A friend once asked me why I volunteer as much as I do. The answer is simple, really. I volunteer because it matters. With little effort, I quickly rattled off 10 benefits of volunteering that day, which I’ll share again in this article later on. But the truth is that I was raised to volunteer. My parents were both volunteer firefighters when I was growing up. Then, when Dad’s work hours took over the time he would have invested in volunteering, Mom doubled her efforts. And when I told my friend that I volunteer because it matters, I was repeating what my Mom always told me. It is one of those simple things that doesn’t draw attention like a neon sign, but it has a big impact. No one gives you a trophy for packing lunches or folding donated clothes. You don’t get a paycheck for walking dogs at the shelter or serving at the community dinner. But ask anyone who has made volunteering a regular rhythm in their life, and they’ll tell you: it changes you.
It changes your heart.
It changes how you see people.
It even changes how you see yourself.
And that’s because volunteering was never just about helping others; it’s about becoming the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that’s desperate for His love. Whether you’re young or old, introverted or outgoing, new to faith or a seasoned believer, there’s a place for you to serve, and a blessing waiting on the other side of it.
10 Benefits of Volunteering
Here’s the quick list of reasons for volunteering that I gave my friend that asked me why I volunteer.
- Volunteering gives vital help, and a voice, to worthwhile causes.
- Volunteering is mentally stimulating.
- Volunteering creates connection with others.
- Volunteering gives satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
- Volunteering is fun.
- Volunteering promotes personal growth and self-esteem.
- Volunteering saves resources.
- Volunteering teaches you about the world around you.
- Volunteering enables you to give back.
- Volunteering impacts today and influences the future.
Now, let’s dig into the deeper reasons why volunteering is so transformative and why Scripture encourages us to serve with joy.
Volunteering Grows Your Compassion
There’s something powerful about stepping into someone else’s shoes, even for a moment. When we volunteer, especially in situations that stretch us, we begin to see others through a different lens.
We start to realize that the single mom picking up groceries isn’t just stressed; she’s juggling with three jobs and hasn’t had a quiet moment all week.
The teenager at the youth shelter isn’t just angry, he’s been let down more times than he can count.
The elderly woman at the nursing home isn’t just lonely, she’s survived war, loss, and change, and she’s hungry for connection.
Volunteering softens our edges.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
It helps us develop empathy, patience, and kindness in ways that books or sermons alone can’t teach. It moves compassion from concept to action.
Volunteering Builds Community
When you serve, you meet people. Real people. People who show up early to set out chairs, who stay late to clean up messes, and who pass out food or pray over strangers.
And something beautiful happens in those shared spaces: you find a sense of belonging.
There’s a unique bond that forms when you work side by side with others for a cause greater than yourselves. You share laughter, sweat, stories, and sometimes even tears. It’s the kind of connection that goes deeper than small talk. Serving together builds friendships rooted in purpose. And those friendships? They last. Some of my favorite people are the people I’ve met volunteering with over the years.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NKJV)
Volunteering Strengthens Your Faith
Sometimes we treat faith like a classroom subject. Like something we study, take notes on, and file away. But faith isn’t meant to be lived in our journals. It’s meant to show up in how we love.
When we volunteer, our faith moves from theory to practice.
- You begin to be the gospel to someone who’s never heard it.
- You begin to see God move in everyday conversations.
- You begin to trust Him more as He stretches you into new areas of service.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)
Serving puts hands and feet to your faith. And it often leads you into places where you have to lean on God more, not less.
Volunteering Meets Purpose
There’s something about showing up to serve that fills a deep need in our hearts: the need to know that our lives matter. And while our worth is never tied to what we do (thank You, Jesus!), it is true that God created us with purpose.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Serving reminds us that we were made for more than just surviving the week. It lifts our eyes from the daily grind and reconnects us with why we’re here: to glorify God and love others well.
My Own Story with Volunteering
Volunteering is a big part of my life. It’s woven into who I am. Over the years, I’ve said yes to all kinds of volunteer roles, some big, some small, all meaningful.
I currently serve as a family liaison for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia (NFED). Being affected by ectodermal dysplasia myself, it’s deeply personal. I want the NFED to thrive, to continue supporting families like mine. I started volunteering with them back in elementary school, speaking at events and helping with awareness efforts. That sense of connection and advocacy never left me.
