Volunteers In Service (VIS) coaches and trains ministry leaders as they equip their members to serve and witness Christ's love.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastor and teachers, to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up.”   Ephesians 4:11-12

Deacon Training
You have been asked to serve as a Deacon! (Now what?)

Join VIS as a new or returning deacon to be equipped in your role of benevolence, stewardship, justice and mercy, and community engagement as you mobilize your church to care for the members of your congregation and local community. Deacon training is typically offered every fall.

Deacon Training - 2026 (four date options) 

CLICK HERE to RSVP

  • Monday, August 31 from 6-8pm at Ada CRC 7152 Bradfield St SE, Ada. (Dinner served at 5:30pm)
  • Tuesday, September 1 from 6:30-8:30pm at First Byron CRC 8541 Byron Center Ave SW, Byron Center.
  • Thursday, September 24th from 6:30-8:30pm at Community CRC 150 Burt Ave SE, Wyoming. 
  • Monday, September 28 from 6:30-8:30pm at Westview CRC 2929 Leonard St NW, GR.
RSVP TODAY
Benevolence Training
VIS Benevolence Workshop

Our Benevolence Workshop focuses on:

  • The Biblical Foundation of Benevolence
  • Care Receivers: Understanding the Person and Circumstances
  • Responding with Compassion, Knowledge and Processes that Witness Christ's Love

If you are in a role at your church to make decisions about the stewardship of benevolence funds, charitable giving, helping those in need, or are the first to answer the phone when a congregation or community member calls the church in crisis, this training is for you!

VIS One-Day Benevolence Workshop

  • Saturday, August 8 from 9am-3pm
  • Kentwood Christian Church (5841 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508)
  • CLICK HERE to RSVP
Reimagining Benevolence Learning Cohort

Danielle from Love INC and Cori from Volunteers In Service led a 6-week learning cohort in the winter of 2026 using videos and material from "Helping Without Hurting in Benevolence Ministry" from the Chalmers Center to explore and learn together how to move our ministries and benevolence giving from transactional to transformational.  If you are intersted in joining a second Learning Cohort, reach out to Cori at cscholtens@visgr.org

RSVP TODAY for Aug 8
Housing Simulation

In partnership with Degage Ministries, Volunteers In Service offers the "Housing Simulation," an interactive learning experience for groups of high schoolers and adults.  Finding housing in Grand Rapids can be complicated, hard work. This activity gives participants a small window into our city’s housing assessment system, government-based assistance, and emergency shelter network.  Participants will be given specific situations experienced by actual people and learn through role play. Each participant’s goal is to find a long-term housing solution. To learn more, contact Debbie at dbjones@visgr.org.

Ministry Coaching

VIS staff is available to come alongside your ministry team as you care for and equip your church to reach out to a hurting world with the love and grace of God. VIS offers coaching as your team navigates decisions about the stewardship of benevolence funds and in your ministries of mercy and justice in the community.

Have questions? 

Contact us!

Ready to Be Equipped? Need Resources?

Check out our RESOURCE page below or CONTACT VIS today to learn more about upcoming workshops and available ministry coaching.

RESOURCES CONTACT VIS