Recruiting Volunteers vs Paid Staff
Building Healthy Ministry Teams for Long-Term Ministry
Every church depends on people who faithfully serve.
Some serve as volunteers, giving their time and gifts freely.
Others are employed in paid ministry positions so they can devote significant time to leading, teaching, caring for people and supporting the church’s mission.
One model is not more spiritual than the other.
The question is not whether volunteers or paid staff are “better,” but how each can best serve the needs of the church and the work God has entrusted to it.
A Biblical Foundation
The New Testament shows believers serving in many different ways.
Some gave themselves fully to ministry and received financial support.
Others served voluntarily using the gifts God had given them.
Both forms of service were valuable.
Paul wrote:
“The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
(1 Timothy 5:18; Luke 10:7 NASB1995)
At the same time, believers are encouraged to use their spiritual gifts to serve one another.
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another…”
(1 Peter 4:10 NASB1995)
The church flourishes when every believer participates according to their gifts and opportunities.
Volunteers Are Essential
Healthy churches are not built on paid staff alone.
Many ministries rely almost entirely on faithful volunteers.
Examples include:
- Children’s ministry
- Hospitality
- Welcome teams
- Morning tea
- Prayer teams
- Worship teams (in many churches)
- Small group leadership
- Administration support
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Technology teams
Volunteers often become the heartbeat of church life.
When Paid Staff May Be Appropriate
As churches grow, some responsibilities require significant time and consistency.
Examples include:
- Senior Pastor
- Associate Pastor
- Youth Pastor
- Church Administrator
- Children’s Ministry Director
- Executive Pastor
- Operations Manager
Employing staff may allow these ministries to receive the time and attention they require.
Questions to Ask Before Employing Staff
Before creating a paid position, prayerfully consider:
Is the workload sustainable for volunteers?
Can the church financially support the role long-term?
Will this position strengthen the ministry of the church?
Are expectations realistic?
Have we clearly defined the role?
Employment should support ministry rather than create unnecessary financial pressure.
Questions to Ask Before Recruiting Volunteers
Likewise, before asking volunteers to serve, consider:
- Is the role clearly explained?
- Will volunteers receive training?
- Is there ongoing support?
- Are expectations reasonable?
- Will volunteers feel valued?
Volunteers deserve clarity, encouragement and appreciation.
Paid Staff Are Not Meant to Do Everything
One common mistake is assuming that paid staff should carry the entire ministry of the church.
Scripture presents a different picture.
Ephesians 4:11–12 teaches that pastors and ministry leaders equip believers for the work of ministry.
The goal is not to replace volunteers but to equip and encourage them.
Healthy churches develop servants rather than creating spectators.
Volunteers Are Not Free Labour
Volunteers generously give their time and gifts.
They should never feel taken for granted.
Healthy churches:
- Express appreciation.
- Provide training.
- Communicate clearly.
- Respect people’s time.
- Care for volunteers spiritually.
- Celebrate faithful service.
A culture of gratitude strengthens ministry.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
❌ Expecting volunteers to fulfil full-time responsibilities.
❌ Employing staff before the church can sustainably support the position.
❌ Failing to provide clear role descriptions.
❌ Neglecting volunteer training.
❌ Assuming paid staff should perform every ministry.
❌ Overlooking the gifts already present within the congregation.
Comparing Volunteers and Paid Staff
| Volunteers | Paid Staff |
|---|---|
| Give time freely | Employed for specific responsibilities |
| Flexible involvement | Consistent availability |
| Often serve alongside work or family commitments | Able to dedicate significant time to ministry |
| Require support and encouragement | Require employment support and accountability |
| Essential to church life | Essential where ongoing leadership or specialised responsibilities are needed |
Both contribute significantly to the mission of the church.
Building a Healthy Ministry Team
Many thriving churches combine both approaches.
Paid staff often provide leadership, oversight and continuity.
Volunteers expand ministry through their gifts, relationships and willingness to serve.
Together they reflect the biblical picture of the body of Christ, where every member has a role.
Before Recruiting Anyone
Whether recruiting a volunteer or an employee, ask:
✔ Does this role support our mission?
✔ Have we clearly defined responsibilities?
✔ Are expectations realistic?
✔ Will this help people grow in ministry?
✔ Have we prayed together for God’s wisdom?
Recruitment begins long before the advertisement is published.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it biblical for pastors to receive a salary?
Yes. Scripture teaches that those who devote themselves to preaching and teaching may receive financial support (1 Timothy 5:17–18; Luke 10:7). At the same time, the New Testament also records occasions where Paul supported himself through tentmaking (Acts 18:3). Churches may organise ministry support in different ways depending on their circumstances.
Should every church employ paid staff?
No. Many faithful churches operate entirely through volunteer leadership, while others employ staff to support the ministry. The appropriate approach depends on the church’s size, needs, resources and mission.
Should volunteers have position descriptions?
Yes. Clearly defining responsibilities, reporting relationships and expectations helps volunteers serve with confidence and reduces misunderstandings.
How do we know when it’s time to employ someone?
Consider whether the ministry workload has outgrown volunteer capacity, whether the church can sustainably support the role, and whether employing someone will strengthen the church’s mission. This decision should be made prayerfully and with careful stewardship.
Final Thoughts
The New Testament presents the church as a body with many members, each contributing according to the gifts God has given them (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Whether someone serves as a volunteer or in a paid ministry role, every act of faithful service is valuable when done for the glory of God.
Rather than viewing volunteers and paid staff as competing models, churches can seek to develop healthy teams where each person serves according to their calling, gifts and opportunities.
Building Your Ministry Team?
Whether your church is recruiting a volunteer coordinator, youth pastor, administrator or senior pastor, Church Jobs Australia can help you connect with people who are passionate about serving.
Advertise Your Church Vacancy Today
Photo by Kristina Paparo on Unsplash