I also volunteer for a local community food pantry. Every month, I spend time creating purchase orders with the food bank so our shelves stay stocked. This pantry serves folks in our area who need help feeding their families. I understand that need. While I don’t currently battle food insecurity, I do know what it’s like to worry about buying groceries, or to try to choose between paying bills and buying food. That’s why I show up. I want others to know someone sees them and cares.
At church, I’ve served as long as I’ve been a Christian. I’ve led Bible studies, planned and hosted retreats, organized women’s ministry events (luaus, teas, brunches, Christmas parties… you name it), and served in NextGen ministries across all age levels. My husband and I have also led marriage ministry within our church and through parachurch efforts. And before I got married, I served in singles ministry, too. I coach and pastor, now, as well.
I don’t share all that to say, “Look what I’ve done.” I share it to say this: when you say yes to serving where God leads you, it doesn’t drain you—it fills you. Over time, it becomes part of your rhythm, your worship, your legacy.
Volunteering Helps with Mental and Emotional Health
Studies back this up, but the Bible already knew. Helping others is good for your soul.
People who volunteer regularly report lower stress levels, increased joy, and a stronger sense of connection and purpose.
When you’re feeling anxious, isolated, or discouraged, serving others can lift you out of that spiral. It doesn’t erase the hard stuff, but it shifts your focus.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
It’s not just poetic. It’s practical. When you pour out, God has a way of pouring right back into you.
Volunteering Shows Jesus to the World
You may not have a platform or a pulpit, but your life speaks. Every time you serve, you’re showing people what Jesus is like. He was the One who washed feet, fed crowds, healed the broken, welcomed the outcast, and noticed the ones others overlooked. When you show up to serve, you’re echoing His heart.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
That lunch you serve? That ride you give? That diaper you hand out? It’s not small. It’s kingdom work. And in a world that’s quick to talk and slow to act, your quiet service might be the loudest sermon someone ever hears.
Volunteering Sparks the Next Generation
If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, or mentor, listen closely: Your kids are watching. They see how you spend your time. They notice when you pause to help someone, when you sacrifice your Saturday for a community cleanup, or when you lovingly prepare meals for the sick. And when they see you serve, it encourages them to do the same. You’re not just raising kind kids. You’re raising kingdom-minded soon to be adults. Children who understand now that loving God means loving people and that following Jesus means rolling up their sleeves become adults who don’t hesitate to step in when help is needed.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
That’s a legacy worth leaving.
So Where Do I Start?
If you’re ready to step into volunteering but aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few ideas:
- Local Church: Ask where there’s a need. Greeting, kids’ ministry, setup, media, meals ministry… there’s room for everyone.
- Food Banks: Many places are always looking for hands to sort and distribute food.
- Schools: Offer to read to kids, tutor, or help at an event.
- Nursing Homes: A simple visit or a handwritten card can brighten someone’s day.
- Community Cleanups: Check your city’s website or local organizations.
- Nonprofits You Love: Reach out and ask how you can help—even virtually!
And remember, you don’t have to do everything. Just start with one thing.
A Prayer for the Servant’s Heart
Lord, thank You for the opportunities to serve. Help me see the needs around me and respond with open hands and a willing heart. Teach me to love like You did, with humility, compassion, and joy. Let my life point others back to You, not through words alone, but through faithful, simple acts of love. Use my time, my talents, and my energy to build Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Yes Matters
Don’t underestimate what happens when you say yes to serving.
Whether it’s handing out water bottles or mentoring someone one-on-one…
Whether it’s helping once a month or jumping in every week…
Whether you’re in your twenties or your eighties…
There’s a place for you.
And on the other side of that yes? There’s joy. Growth. Purpose. Peace. Deep connection. Eternal impact.
Because when you volunteer, you’re not just filling a need.
You’re joining in on something holy.
You’re reflecting the heart of a Savior who came not to be served, but to serve.
So go ahead. Step in.
You won’t regret it.
If you’re in St. Louis, here are several options…
- Tutor and Mentor at Risk Youth in St Louis with Restored For More
- Volunteer opportunities with St Louis Foodbank
- Volunteer with Carol House Quick Fix Clinic (pet related)
- Volunteer with Humane Society of Missouri (pet related)
- Volunteer with Lifewise STL
- Volunteer at your local library
