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

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.

Two options in Fall 2025:

  • Monday, Sept 22 from 1-3pm
  • Thursday, Sept 25 from 6:30-8:30pm

Location: Calvary CRC (3500 Byron Center Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI)

Click below to register for our next Deacon Training.

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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!

Fall 2025 Benevolence Workshop

  • Saturday, November 8 from 9am-3pm

Location: Kentwood Christian Church (5841 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI)

Click below to register for our next Benevolence Workshop.

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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.

The Heart Posture of a S.E.R.V.A.N.T.

Do you desire to equip your members, families, and students to serve from a heart posture that reflects a servant of Christ? Invite VIS to lead an interactive workshop entitled “The Heart Posture of a S.E.R.V.A.N.T.” as you mobilize your members to serve.  This training can be custom-tailored to a Sunday morning Bible class, senior adult or youth group gathering, adult Bible study or classroom with high school or college students.

To learn more, email Cori at cscholtens@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