Frequently Asked Questions

(1) How do I find serving opportunities that are available?
(2) What is a "First Serve?"
(3) How do I begin serving?(
(4) What is expected of me?
(5) What is the time commitment?
(6) Does St. Paul’s really need me to volunteer?
(7) I’m too bust to serve right now, what should I do?
(8) Can you help me figure out where to serve?

(1) How do I find serving opportunities that are available?
There are many different pathways to discover available serving opportunities. The best place to start is our website. Click here to see a list of all available positions.
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(2) What is a "First Serve?"
"First Serves" are one-time or short-term volunteer opportunities designed specifically with exploration in mind. They are a great way for you to explore different ministries and a variety of serving roles. Show up once and move on; or show up once and stay for a season. Some positions and activities lend themselves to a one-time visit, others may require a few weeks for you to figure out whether you like it. Sometimes a First Serve will entail “just jumping in.” Other times, you may show up a rehearsal and hang out to get a feel for things. At times, the best FIRST SERVE is to “shadow” a current volunteer. Every team leader at St. Paul’s is ready and willing to help connect you with a ministry, so don’t be afraid to ask!
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(3) How do I begin serving?
Each individual entry point may look and feel a little different depending on the opportunities you decide to explore. Some opportunities require advance registration while many simply let you just "show up." Regardless of the process involved, the important thing is to get started. Complete information is listed with each opportunity when you search online. If you are still unsure what your next step should be feel free to speak to a Connections Specialist in the Upper Café or email ministryconnect[at]stpaulswired[dot]org.
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(4) What is expected of me?
Expectations will vary from role to role, however you can rest assured there is a process in place to ensure that you are equipped and trained. Every role has an assigned team leader whose responsibility is to set you up to win. The most important thing you can do is to show up and be ready to go when you say you will. Should you ever have any questions about what is expected of you be sure to talk with your team leader. Good, open communication is the best method to ensure the serving opportunity is a good fit for both you and the ministry.
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(5) What is the time commitment?
This is the true beauty of volunteering. You can tailor your serving to fit your schedule and your season of life. There are serving opportunities available literally around the clock and around the calendar. There is always something that will work around your schedule.
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(6) Does St. Paul’s really need me to volunteer?
ABSOLUTELY! While we understand that many people look at ministries that are on-going and think that they can’t possibly make a difference, the truth of the matter is that you can. You don’t have to look deep to unveil that ministry opportunities abound while people resources are in short supply. We need you. God has a calling on this church. It will take us all—paid and non-paid--to step to the plate in order to achieve His vision. Join the challenge!
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(7) I’m too bust to serve right now, what should I do?
Ultimately we believe that the best reason to serve somewhere is because it changes you! There is something about serving that is transformative and we think that you will miss out by not serving. You might be surprised how flexible some serving opportunities are. We’d challenge you to find a place serve, even if it is only a few hours a month.
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(8) Can you help me figure out where to serve?
We have a couple of tools that will help you. First, the best way to start is to jump in and serve somewhere. All of our FIRST SERVE opportunities are designed to help you get in the game! Second, we offer two Core Discipleship Classes that focus on helping you discover your "serving sweet spot". CLASS 201 is an introductory class looking at what ministry is, how to figure out a ministry role, etc. Class 401A is a more advanced class looking at how you are "shaped" for ministry by identifying your spiritual gifts, heart's passion, abilities, personality, and experiences. Keep your eyes open for when these classes will next be offered. Third, you can take an online Spiritual Gifts Assessment. (Click here). Fourth, you can email one of our Ministry Connections Specialists who will be happy to help you find a good ministry fit. You can email them at ministryconnect[at]stpaulswired[dot]org.
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