Volunteer Appreciation

Used with permission from Microsoft

In children's ministry you have to hand it to your faithful volunteers. They are the ones always showing up on time, ready to serve. During Christmas programs, Easter, and other events, they are heavily leaned on and willing to take additional shifts when someone doesn't show. It's these volunteers who are the pillars of children's ministry. 

While most churches are good about celebrating Pastor's Appreciation, these behind-the-scenes powerhouses can often go unnoticed. You can find them in the nursery, children's church, and Sunday school. These people need to know what they are doing is making a difference.  Here are a few ways you to show appreciation. A thank you goes a long way, but what if you took it to the next level? How would that affect a volunteers’ view of his or her ministry?

Here are a few ideas:

• $5 Coffee shop gift card & thank you note.

• Treating them to lunch at a nice place.

• Inviting them over for dinner.

• A card with a personal note praising their efforts.

• Box of chocolates, pastries, fruit basket, etc.

• Recognition before the congregation.  
  

Along with your gift, make sure to communicate the following:

• What they are doing is an important service to God. It matters!

• They are helping children to know and grow in Christ.

• They are giving parents opportunities to know and grow in Christ. 

• Lastly, that as their pastor/leader, you love and appreciate them. 
  
  

How often should you do this? It depends on the amount of volunteers you have. In my experience, a monthly basis works well. You can honor one or more a month depending on the amount of help you have. Keep a spreadsheet on who you have honored and the date. That way you keep track. By going above and beyond in appreciation, you are sowing into the ministry and helping to renew your volunteers' passion and dedication. 

Burnout happens, so appreciate your volunteers and give them time to be refreshed. 

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed, (Proverbs 11:25, NLT).

God bless you!

-Seth

Sources Cited:

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.