The literature on volunteerism is voluminous, yet there is very little that examines the relationship between religious belief or observance and volunteerism. Religious belief may relate to an individual's decision to engage in volunteer activity. Religious observance may lead to organized volunteer activities that have a systemic impact on the community. Yet both are inadequately studied. The purpose of this article is to explore the link between religious beliefs and volunteerism and to shed light on the impact of religious observance on volunteering.

This study examines how religious congregations in one community responded to the new federalism of the Reagan era. One hundred and twenty-eight congregations were surveyed to determine their participation in three post-budget cut community-based programs. Findings show the various levels of involvement, including volunteering, giving money, and donating goods. The article also explores the factors that contribute to community outreach by religious congregations.

Although the involvement of religious organizations in social service provision is increasingly widespread, it has been neglected by scholars. Along with providing important services to the community, involvement with social services is an important step in the development of a public presence for many congregations. This article documents the changing involvement of several mainline Greensboro, North Carolina, churches as they respond to current political events by assuming a collective public profile on community issues. In the terms developed by Roozen, McKinney, and Carroll (1984), they move from a civic mission orientation to a more activist mission orientation.

The retrenchment policies of the Reagan and Bush administrations have made human service much more locally oriented. As a result, religious groups have become increasingly involved in providing services. This article explores some of the historical and contemporary aspects of service involvement by religious groups, focusing on the meaning this involvement has for the social work community. Recommendations are provided to aid community planners in working more effectively with the resources of religious groups.

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