Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
Opportunities Abound For Those Seeking
Volunteer Roles With Christian Organizations
“The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11 NIV)
Volunteer work should be seen as a hallmark of every good Christian’s character. Those who want to live a life in God’s good graces should feel compelled to help out their brothers and sisters around them. The next question then is how to get involved with a volunteer effort, as it’s often one of the only ways to accomplish the goodwill work that needs to be addressed in this world. Fortunately, there is no shortage of organizations that need volunteers. I would begin by speaking with your pastor and ask her or him about any volunteer opportunities. Some may exist inside of your church and others maybe found outside the church. Another option is that your church may have an evangelism group that seeks to take the church to those outside of the church to meet people where they are.
As you speak with your pastor, discuss with her or him your interests and strengths. Your best ministry will combine your unique gifts and talents with your interests.
The service: There’s no shortage of need in this country. From general social services roles where volunteers will make home or site visits to work with clients or more specialized tasks for those with a teaching background, there’s plenty of chances to get involved. Medical professionals can start their volunteer work by working events such as Adopt-a-Senior on holidays or the opportunity to help out in an orphanage, the highly-specialized skills here are always in demand.
The sector: From your local church group to international missions, the type and duration of your visit is up to you. When searching for volunteer opportunities, it’s important to state to the organization running the effort what you’re comfortable with and capable of. Some commitments will require no relocation and come in the form of a comforting phone call to those in distress while others are going to have you in for the long haul.
The state: No matter where you are located in the U.S., there’s an organization carrying out selfless volunteer work. By visiting www.christianvolunteering.org, you’ll be able to find the right fit for you. The search for a local Christian volunteer organization can be broken down by country, state, metro area denomination and more. For those in the Louisiana area, a number of hospice, youth care, and pregnancy resources are available to serve as a conduit between your volunteering and helping to make the word a better place.
Prayer: Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the opportunities to be vessels of Your love. Help us to recognize and act upon these opportunities. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Give to Receive?
Give to Receive? “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV). Most Christians understand the need for giving. For early Jews and Christians, almsgiving was the act of filling a material need for someone less fortunate, usually by giving money. God incorporated the concept of alms into the Mosaic Law when He ordered land-owners to leave to the poor the corners of the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10), and every seventh year, leave the entire field (Exodus 23:10-11). In churches today, "alms"... -
Who Is Responsible For My Salvation?
Who Is Responsible For My Salvation? “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” Romans 14:12 (NIV). Throughout the Bible we are encouraged whenever possible to live in peace with our neighbors. For example, Scripture teaches us to live in harmony (Romans 12:16), carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and help others in need (Deuteronomy 15:11). Godly living calls us to turn the other cheek and returning evil with love. We have the ability, and the Christian joyful obligation, to positively impact each other’s spiritual lives. There is certainly strength in numbers. You may recall the Scripture... -
What Are Your Priorities
What Are Your Priorities? Perhaps our greatest power is to establish our priorities. These are the things that motivate us. Priorities are based on values, beliefs, ideals, and commitment. They define each of us as a person. Some are motivated by fame or money. Others are motivated by their friends or family. In short, there can be hundreds of reasons that motivate us each day. It is critically important to recognize that we alone have the power to set our priorities and if we do not set them, then society will set them for us. Popular culture will set our priorities...