4 Jun 2026, 14:43Sharon Platt-McDonald, BUC Health, Adventist Community Services and Women’s Ministries Director
Volunteering – A Godly Choice
“We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves” (Ellen G White).
Volunteers’ Week in the UK ran from 1-7 June 2026. Across the country, communities, churches, organisations, and support groups enriched the lives of many through practical, relevant, and intentional acts of kindness, making a significant difference in the lives of others.
Explaining the importance of the initiative, Crisis UK states:
“Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities with a platform to thank volunteers for their invaluable efforts.”¹
A Biblical Directive
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God” (Hebrews 13:16, NLT).
The Bible is filled with examples of individuals reaching out in selfless service to others. Yet volunteering is much more than acts of kindness – it reflects divine love itself. It mirrors God’s gift of Jesus to humanity. John 3:16 reminds us that God loved the world so much that He gave. Likewise, when we give our time, energy, and resources in relevant and timely ways, we also offer a gift that enhances the lives of those walking difficult paths.
Volunteering gives us the opportunity to become the hands and feet of Jesus, offering hope and practical support to those in need.
Why People Volunteer
This week, several church members involved in community outreach initiatives were asked why they volunteer. Their responses reflect both faith and compassion:
“I imagine this would be what Jesus would do – seek out those in need and minister to them, not expecting anything in return.”
“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. It’s rewarding to give back. God has given so much to us; we need to be generous with those blessings.”
“Volunteering is the Bible made practical, reflecting God’s love to the world.”
“When we share our time, resources, and encouragement, particularly with those experiencing difficult circumstances, we bring hope into their lives.”
Volunteering as Witness
The benevolence of Christ is revealed through every selfless act of service. Through volunteering, we become lights within our communities, illuminating dark spaces with God’s love and creating opportunities for hope and transformation.
As we serve, we strengthen the body of Christ, encourage faith, and participate in God’s mission to minister healing to a hurting world.
Many churches across the UK and Ireland have members who volunteer weekly through food hubs, craft cafés, homeless outreach, care home ministries, and numerous other supportive initiatives.
Volunteering Enhances Wellbeing
Reflecting on previous experience managing Voluntary Services Teams within the NHS alongside nursing and therapy services for adults and older persons, one reality became very clear: volunteering benefits both those who serve and those being served.
Research highlighted by Psychology Today identifies several wellbeing benefits associated with volunteering:
• Volunteering can reduce mortality and improve overall functioning
• Long-term volunteering is associated with better mental, physical, and cognitive health in older adults
• Volunteering improves social capital, benefits public health, and reduces health inequalities
• Children who volunteer are less likely to experience anxiety and behavioural challenges²
Why Volunteer?
Terri Guillemets beautifully states:
“The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.”
As we reach out to people in their moments of greatest need, we hold them in an embrace of kindness, compassion, and love that can transform lives. When we are generous with our time, diligent in our service, and intentional in reflecting the heart of God, heaven smiles.
Reflect on the words of this poem as you consider the power of volunteering:
Why Be a Volunteer?
It’s not for money; it’s not for fame.
It’s not for personal gain.
It’s just for love of fellowman.
It’s just to send a helping hand.
It’s just to give a tithe of self,
That’s something you can’t buy with wealth.
It’s not medals won with pride.
It’s for that feeling deep inside.
It’s that reward down in your heart.
It’s that feeling that you’ve been a part,
Of helping others far and near,
That makes you be a volunteer.
(Unknown Author)
Why not take a moment to acknowledge the selfless service of someone you know who gives their time and resources to assist others? Celebrate the impact of their compassionate actions through a phone call, a card, or a simple word of appreciation – and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all they do.
References / Footnotes
1 Volunteers’ Week 2026 | Crisis UK
2 Volunteering and Mental Health | Psychology Today
“We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves” (Ellen G White).
Volunteers’ Week in the UK ran from 1-7 June 2026. Across the country, communities, churches, organisations, and support groups enriched the lives of many through practical, relevant, and intentional acts of kindness, making a significant difference in the lives of others.
Explaining the importance of the initiative, Crisis UK states:
“Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities with a platform to thank volunteers for their invaluable efforts.”¹
A Biblical Directive
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God” (Hebrews 13:16, NLT).
The Bible is filled with examples of individuals reaching out in selfless service to others. Yet volunteering is much more than acts of kindness – it reflects divine love itself. It mirrors God’s gift of Jesus to humanity. John 3:16 reminds us that God loved the world so much that He gave. Likewise, when we give our time, energy, and resources in relevant and timely ways, we also offer a gift that enhances the lives of those walking difficult paths.
Volunteering gives us the opportunity to become the hands and feet of Jesus, offering hope and practical support to those in need.
Why People Volunteer
This week, several church members involved in community outreach initiatives were asked why they volunteer. Their responses reflect both faith and compassion:
“I imagine this would be what Jesus would do – seek out those in need and minister to them, not expecting anything in return.”
“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. It’s rewarding to give back. God has given so much to us; we need to be generous with those blessings.”
“Volunteering is the Bible made practical, reflecting God’s love to the world.”
“When we share our time, resources, and encouragement, particularly with those experiencing difficult circumstances, we bring hope into their lives.”
Volunteering as Witness
The benevolence of Christ is revealed through every selfless act of service. Through volunteering, we become lights within our communities, illuminating dark spaces with God’s love and creating opportunities for hope and transformation.
As we serve, we strengthen the body of Christ, encourage faith, and participate in God’s mission to minister healing to a hurting world.
Many churches across the UK and Ireland have members who volunteer weekly through food hubs, craft cafés, homeless outreach, care home ministries, and numerous other supportive initiatives.
Volunteering Enhances Wellbeing
Reflecting on previous experience managing Voluntary Services Teams within the NHS alongside nursing and therapy services for adults and older persons, one reality became very clear: volunteering benefits both those who serve and those being served.
Research highlighted by Psychology Today identifies several wellbeing benefits associated with volunteering:
• Volunteering can reduce mortality and improve overall functioning
• Long-term volunteering is associated with better mental, physical, and cognitive health in older adults
• Volunteering improves social capital, benefits public health, and reduces health inequalities
• Children who volunteer are less likely to experience anxiety and behavioural challenges²
Why Volunteer?
Terri Guillemets beautifully states:
“The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.”
As we reach out to people in their moments of greatest need, we hold them in an embrace of kindness, compassion, and love that can transform lives. When we are generous with our time, diligent in our service, and intentional in reflecting the heart of God, heaven smiles.
Reflect on the words of this poem as you consider the power of volunteering:
Why Be a Volunteer?
It’s not for money; it’s not for fame.
It’s not for personal gain.
It’s just for love of fellowman.
It’s just to send a helping hand.
It’s just to give a tithe of self,
That’s something you can’t buy with wealth.
It’s not medals won with pride.
It’s for that feeling deep inside.
It’s that reward down in your heart.
It’s that feeling that you’ve been a part,
Of helping others far and near,
That makes you be a volunteer.
(Unknown Author)
Why not take a moment to acknowledge the selfless service of someone you know who gives their time and resources to assist others? Celebrate the impact of their compassionate actions through a phone call, a card, or a simple word of appreciation – and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all they do.
References / Footnotes
1 Volunteers’ Week 2026 | Crisis UK
2 Volunteering and Mental Health | Psychology Today
