By Denise Craig, CAE, CCA
Churches everywhere feel it. The sanctuary might have filled back up, but the volunteer rooms haven’t.
This post‑pandemic era has created a new kind of ministry tension: attendance has stabilized, even growing in some places, while volunteer engagement continues to decline or stay static.
The result is a widening gap between the ministry we’re called to do and the people available to help do it.
This isn’t a small issue — it’s a sustainability crisis. And it’s one of the most important challenges church administrators must address in 2026.
The volunteer landscape has changed
In the past, many churches relied on a faithful core who served weekly, sometimes multiple times a week. That rhythm is gone. Today’s volunteers are:
- Attending less frequently
- Carrying heavier personal and professional loads
- Seeking flexibility over long‑term commitments
- Prioritizing mental health and margin
- Wanting meaningful, relational service, not just task fulfillment
The pandemic didn’t create these shifts, but it accelerated them. And now, churches must adapt or risk burning out the volunteers who are serving.
Engagement decline isn’t a lack of commitment
It’s easy to interpret declining volunteerism as apathy, but that’s not what the data (or the conversations) show. People still want to serve; they just want to serve in a way that is the right match for them.
Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, are deeply motivated by purpose and impact. They are not less committed; they are differently committed. They want:
- Clear expectations
- Shorter serving cycles
- Opportunities that align with their gifts
- Leaders who value their time
- A sense of belonging
Volunteerism hasn’t died. It’s evolving.
The sustainability problem no one can ignore
When volunteer engagement drops, the pressure shifts to staff. And when staff absorb too much, burnout follows. Churches are already seeing:
- Ministries scaled back due to lack of volunteers
- Staff covering roles far outside their job descriptions
- Increased turnover
- Difficulty launching new initiatives
- Rising frustration among leaders and members
This is why volunteer sustainability is not just a staffing issue; it’s a mission issue. Ministry cannot thrive with exhausted teams.
In Mark 10:45, Jesus says He “came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
What sustainable volunteerism looks like now
Churches that are rebuilding strong volunteer cultures are embracing new models that reflect today’s realities. The most effective strategies include:
- Micro‑Volunteering
Short, simple, low‑commitment roles that allow people to serve without long‑term pressure. Think: one‑Sunday‑a‑month, event‑based roles, or “serve when you’re here” opportunities.
- Flexible Scheduling
Rigid rotations are out. App‑based scheduling, easy swaps, and seasonal commitments are in.
- Clear, Compelling Onboarding
People want to know what they’re saying yes to. Strong role descriptions, quick training, and relational connection make all the difference.
- Volunteer Care as a Ministry Priority
Recognition, encouragement, and pastoral support keep volunteers engaged far longer than any schedule can.
- Leadership Pipelines
Identifying and developing volunteer leaders reduces staff load and strengthens ministry ownership.
- Digital Tools That Remove Friction
Online signups, automated reminders, and centralized communication make serving easier for everyone.
The administrator’s role in rebuilding engagement
Church administrators are uniquely positioned to lead this shift. You understand the systems, the people, and the mission. You see where the gaps are and where the opportunities lie.
Your leadership can help your church:
- Redesign volunteer pathways
- Create sustainable serving rhythms
- Build policies that support healthy teams
- Implement tools that simplify scheduling
- Foster a culture where volunteers feel valued and equipped
This is not just operational work; it’s deeply spiritual work. Volunteers aren’t filling slots. They’re living out their calling.
A future built on healthy teams
If we want thriving ministries, we must build thriving volunteer cultures. That means meeting people where they are, designing roles that fit real lives, and creating systems that support, not strain, the people who serve.
The volunteers might have thinned, but the mission hasn’t. And with thoughtful leadership, we can rebuild volunteer engagement in ways that are healthier, more relational, and more sustainable than ever before. In the process, we will guide people to be more like Jesus.
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Denise Craig, CAE CCA is a dynamic leader with more than 30 years of experience, currently serving as the CEO of The Church Network. She is passionate about helping others discover their God-given purpose and excels in strategic leadership. Denise is a member of the advisory panel for Church Executive Magazine, serves on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Society of Association Executives, and is a frequent speaker at various events. She holds certifications as a Certified Association Executive, Certified Church Administrator, and Certified Financial Coach.
Denise can be reached at denise@thechurchnetwork.com.
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TCN 2/11/26
