Serve

Find Your Place to Make a Difference 

Every Sunday at VBF happens because real people show up for one another. Whether you've got two hours a month or a heart for the long haul, there's a place here where what you bring matters.

Why We Serve 

Serving is Love in Action. When we use our gifts, time, and talents to care for others, we reflect the heart of Jesus and make a difference in the lives around us. Find your place to serve and discover how God can use you.

Three Ways You Can Serve 

Whether your heart's at home, in the city, or across the world, there's a place built for you. 

Inside the Church 

Sunday and Wednesday wouldn't happen without you. 
From worship and tech to guest services, kids, care, and operations — these are the teams that make every service feel like home. Volunteer needs on Sundays and Wednesdays are one of our biggest focuses. 

Across Our City 

Real care for real Bakersfield neighbors. 
From our annual Serve Week to outreach events in the park, prison correspondence, and partnerships with local ministries — there are real ways to bring the love of Jesus to the streets you already drive every day. 

Around the World 

Faith that crosses borders. 
We support schools in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, plus medical-supply outreach across the border. Through trips, prayer, fundraising, and missionary care — there's a way for you to make global impact from right here in Bakersfield CA. 

How to Get Plugged In

Serving at VBF isn't a class — it's a process built to find the right fit for you. Fill out a quick interest form, complete a background check, and a volunteer coordinator will reach out to you to talk through where you're wired to thrive. Then we'll plug you in with a real team and a real leader.

Inside the Church 

Most of what people experience on a Sunday or Wednesday at VBF happens because someone showed up early to make it happen. These are the teams that make church feel like home — and they're where most people start serving 

Worship and Tech 

The team behind every song, every screen, and every livestream. If you're musical, technical, or just curious — there's a spot. 

Guest Services

From parking to coffee to seating, this is the team that makes every person feel welcomed and seen the moment they walk in. 

Kids and Students 

Pour into the next generation. Kids leaders, classroom helpers, and student team members make space for real faith to grow. 

Care & Prayer

Walk with people through hard seasons through prayer teams, hospital visits, and our care ministries. 

Operations 

Ushers, security, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps every gathering running smoothly and safely. 

And More

From facilities to communications to seasonal projects, there are even more ways to get plugged in inside the church. When you reach out, our volunteer coordinator will help you find the right team for your gifts and your schedule. 

Across Our City 

We believe loving Bakersfield CA means showing up for it. From annual serve days to ongoing outreach, here are real ways to step out and make a difference in our city. 

Serve Week 

A whole week each year where VBF goes city-wide — service projects, outreach events, and showing up for our neighbors in practical, hands-on ways. 

Thankful Saturday 

An annual community outreach day with service projects designed to bless our city in real, tangible ways. 

Prison Correspondence 

Write letters of encouragement to incarcerated men and women, offering real hope through the love of Jesus from right where you are. 

Outreach Events in the Park 

Seasonal community events at local parks — built to bring connection, joy, and the love of Jesus into our neighborhoods. 

Around the World

VBF's heart for the world goes back decades. Whether you give, pray, go on a trip, or care for missionaries — there's a way to be part of what God is doing far beyond Bakersfield.

Schools in  Africa

VBF Africa Outreach is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus by meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of communities across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. We partner with Christian schools serving children in unreached communities and tribal regions, help build wells that provide access to clean water, supply food to families in need, and provide resources that strengthen local communities. Through these partnerships, we are helping meet real needs, invest in the next generation, and share the hope of Jesus throughout Africa.

Mexico Outreach

VBF Mexico Outreach is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus by meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of people in Mexico. Through this ministry, we serve children and families, care for the elderly, provide support for those in medical need, and come alongside communities in meaningful ways. Every trip and every act of generosity gives us an opportunity to serve people, build relationships, and share the hope of Jesus.

Trips and Missionary Care

Short-term trips, ongoing missionary care, and ways to support the people God has called to go. Plus prayer, fundraising, and behind-the-scenes support.

Special Serve Moments Throughout the Year

Beyond the weekly rhythm, there are special moments all year where the whole church family rallies together. These are the big, hands-on, all-hands asks — and they're some of the most meaningful ways to serve right alongside people you'll grow to love.

Thankful Saturday

Our annual community outreach day. We rent a park, bring live worship and a short message, then send teams out into Bakersfield for hands-on service projects all over the city.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Each year we collect, pack, and distribute Thanksgiving meal boxes so families across our community sit down to a full table during the holiday.

Angel Tree

Our Christmas giving season. We connect families in need with gifts for their kids — and we need people to sponsor, shop, sort, and help on distribution day.

Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

The week before school starts, we hand out backpacks loaded with supplies. It takes a crew to organize, pack, and serve families on distribution day.

Vacation Bible School 

Our biggest week for kids each summer needs the most hands — leaders, helpers, snack crews, and energy. No experience required, just a heart for kids.

And More

These are just the highlights — there are even more ways to jump in throughout the year as seasons and needs come up. Keep an eye on the calendar below, and you'll always see what's coming next.

Volunteer FAQ

How do I volunteer?

Fill out the interest form on this page. A volunteer coordinator will reach out to talk through where you'd be a good fit, walk you through a background check, and get you connected with a team.

How do I volunteer with kids?

Start with the interest form and select "Kids Ministry." Because we work with children, there's a background check and a brief orientation before you're placed on a team. The process is quick and our team will walk you through every step.

How do I volunteer with music?

Select "Music Team" on the interest form. Our worship director will connect with you about your experience, instrument or vocal range, and schedule.

How do I volunteer with students?

Select "Students Ministry" on the interest form. A background check is required, and our youth team will match you with middle school or high school based on your availability and where you connect best.
Tell us a little about you β€” your interests, your availability, and what you've maybe served in before. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out personally to talk through where you'd thrive and walk you through next steps.