Navigation:
- I want to volunteer - where do I start?
- Welcome Letter from a Church Leader
- Mission/Vision Statement
- History of the Church/Ministry
- Ministry Volunteer Opportunities
- Volunteer Qualifications & Expectations
- Volunteer Conduct and Behavior
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Safety Guidelines, Policies, Work Process, and Schedule Information
- Volunteer Form
- Staff Directory
I want to volunteer - where do I start?
First, consider where God might be leading you. What spiritual gifts and talents do you have?
Have you completed a Spiritual Gifts Assessment before? It asks questions to determine your highest Spiritual Gifts, which can provide direction on how God can use you to serve Him and others! Just click the link below, and it will take about 15 minutes complete.
We also recommend taking our next Faith Track class. Together, we will discuss the essentials of our faith, learn about our church’s core values, discover our spiritual gifts, and discuss opportunities to further learn, grow, and serve. You can let us know of your interest now by signing up at the link below.
Next, decide which ministry or ministries you might be interested in, and how often you'd like to volunteer.
- I'd like to serve regularly - Some opportunities include Sunday morning ministries such as Hospitality Team, Worship Team, and Kids & Youth Ministries, and praying for people before or at the end of services.
- I can only help periodically - Events might be right for you, such as Fifth Quarter, Trunk-N-Treat, Upward Basketball, or Christmas Decorating. Our Hands-On Ministry provides help to those who need it in our church, and you can help whenever it's convenient for you!
- If you're not sure, try walking through the prompts on the General Volunteer Form.
Then, let the ministry leader know you're interested!
- Fill out the applicable volunteer form at shawneealliance.com/volunteer, or
- Contact the ministry leader or fill out a Connect Card and we'll get back with you!
And don't worry, trying out a new volunteer opportunity does not mean you have to stay there. If you find that it doesn't seem to be the right fit for you, let your ministry leader know or fill out a connect card and we'll help you find a ministry that's a better fit!
Thank you for serving
the kingdom through your ministry involvement at Shawnee Alliance Church! Life transformation happens through different ways of discipleship, serving, and connection. Your part in our community is helping to drive this mission forward. We value your role in the local church and the mission of bringing the love of Christ to our community and world. My prayer is that the information included here is helpful and provides resources that benefit the continued growth and development of your ministry.
Our strength depends
on us working together as a team. We all have varied roles, but are dependent on each other. We've compiled this Volunteer Handbook to make sure you have all the information you need to volunteer, and our wonderful team is as strong as it can be.
Of course, as the church grows and develops we may make changes to how we do things, but we will keep you informed as and when this happens. We always want to keep everyone on the same page. If you are unsure of anything, please speak to your ministry leader.
A Brief History of Shawnee Alliance
Shawnee Alliance is dedicated to seeing transformed lives through Christ’s love. In the late 1950s, a group in Lima felt called to establish another Christian & Missionary Alliance church. They prayed and studied the Bible for two years before purchasing land in Shawnee in 1961. By 1965, the original ‘T’ shaped building was completed.
As the congregation grew, so did the facilities. In 1972, a Fellowship Hall was added, followed by a new Sanctuary in 1980. Over 80 individuals committed their lives to Jesus, with 55 baptisms during this period. The East Campus went through several expansions, always with the goal of repurposing spaces to meet ministry needs. The original sanctuary became classrooms, and the Fellowship Hall turned into administrative offices, later becoming a coffee area and children’s ministry space.
From 1980 to 2000, 276 people found faith in Christ through the work of Shawnee Alliance, and 159 people declared their internal transformation through baptism. With continued growth, additional space was needed. In 2006, land was acquired on the west side, and an Activity Center was built by 2010. Names of individuals were inscribed on the concrete floor during the dedication service, symbolizing ongoing spiritual commitment. Since then, 409 more people have committed their lives to Christ, with many baptisms following.
As God continues to write the history of Shawnee Alliance Church, we recognize our methods and ministries may change and grow over time. We remain committed to our ongoing calling: Transformed Lives!
As a volunteer at Shawnee Alliance Church, I agree to the following:
- I believe in Jesus Christ and I am committed to growing in my relationship with Him.
- I have regularly attended Shawnee Alliance Church for at least 6 months, and I will continue to do so while volunteering.
- I will attend any training required for the position I am volunteering for.
- I will strive to arrive five minutes before I am required to be there. As a volunteer leader, it is important to be in place before ministries begin. Check with your ministry leader for specifics.
- If I am unable to fulfill my volunteer duties, I will either inform the volunteer coordinator or find my replacement as is appropriate for my ministry.
- I will dress appropriately to serve at an event at Shawnee Alliance Church.
- I will carry myself in a way that honors and reflects our Lord Jesus Christ at all times.
- I will do my best to create a community based environment within my role as a volunteer.
- I will conform to any additional requirements such as background checks, if needed within the ministry that I volunteer in.
