"Religious organizations are a key source of potential volunteers for nonprofit organizations," said Nicola Goren, the corporation's chief executive officer. "Nonprofits looking to expand their reach and impact may find it beneficial to work more closely with religious organizations in their communities, especially in these tough economic times."

via www.usatoday.com

I have a couple of theories about this and none are intended to downgrade the importance of volunteering in non-faith-based community organizations.

In fact, the church ought to be encouraging that sort of volunteering as part of its salt-light function in the world.

However, there are certain qualities that congregate in congregations of the faithful.

1. There is a depth of community that is built in, supported, nurtured, encouraged and assumed. A faith-based volunteer organization is more likely than not going to promote fellowship, intimacy, connections, and love among its volunteers. That may happen in other organizations, but the degree to which it is found in faith communities is notable.

2. The philosophy/theology of service is integral to those two faiths with which I am most familiar, Christianity and Judaism. Christianity, for instance, teaches that all believers are ministers (servants) and that to serve God, we must serve people.

3. There is an atmosphere of joy that is characteristic of communities of grace. The same root for grace, charity, thanksgiving, gratitude, gift, giving, and JOY is the Greek, "char." The New Testament teaches that God loves an hilarious giver! I once was part of a non-profit board that hired one executive director candidate over another who was slightly more qualified because he convinced us that he would bring joy to the task.

4. Love – At their best, faith people are motivated by love for God and for others. It is a higher value than any other. It is spoken of freely, openly, and "religiously." It is seen as the only motivation necessary to serve.

5. Faith, especially Christianity and Judaism, teaches that God rewards and blesses selfless service. It also teaches that God is present and involved in that service to bring strength, help, creative ideas, and a sense of fulfillment.

6. Hope – Religious people believe, optimistically, that they really can change the world and the church reinforces that belief.

7. In faith communities people pray for one another and many people feel strengthened and encouraged by that.

8. Finally, there is the practical consideration that the church and other faith based organizations are already organized, are already largely volunteer organizations, already have meetings in place, and are mobilized and trained for action.