Location: Refuge Church Sanctuary, Raleigh, North Carolina
Dates: September 1 - October 3, 2026
Number of volunteers needed: 30-40 total
Project Manager: Elwood Heldt
Refuge Lutheran Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, has invited us to partner with them in a sanctuary renovation aimed at better supporting worship and ministry. The project includes converting underused restroom space into a sound booth and storage, rebuilding and enlarging the stage area, and replacing sanctuary windows, along with siding and interior trim. In addition, all pews will be removed and new luxury vinyl plank flooring will be installed to refresh the entire worship space.
This will be a multi-area construction effort requiring coordinated volunteer teams throughout the project timeline. Work will be supported by a general contractor for select demolition and prep, while our team handles key reconstruction and finishing work. The goal is to create a more functional, updated sanctuary environment that supports the church’s growing ministry impact in the community.
Work is planned Tuesday – Saturday throughout the project. The project will begin on September 1st, and hopefully, we can be done by the 3rd of October. We are hoping to have 20 people on site the whole time, as there are 4 different areas to work on.
Application Deadline: September 25, 2026
Noon meals and break time snacks on workdays will be provided by the church. All other meals are the volunteers' responsibility.
Read the Volunteer Procedures and Safety Manual
Each phase of the project requires different skills and numbers of volunteers, so if you’ve never lifted a hammer, you can still volunteer! Our experienced volunteers happily provide on-the-job training to those who need it.
While bringing your own tools and safety equipment is encouraged, it is not a requirement. We understand not everyone can access the necessary tools or safety equipment. If you have your own items, feel free to bring them. This would include safety glasses, a hard hat, appropriate shoes, hammer, tool belt, 1″x25′ tape measure, speed square, utility knife with blades, bird’s foot/cat’s paw, pencil(s), and chalk line. If you’re traveling by plane and find it difficult to pack these items or don’t have them, we have them covered.
Anyone 16 years of age or older may serve on a Builders For Christ project. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have an adult chaperone who will volunteer as their supervisor. Only volunteers age 18 and older are permitted to operate motor vehicles and power tools, climb ladders and scaffolding, work on a roof, or engage in any other hazardous activities.