- I will work cooperatively within a team setting.
- I will keep an open line of communication with my team and the leaders.
- I will review all policies relative to the ministry I serve in.
- I will be willing to provide feedback through surveys or check-ins with the ministry leader.
Volunteer Conduct and Behavior
Shawnee Alliance Church is committed to the safety & protection of all people within its scope of responsibility and care. We expect all employees and team members to conduct themselves with the utmost integrity and professionalism at all times. Working together we can create a safe & positive environment for all, guided by the highest biblical standards of morality, ethics, and prudence.
Alcohol, Drugs, & Controlled Substances: It is the policy to maintain a drug and alcohol-free environment that is safe and productive. The unauthorized use, sale, transfer, possession, or being "under the influence" of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances during any church event or on church property is prohibited. "Under the influence" for the purpose of this handbook, is defined as being unable to perform volunteer work in a safe manner, and/or being in a physical or mental condition which creates a risk to the safety and well-being of yourself or those around you.
As part of a volunteer team of Shawnee Alliance Church, you represent the church and your conduct should reflect a Christlike character.
As a team member at Shawnee Alliance, we respect the privacy of each individual. If you are in a conversation where someone has trusted you with confidential information, please keep that information confidential. If they have shared something that you feel is necessary for your leader to know then please only share the information with the leader of the ministry you serve. (Ex. Self harm, harm to others, abuse, needs, their testimony or story.) Some ministries will have a specific code of conduct, (Ex: kids and youth ministry), that will be part of your volunteer training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get involved?
You can fill out a volunteer form for a general request or for any specific ministry. Ministry opportunities can be found on our website. If you aren’t sure where to start, fill out a Connect Card and we’ll be happy to work with you to discover that together!
How frequently would I serve?
When filling out a volunteer application, you can let us know how much availability you have to serve, whether that’s only for one event, once a month or more often. You can always update your availability with your leader as seasons of life change.
What if I’m sick and cannot be here?
Please contact your ministry leader to alert them of your absence. In some cases, a list of other team members is provided so you can find a replacement as necessary.
Will I receive training?
Yes! Each ministry has its own designated training or onboarding process. You will be encouraged to come alongside others volunteering to shadow what it looks like to serve in this ministry.
What happens if this position isn’t the right fit for me?
Everyone is different and sometimes we can take a little while to find the right fit. It's okay, and even encouraged, to keep trying until you've found something that provides meaning for you and aligns with the way God has wired you. Please feel free to either talk to your ministry leader about a different area within their ministry or fill out a connect card to let us know and we’ll gladly help you find the right ministry for your gifts.
Do I get expenses paid?
Yes, if you are purchasing items that have been approved specifically for that ministry, they will be compensated. Please provide your receipt to your ministry leader to begin the reimbursement process.
Can I volunteer with my family or friends?
Yes, we love when families and friends can serve alongside each other! Some ministries are better suited for families to serve together than others. Check with your ministry leader for specifics.
I’ve got a criminal record, can I still volunteer?
It is important to let your ministry leader know of any potential past history that may come up on a background check. In some ministries, a background check is required. Depending on the severity of the incident, further conversations may be involved.
Safety Guidelines, Policies, Work Process, and Schedule Information
At Shawnee Alliance, we value the safety of everyone who walks through our doors! As a leader, sometimes you will be in charge of guiding people and keeping people around you safe. Here are some general safety guidelines to be aware of as you faithfully serve at Shawnee Alliance.
Fire Alarm
In the event that the fire alarm goes off please calmly make your way to the nearest exit. All exit doors are marked, please make sure that you are aware of all exits in the rooms that you occupy. If you have kids or students they will be at the Elmwood Playground if leaving the East Campus or the South Gravel Lot if leaving the Activity Center.
Tornado or Severe Weather
In the event of severe weather or a tornado we will shelter in place. It is always best to find interior rooms with no windows, bathrooms are generally the safest. If you have kids or students they will also shelter in place and as soon as the emergency is over you will be released to get them. Holding different age groups in different buildings could cause some fear, please keep as calm as possible and avoid panic in yourself and those around you.
Safety Team
Shawnee Alliance has an unidentified Safety Team on Sunday mornings. This team is alert and attentive to any dangers or emergency situations that may arise.
Intruder
In the event an intruder or active shooter enters the building please stay as calm as possible and look/listen for instruction from the responders and staff around you. If an intruder enters, create distance between intruder and members, remembering that evacuating from the church is the best option if you can. Also be prepared to lockdown if not able to evacuate. There will be more specific information within your ministry or the area you are serving along with ongoing training as it is offered by the church.
If you're still not sure where to volunteer or how to get started, let us walk through the process with you! Just fill out the form below to get started!
Thank you for choosing to serve alongside us. We look forward to seeing how your gifts will be used to help us in furthering the Kingdom together!