written by Stephen M. Veazey

After departing from the Eastern Great Lakes Mission Center reunion at Temple Grove, Cathi and I dropped by Kirtland, Ohio. The primary purpose of our visit was to view the initial stages of construction of the new Kirtland Temple Visitors and Spiritual Formation Center. The site being prepared for this urgently needed facility is impressive, and I look forward to the completion of the project by next spring.

When we arrived at the temple, we were delighted to see the many visitors milling around the gift shop, viewing the orientation video, and departing on temple tours. In fact, there was hardly any standing room in the visitors center as several tour buses arrived within a few minutes of each other during our visit.

As we joined a tour of the temple, and listened to the fascinating details shared by the young adult guide, I was reminded of the important role that historic sites play in communicating the church's story and current message. I suspect there are not any places in the church that consistently interface with the public more than the historic sites and the International Headquarters in Independence. The ministries of welcoming, hospitality, historical interpretation, storytelling, and witnessing are indispensable tools for presenting the church to the world.

While we have a small number of professional staff who capably oversee historic sites and visitor services, this vital ministry is dependent to a great degree on volunteers. And one of the greatest challenges facing these programs today is the difficulty of recruiting enough volunteers, especially during peak visitor seasons.

I would like to sound a call for a new wave of volunteering in the church in support of all aspects of our ministries, and particularly in response to the need for volunteers at International Headquarters and at historic sites.

This call is directed to those who have reached a point in their lives where they are able to offer volunteer service according to their interests, means, and gifts. Such volunteering is an expression of lifelong response to Christ's call to provide servant ministry and to do many good things of one's own free will (Doctrine and Covenants 58:6d).

This call is also directed to college-age students and young adults from throughout the world. There is a particular need for young adults to bring their energy and enthusiasm to volunteer service at World Church sites. In addition to gaining new insights into church history and present-day mission, young adult volunteers typically experience a strengthening of their faith through association with other volunteers, staff, and church leaders. The international guides program created by the WorldService Corps has opened the door to more volunteering of this type. Hopefully, that program can be expanded as resources become available.

From its inception, the church has mainly been a volunteer-based organization, and it will continue to be so. Our faith puts a high premium on viewing life as a sacred vocation of servant ministry in the church and in the community. Our concept of stewardship includes the generous offering of time and talents as well as finances.

The need for volunteers to support the various ministries of the church at all levels is increasing, particularly during a time of staff reductions. I want to sincerely express my deep appreciation for those who are volunteering. And, I want to encourage many others to do likewise!

If you are interested in church volunteer opportunities, please contact our Volunteer Service Enrichment Group leader at Community of Christ International Headquarters (1-800-825-2806, ext. 2020) or Volunteer@CofChrist.org.