A Qualitative Analysis of Church Volunteerism

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of a qualitative assessment of 134 church volunteers from multiple churches in two Midwestern cities. The findings indicate that there are three primary dimensions to church volunteering. First, church volunteers feel that their service is a response to Scriptural teachings. Second, church volunteers desire to make a meaningful contribution. They need to know that their service makes a difference. Third, church volunteers derive psycho-social benefits from their service. For many volunteers, their service is a means through which they can feel needed, useful, and helpful. Also, their service provides a means for social interaction with others. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed.