteering impacts both the community and the volunteer. It’s not just about giving back, but also about growing spiritually and living out your faith. 

3. Identify Suitable Volunteering Opportunities

Next, it’s important to identify volunteer opportunities that align with your church’s mission. This may look different based on the needs of your community and the capacity of your church, but some ideas include:

Within your community:

• Food drives and meals
• Shelter assistance
• Toy and gift drives
• Clothing or coat drives
• Caroling
• Hospital, nursing home, or prison visitations

Within your church:

• Event volunteers
• Holiday guest follow-up
• Extra greeters
• Help with decorations

By identifying these needs and communicating how they align with your church’s mission, volunteers are more likely to jump in and serve.

4. Create a Culture of Service in the Congregation

While the holidays may provide extra opportunities for volunteers, the reality is your community and church need volunteers all year. This season can serve as a catalyst to create a culture of service that lasts far beyond the holidays. 

Many of the communication methods and volunteer needs you identify and share won’t end once the holidays are over. As you recruit volunteers, work to share the bigger picture of service at your church.

This may look like:

• Incorporating regular volunteer opportunities into your services and outreach efforts
• Providing regular and frequent volunteer training 
• Getting church staff members and leaders involved in creating and equipping teams
• Encouraging families to get involved so people of all ages can serve
• Regularly sharing stories of impact

Use this season to build and sustain a culture of service.

5. Recognize and Celebrate Volunteers

Lastly, to inspire holiday volunteering within your congregation, it’s important to recognize volunteer contributions and work to celebrate volunteers in a meaningful way. Recognition helps to strengthen commitment, build morale, and encourage others to participate.

Here are some ways you can celebrate volunteers:

• Volunteer Appreciation Events: Consider hosting a dinner or gathering where volunteers can fellowship and share the impact of their work.
• Public Recognition: Work to acknowledge and thank volunteers in your church services and mass communication avenues.
• Give a Gift: You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but even a small gift goes a long way in expressing gratitude. Write a handwritten note, give a gift card, or find a small token of appreciation to give.

Next Steps

The holiday season offers a unique opportunity for churches to recruit and inspire volunteers to serve both the community and your church. By recognizing the increased needs during the holiday season, communicating the importance of volunteering, identifying meaningful service opportunities, and working to create a culture of volunteering, your church can make a significant impact. 

Recruiting, equipping, and communicating with volunteers becomes much easier using volunteer management tools through your ChMS. If you want to see what volunteer tools Ministry Brands Amplify has for your church, you can try a free demo today.