10 Ways to Thank Your Volunteers
Your ministry might ramp up for the summer. Your ministry might wind down for a few weeks. Your ministry might take a break before the Fall and do a kick off then. However your ministry runs, we all know how valuable our volunteers are. We also know how much it means to hear the words ‘Thank You’. Here are some quick and easy ways for you to share your appreciation to your ministry team.
But, I also want you to hear this: THANK YOU to YOU. You are working with those who are hungry for truth and eager to learn about God’s love. But it is not easy work. Families can be challenging. Kids can be experiencing huge heartache. Volunteers might be waining. Know that we see you and are so grateful for the calling you are answering to. THANK YOU for leading by example and being the hands and feet of Christ. And while we want to say thanks, it is far more important for you to be reminded that God sees you. God loves you. God cares for you. He is so glad you’re being a light for Him. THANK YOU!
Top Ten ways to thank your volunteers:
Sweet Tooth: Order some lifesavers in bulk (Amazon…) and add a note that says ‘You’re a Life Saver’. Roughly $3 per person.
Chew it up: Grab some Extra Gum and add a note that says ‘You’ve been EXTRA fantastic!’ These are also on Amazon but can be found at the dollar store as well!
Chocolate always works: Find some M and Ms (you can use the snack sized ones!) and add ‘Many Many Thanks!’.
Words count: This might be old school but I STILL love getting a written thank you card. I have it out for way too long but the heartfelt words written mean a great deal. You might need to work on these ahead of time, depending on how many volunteers you have. Try to include something unique about that person so that they know you wrote it just for them.
Ready, set, action: Perhaps writing isn’t your thing but you still want to share your words. Take a video clip of you saying thanks just to them. You can text/email it right away and know they got it!
Share it from the rooftop: Connect with your lead pastor and carve out time on a Sunday morning to share your gratitude in front of the entire congregation. If time allows, include a photos of your events. This is also a great opportunity to welcome others to be a part of the children’s ministry team.
Get your families involved: Create a note box and provide slips of paper for families to write on. Give advance notice to them so that they come prepared. Have them write what they appreciate about the volunteers and then get them to put it in the box. Have an ‘unboxing’ party and enjoying hearing the stories all together.
Get church staff involved too: Just like the volunteers are a part of your team. You’re a part of a team too. Invite your church staff to share what they appreciate about the work your volunteers do. Having their work noticed and appreciated beyond the children’s ministry sphere goes a long, long way.
Banquet time: Depending on your budget, you could organize a meal together. One of the best things about eating together is that it tends to bring opportunities to share and connect with one another. Whether you serve pizza or do a cereal bar, your crew will appreciate a meal AND spending time with one another just for fun.
Field Trip: Depending on your budget, you could also get ‘away’ with your team. Go for a group bike ride, get your bowling shoes out, BYOPicnic to the local park etc. The options really are endless. But the memories made, will last a lifetime!