Either/Or or Both/And? Volunteers vs. Paid Staff

Should your church continue to use volunteers for everything? Would having some paid staff provide better control or consistency? Is compensating your key volunteers a happy middle ground?

As might be expected, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Here are just a few of the factors to consider: 

Volunteers — Yes!

Cost-Effective: No salaries mean the church can save money and redirect those funds to service projects or community outreach.

Community Engagement: Volunteers often have a personal connection to the church or community, which can spark passion and commitment.

Diverse Skill Sets: You never know who walks through your doors! Volunteers can bring unique skills and experiences – think graphic designers, teachers, or event planners.

Flexibility: Volunteers can step in for special events or projects without the formalities tied to hiring paid staff.

Stronger Relationships: Working side-by-side on church activities can foster strong bonds within the congregation.

Volunteers — No!

Inconsistent Commitment: Like anyone else, volunteers can flake out. Their availability might change due to work or personal commitments.

Lack of Experience: Some volunteers have impressive skills. However, others might be learning on the job, which can lead to hiccups in getting the task done.

Need for Training: Training volunteers takes time and resources – something smaller churches might struggle with.

Burnout Risk: Relying too heavily on volunteers can lead to exhaustion or feeling unappreciated among those who give their time.

Paid Staff — Yes!

Consistency and Reliability: Paid staff are committed to their roles, providing a sense of stability for church operations.

Professional Expertise: Staff can bring specialized knowledge and experience, which often leads to more effective church programs and outreach.

Time Management: Staff can devote their energy full-time to church activities, allowing for more complex projects and initiatives.

Accountability: It's easier to set clear expectations and hold staff accountable compared to volunteers.

Paid Staff — No!

Higher Costs: Salaries, benefits, and insurance can add up quickly and eat into the church budget.

Less Community Involvement: Paid staff might not connect with the congregation as deeply as volunteers who are also members.

Potential for Complacency: Staff may lose motivation or passion, especially if they feel secure in their positions.

As you can see, many factors go into the decision. And the truth is that the vast majority of churches rely on a hybrid of staff and volunteers. Non-profit organizations do too. Ultimately, the choice requires careful consideration of each church's or nonprofit’s unique situation, congregational and/or community needs, and long-term goals.

It is important to note also that the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes restrictions on employees from volunteering in roles with the organization that employs them that are similar to their paid work. For example, an employee hired to manage fundraising events cannot “volunteer” to work on similar events after hours. This ensures they’re paid fairly for their time and that nonprofits don’t take advantage of their employees’ dedication.

If you are an Auxilio client partner, talk with your Partner Strategist about how your organization can strike the best balance between staffing and utilizing volunteers. If you’re not yet an Auxilio client partner, contact us to learn how we can serve your church or faith-based nonprofit and reduce your administrative burden to free you up for ministry.