Appreciating Volunteers (Part 2)

Ministry would really be impossible without volunteers. Consider some ways to say "thank you."

1. Send a card! Appreciation doesn't have to be overly expensive, but it should be done often. Think of small things that you can do for volunteers to make them know they are appreciated. Consider occassional notes just to say "Thank you for all that you do!".

2. Gifts are nice! Once a quarter consider a small gift for volunteers. If your church has a budget for it, you could consider bookmarks or something like that. Even a pack of lifesavers with a tag saying "you are a lifesaver." or any other corny gift with a corny saying can mean a lot. Try to stay away from gifts that will just become part of a junk pile. A small gift reminds volunteers that you do appreciate what they do.

3. Recognize them in front of the church! Children's ministry volunteers are often out of sight and out of mind. Consider having a "Children's Ministry Volunteer Sunday." This may be a rare Sunday where families can worship together. Present the volunteers with a certificate. Everyone enjoys a pat on the back occassionally. This is also a way to let the congregation see what your children's ministry is doing. Consider having the children perform a song or something in front of the congregation. You may have to get someone to volunteer to stay with the babies while the volunteers are being recognized.

4. Appreciation Dinner! Toward the end of the summer plan an appreciation dinner for all your volunteers. Make sure you provide childcare (perferably not a usual volunteer). Get everyone together, feed them well, and let them know how much you appreciate them. This can be a time to share stories and just relax without the kids! You may consider an individual award or certificate for your volunteers. Make them silly or serious, but let the volunteers know that you really do appreciate them!

I hope these few suggestions will help you to show appreication to your volunteers year round. Appreciation prevents burn-out, which keeps happy volunteers!