Good stuff from the United Kingdom: a short and to-the-point (and free!) downloadable guide on motivating volunteers; part of a series on guides on volunteerism basics.

Although not specifically geared toward church volunteers, virtually all of it applies in church settings.

Food for thought and action; great conversation starter for church staff or governing board meetings.

From What? Roles and Motivations for Volunteers:

• “Volunteers can literally do anything.”
• “Previously, volunteers often stayed in the same role within the same organisation for years. Now, there is an increase in people wanting short term opportunities, often with multiple organisations and projects, but that doesn’t mean they won’t return at a later stage , , ,”
• “Volunteering, like any other form of social activity, is subject to changing trends – if you want to engage people successfully you need to keep abreast of these trends.”