Our Ministry

Faith in God and ministry to others are the heart of our organization. All that we do to help others in need is guided by our faith and desire to live out that faith through service.

Faith in God. Ministry to Others.

Our Faith. Our Work.

In addition to being one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, Volunteers of America national is an interdenominational church — a church with a distinctive ministry of service. We provide human service programs and opportunities for individual and community involvement for people of all faiths. For more than 125 years, Volunteers of America has provided essential services to heal both body and soul. Our organization’s ministers are committed to extending grace and mercy to others in need. many local and national staff members of Volunteers of America have felt led to become ministers, to enhance their work and service to others.

An Ecumenical Movement

For more than 125 years, dedicated men and women have felt the call to Christian ministry in Volunteers of America. Our ministers are drawn from every Christian denomination and are encouraged to serve as active members of other churches. This understanding of ministry derives from the foundation of Volunteers of America as both a church and an “auxiliary” to the universal Christian church with a special mission of service. To be accepted as spiritual leaders in our ministry of service, Volunteers of America ministers must meet all requirements for theological study and spiritual formation.

Is God Calling You?

Commissioned in 2008, I answered the call to become a Volunteers of America minister. There have certainly been times over the years when I’ve had questions and doubts about whether I was doing a good job at it — but I never doubted that God planted me in Volunteers of America to minister, in my own bumbling, fumbling way, to His most vulnerable children and those who care for them. So — How about you? Is God Calling You?


Al Kohorst, Agency Chaplain

Phone: (504) 486-8672 Email: akohorst@voasela.org

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