Encouraging your staff and volunteers builds a healthy culture. When people feel genuinely appreciated, they want to give more. They are onboard with the mission and ministry and will joyfully give of themselves to share Jesus with others. Staff and volunteer appreciation does not have to be expensive or elaborate. However, acknowledging and appreciating those who serve among you does require thoughtfulness and intention. Here are a few ideas to use this fall.
- Thank as you go. There is no need to wait for an end-of-the-year appreciation blowout. Instead, acknowledge volunteers throughout the season or year. For example, pick up a coffee for the children’s ministry leader who has been working to launch another year of Sunday school.
- Make it personal. Volunteers and staff want to know that they are valued. Take a minute to write a handwritten note to the person who organized the school supply drive. Fill a mug or tumbler with the music minister’s favorite candy or snack. Does the women’s ministry leader love to go hiking? Pick up a copy of a local park’s guidebook.
- Ask what volunteers need. Asking how you can help is a powerful way to show appreciation. When you ask, “How can I help?” or “What do you need?” you are showing that you are not only thankful for their service but you value them and want them to succeed. Does your kidmin leader need to change up the Sunday school curriculum? Is your men’s ministry leader running out of ideas? Ask! Tell your leaders you love and value them and then back it up by giving them the resources they need to succeed.
- Give ’em a break. You can show appreciation by asking your volunteers if they need to take some time away. You know that ministry, while rewarding, can be exhausting. Sometimes the best gift you can give a volunteer is permission to take a break and spend time spiritually recharging. One idea: make plans now for Sunday school summer hiatus or plan to bring in a different group of teachers during the summer months.
- Give staff members room to try (and maybe fail). Valuing the people in your ministry may involve risk. If someone is passionate about a new idea, praise God for that creativity and give the person room to try it out. If it’s a success, great! You have a new ministry or new idea through which to spread the Gospel. If it bombs, comfort and encourage that staff member or volunteer. Is there something that could be done differently next time? Is there another area of ministry in which this volunteer could succeed? Acknowledge the person’s gifting and encourage him or her to continue using those gifts.
- Public recognition. Not everyone likes standing up in front of the church to be recognized. Nonetheless, it is important that everyone you serve knows that you do not do it alone. Tell your church about the good work that God is doing through the work of your staff and volunteers.
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