Volunteering is much more than an offer of service; it is one great way of improving one’s mental health and well-being.A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that retirees who volunteered had a 43% lower risk of depression compared to those who didn’t volunteer. For churches, it is all about creating opportunities for very meaningfully valued service.
The Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
- Less of Depression: Engaging in effort with others gives the sense of belonging and community
- Uplifting Mood: Helping other people brings areas in the brain associated with pleasure and reward to be “activated”
- Promotes Purpose: Provides a sense of meaningful contribution and significance in an individual’s life
What Makes Volunteering in Church Unique
Churches offer unique opportunities for service that are most rewarding:
- Faith Motivation: Performing in terms of faith goes beyond the usual purpose; there is a deeper sense of purpose.
- Safe Environment: The church is the best site where people can work as volunteers as a member of a progressive body.
- Most Diverse Opportunities: From reading and teaching kids to leading services, there’s something for everyone here.
Professor Practical Steps for Churches
Maximize Mental Health Actually, Churches can:
- Diversified Opportunities: Roles that matched various levels of skill and interest.
- Celebrate Contributions: Periodically Recognize and Appreciate the Volunteer effort.
- Provide Support: Training and gainful resources to volunteers for success
Church volunteering is a win-win for the church and itself. Such culture of service would greatly add to sharpening the ministries as well as the mental formation of its members.