Church Human Resource Management: Volunteer Retention Strategies in Charismatic Churches in Ogun State

This study investigates volunteer retention strategies within charismatic churches in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, applying human resource management frameworks to a faith-based organisational context. Volunteers constitute the primary workforce of most Nigerian churches, yet the factors that motivate and sustain long-term volunteer commitment remain insufficiently analysed. Using a descriptive survey design, data are collected from 180 active volunteers and 20 volunteer coordinators across ten charismatic churches in Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode. Structured questionnaires examine volunteer motivations, satisfaction levels, perceived appreciation, and reasons for disengagement. Findings indicate that spiritual motivation, relational belonging, and a sense of meaningful contribution are the most powerful predictors of volunteer retention. Conversely, role ambiguity, lack of recognition, poor communication from leadership, and burnout are the leading drivers of volunteer attrition. Churches with structured volunteer orientation programmes, regular appreciation events, and clearly defined role descriptions demonstrate significantly higher retention rates. The study recommends the adoption of a volunteer management model that integrates spiritual formation with professional human resource practices and calls on church boards to treat volunteer management as a strategic priority rather than an afterthought. Keywords: volunteer management, church administration, volunteer retention, Ogun State, human resources