diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 961695f..11793a6 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -87,7 +87,12 @@ cd nlcc-itinerary
    - Configure email settings (required for password resets)
    - Optionally set `ADMIN_USERNAME` and `ADMIN_PASSWORD` (otherwise auto-generated)
 
-3. Build and run with Docker Compose:
+3. Create the external Docker volume for data persistence:
+```bash
+docker volume create nlcc-data
+```
+
+4. Build and run with Docker Compose:
 ```bash
 docker-compose up -d --build
 ```
@@ -310,7 +315,29 @@ docker exec -it nlcc-itinerary sh
 
 ## Data Persistence
 
-The SQLite database is stored in the `./data` directory, which is mounted as a volume in Docker. This ensures sermon data persists across container restarts.
+The SQLite database is stored in a Docker named volume (`nlcc-data`) which is mounted to `/app/data` in the container. This ensures:
+- Data persists across container restarts and rebuilds
+- Better portability across different environments
+- Easier backup and restore operations
+- Managed by Docker volume system
+
+**Volume Management Commands**:
+```bash
+# Create the volume (required before first run)
+docker volume create nlcc-data
+
+# Inspect volume location and details
+docker volume inspect nlcc-data
+
+# Backup the database
+docker run --rm -v nlcc-data:/data -v $(pwd):/backup alpine tar czf /backup/nlcc-backup.tar.gz -C /data .
+
+# Restore from backup
+docker run --rm -v nlcc-data:/data -v $(pwd):/backup alpine tar xzf /backup/nlcc-backup.tar.gz -C /data
+
+# Remove volume (WARNING: deletes all data!)
+docker volume rm nlcc-data
+```
 
 ## License
 
diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
index 3318ee2..03ff03c 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ services:
     ports:
       - "3002:3000"
     volumes:
-      - ./data:/app/data
+      - nlcc-data:/app/data
     environment:
       - NODE_ENV=production
       - SITE_URL=https://nlcc.rydertech.us
@@ -20,3 +20,7 @@ services:
       - EMAIL_PASSWORD=your-email-password
       - EMAIL_FROM=New Life Christian Church <noreply@example.com>
     restart: unless-stopped
+
+volumes:
+  nlcc-data:
+    external: true