Is It Okay for a Volunteer to Run a Ministry? Figuring Out the Legal and Risk Factors
Oct 19, 2025Volunteers are very important to church missions because they typically take on leadership roles to help the church achieve its goals. But is it against the law for a volunteer to run a ministry? Pastors, administrators, and boards often ask this issue when they are trying to find a balance between the demands of the ministry and the need to handle legal risks. In this detailed guide, we'll talk about the laws that regulate volunteer leadership, the risks and responsibilities that come with it, the best ways to keep an eye on and hold volunteers accountable, and how Church Law and Strategy helps churches safely and efficiently manage volunteer leaders.
The Legal Status of Volunteers in Ministries
By definition, volunteers work for free. Legally, volunteers are not employees, which means that the church has different responsibilities, volunteers have different powers, and the church is not responsible for them.
Laws in the States and the Federal Government
Most states don't stop volunteers from being leaders; however, the legal responsibilities of volunteers depend on the level of power and the tasks they accomplish.
The Difference Between Volunteers and Employees
Volunteers don't have the same job protections and benefits as workers. Generally, volunteers don't have as much legal power to bind the church.
Risks of Liability for Volunteer Leaders
Your Own Responsibility
If a volunteer is negligent or does something wrong while leading a ministry, they may be personally responsible.
Responsibility of the Church
Under some circumstances, churches can be held responsible for what their volunteers do.
Insurance Coverage
Many church insurance policies cover volunteers, but the amount of coverage varies.
Best Ways to Handle Volunteer Leaders
Clear Definitions of Roles
Set clear limitations on the authority and obligations of volunteer leaders.
Background Checks and Screening
Even leaders should go through extensive screening and background checks.
Training and Watching Over
To reduce hazards, give leaders training and keep an eye on them all the time.
Contracts in Writing
Use volunteer agreements that spell out what is expected, who has authority, and who is not responsible.
Things to Think About from a Legal and Practical Point of View
Following the Rules of Employment Law
Make careful that leading volunteers doesn't accidentally make them employees.
Keeping the Church's Mission and Reputation Safe
Clear rules help keep confidence and make the ministry work better.
How Church Law and Strategy Help Churches
Church Law and Strategy gives you:
- Writing and reviewing policies for volunteer leaders
- Risk evaluations and legal audits
- Training on how to manage volunteers well
- Getting help from a lawyer with experience
Questions That Are Often Asked
Can a volunteer make decisions for the church that everyone has to follow?
No, usually not. Staff or authorized leaders should be the only ones who can make binding choices.
What kind of insurance do volunteer leaders need?
Most of the time, church liability policies protect volunteers, but you should examine the policy's conditions.
What to do when volunteer leaders go too far with their power?
Set up ways to fix things and make sure everyone knows what the rules are.
Final Thoughts
It's legal and popular for volunteers to run missions, but churches need to be vigilant about the risks and the law. Churches can give volunteer leaders more power while keeping their mission safe by having clear rules, screening, training, and legal advice. Church Law and Strategy is ready to help congregations set up safe and legal ways for volunteers to lead.
Disclaimer: This blog article is not legal advice; it is simply meant to provide information. If you need assistance that is specific to your church or group, talk to a lawyer.
Links Inside
- Learn more about the legal policies that protect church volunteers.
- Learn about Church HR and Employment Law Compliance.
- Look at the Church Legal Audit and Compliance Report.
