Volunteer

Serve where faith meets action

American Baptists have long been people of prayer—and people of action. Through volunteer service, individuals and teams dedicate their time, skills, and compassion to help communities recover from hardship, strengthen ministries, and witness God’s work through relationships built in service.

ABHMS assists in mobilizing volunteers for mission efforts that support community ministries, disaster recovery, and local outreach. Whether serving for a week, a season, or a specific project, volunteers become partners in ministries that nurture hope and enable communities to thrive.

Volunteers on a mission trip in Puerto Rico repairing weather-damaged dwellings.

Why volunteer?

Volunteer mission experiences go beyond service projects. They serve as opportunities for discipleship, learning, and spiritual growth.

Participants prepare for their journey through guided learning, Bible study, and reflection before they travel. After the service experience ends, teams continue reflecting together—considering what they have learned and how those insights shape their ongoing ministry at home.

 Through these experiences, volunteers often discover:

  • New perspectives on faith and service

  • Deeper understanding of communities and cultures

  • Meaningful relationships formed through shared mission

  • Renewed commitment to serving their own communities

Ways to Serve

ABHMS organizes various volunteer opportunities that welcome individuals, churches, and teams.

  • Disaster Recovery Response
    Volunteers help communities affected by natural disasters through rebuilding, repairs, and community support efforts. Skills such as carpentry, cleaning, lawn care, and relationship building are often needed.

  • Community Outreach Ministries
    Many volunteer activities take place alongside ABHMS Community Outreach Ministries partners, where volunteers support programs serving children, families, elders, and people facing crises.

  • Mission Service Teams
    Church groups and volunteer teams join week-long service projects that combine hands-on work, community engagement, and reflection.

  • Summer Mission Experiences
    Seasonal opportunities offer structured mission experiences where volunteers serve together while learning about the community they are supporting.

What to Expect 

Volunteer opportunities typically include:

  • Advance preparation and orientation

  • Opportunities for Bible study and reflection

  • Hands-on service in partnership with local ministries

  • Post-experience reflection and learning

Participants may be asked to complete registration materials, background checks, or health documentation depending on the nature of the project and the hosting ministry.

Join the work

ABHMS volunteers are sometimes called “passionaries.” They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the name of Jesus Christ through acts of compassion, service, and mission.

If you are ready to serve, there are many ways to begin.

Next

Join a Community