I believe strongly in the importance of volunteering at your church. Having worked at one and relying on volunteers, to now volunteering at the church I attend, I’ve seen both sides. It’s important stuff.
At the same time, I do think there are some situations where you should probably stop volunteering. Here are five of them.
1. When you start dreading church.
If you hate volunteering so much that you dread going to church – if you feel like the personalities or organizational structures are that frustrating to you – quit immediately. Why would you want to go to a church you dread attending? And instead of letting the problem get worse, just stop volunteering so you can enjoy church again. You don’t have to let it get to the point that you want to jump ship.
A better option would be to simply change your attitude toward the situation. But if you need to take some time off in order to hear from God and re-align your heart, do it. Please. For your church’s sake and for yours.
2. When you start finding your identity in your role.
If you ever fear being honest or responding to an altar call because you’re afraid of what people will think of you – afraid you might lose your volunteer or even staff position – quit now. You don’t want to start living a double life.
But even if you start feeling threatened by someone coming in and slowly taking over your role, or if you’re losing some of your influence and that feels wrong, please stop volunteering. Again, the better option is to re-align your heart. But if that isn’t happening, back out. Your soul is worth more than your position.s
3. When volunteering replaces your relationship.
If you start seeing your work for God as more important than your relationship with Him, back away quickly. Learn again what it means to abide with your God without having to somehow earn His favor. Once you relearn, you can get back involved. But make sure your heart is for Him and not just what you can do for Him.
4. When you can’t submit to your pastor’s vision.
If you’re trying to turn your church into your old church or the cool megachurch down the street – and that’s not your pastor’s vision – you’re swimming upstream. You’re going to be frustrated and everyone you work with will be.
Either get behind your pastor’s vision – trying to figure out what he or she wants – or get out of that position.
5. When it encourages an unhealthy relationship.
Finally, if you find unhealthy relationships developing in your volunteer position, get out of there. If you’re developing an affair-worthy relationship with a team member of the opposite sex, run away. Or if you find that particular role is filled with cynical or bitter people, flee. Find a team that will push you toward purity and a greater love for God.
If you notice, most of these are last resorts. I’m convinced most people won’t need to stop volunteering at their church. But you might need to re-adjust your heart in order to maintain health as a volunteer. Be sure you do that. It’s worth all the effort.