Church volunteers are an incredible resource for community building and ministry. Volunteers help you broaden your reach and capacity to deliver much-needed services to your parishioners. With more of the work of the church transitioning online comes additional needs. There is the need to transition some of the traditional responsibilities of church volunteers online, and new opportunities to serve.

Service is such a central part of the Christian experience, and many potential or past volunteers are likely eager for an opportunity to help in your church’s efforts. To that end, here are 22 digital church volunteer roles to consider based on how your church is making disciples:

  1. Digital small group leaders. These individuals facilitate focused online conversations and meetings for adults, students, and children.
  2. Digital small group director. Individuals who can help craft the plan for your small group communities. These individuals identify the needs and volunteers who can serve based on your personal parish.
  3. Prayer leaders. Leaders who offer a digital space specifically for prayer and prayer requests. These leaders could also work in tandem with those coordinating mental health and wellness guidance.
  4. Mental health and wellness care. Individuals who organise and assist with the mental health care and wellbeing of parishioners. Largely responsible for finding resources, but may also offer support.
  5. Technical support. Volunteers with digital expertise who can provide training and support for the online meeting hosts and others using technology as part of the ministry.
  6. Small group drop-off coordinators. Individuals who can print, organise, and facilitate delivery of Bible study materials to small group members.
  7. Small group drop-off volunteers. Individuals who take on the responsibility of delivering Bible study materials to small group members.
  8. Food and supply drop-off coordinators. Individuals who identify and organise food and other household supply needs for parishioners who cannot travel.
  9. Food and supply collection volunteers. Individuals who collect or cook food and gather the supplies identified by the coordinators for those parishioners in need.
  10. Food and supply delivery volunteers. Individuals who drop off supplies and food to parishioners in need as part of the larger Food and Supply team.
  11. Live stream directors. Technical director to oversee the production and delivery of church services via live stream or recording.
  12. Camera operators. Depending on your technical setup, the camera operators set up your devices in optimal spaces and ensure that the camera captures your live or recorded service.
  13. Digital media operators. Responsible for all media, such as lyrics and slides, displayed during the service.
  14. Social Media advocates. Individuals who help grow your social media presence by sharing your content on their pages and help reach a wider audience.
  15. Social Media creators. Individuals who help you shape a social media strategy and develop content you can use from your church’s social media pages.
  16. Newsletter developers. Individuals who collect stories and photos from your church community to share in regular newsletters to the parish as a whole. 
  17. Website support. Volunteers with digital creation experience who can help ensure your website is user friendly for all audiences.
  18. Facebook Group Facilitator. Volunteers who help keep your church Facebook group on topic and provide resources when individuals post questions or needs.
  19. Grant and Funds writer. Volunteers with writing and fundraising experience from your parish who can help you find new funding opportunities and ensure your grant applications meet the requirements.
  20. Live stream moderators. Digital church volunteers who moderate and host online services by welcoming participants and facilitating live stream discussions.
  21. Live stream follow-up volunteers. Follow up with participant information submitted during the service, including first-time participants, prayer requests, and faith decisions made during the live stream.
  22. Live stream support. If you are not using a platform that provides support, you will need a team who can provide training, support, and troubleshooting for the live stream service your church uses.

Opening up these additional digital church volunteer opportunities has multiple benefits. Your church can better serve your community, both online and offline. You can reach a wider audience as you expand your digital presence. And, perhaps as important, it helps you create an opportunity for people who may otherwise be isolated at home to feel needed. In times like this, we all crave purpose and volunteering for our church using our skills and energy can go a long way.