5) Thank You Cards: A thank you card can go a long way. If you are the head of a department (and you might even be a volunteer department head, but this still applies) it is important that those under your leadership know how much you care. Thank you cards are important and simple, but don't go cheap in the way you do it. When your volunteer opens their card they need to see a hand written thank you note from you. Go into details as to why you are thankful God has placed them on your team. Don't simply sign your name, it looks tacky.
4) Gift Cards Are Great: Depending on your church's budget, or your own personal budget for that matter, buying a handful of inexpensive gift cards can be great! When I was on staff as an Associate Pastor, I budgeted for volunteer appreciation. We took time to purchase a handful of "FREE BUFFET" cards at the local pizza restaurant and each week I sent out three individual cards to my volunteers. I did this until all of our volunteers had received one and then I went to the local yogurt shop and did it again. I heard from many how thankful they were to receive this gift and it wasn't that expensive. Usually I spent around $5 per card and if you budget carefully, it is possible to do this often. Granted, the bigger the church, the harder this might be (and the smaller, perhaps more challenging as well) but generally speaking it's a great starting point.
3) Tell them "Thank You": There is nothing like hearing someone say, "I wish (my leader) acted like they appreciate me." Thank you's are free and if used correctly they can be a tremendous help to encouraging your volunteers. Too many times department leaders get caught up in their responsibilities and forget that the people God has placed with them to do the ministry are vital to it being done. No leader can do it on their own and those who try will burn out quickly. That is why regularly telling volunteers how thankful you are for them and why (i.e. tell them how they add value to your ministry and the church) is something that should be done weekly. You might not tell the same person thanks every week, but you should be prepared to thank someone every time you are working in your ministry.
2) Volunteer Appreciation: At least once a year the staff and department leaders should host a volunteer lunch/supper for the volunteers. If your church is "big" you can do this by department. I.e. have the children's volunteers one night and the youth on another. If the church is small enough to do it all together, go for it. The planning is best if you figure it out as opposed to me telling you, but rest assured what needs to be done is a time of worship as you give thanks to the Lord for them. They have been working a lot for the ministry, on this day/night, let the volunteers rest and be served by their leaders.
1) Time Off: This may sound counterproductive since we need volunteers to do the work of the ministry in and out of the church. The reality is that they are human and need time off. Many of them will give their vacation and family time to ministry work and the very dedicated will sacrifice these for years. This is unhealthy and they need to be encouraged to take time off. When I served as a Children’s Pastor, we took off July and had substitutes prepared and ready. The regular teachers were encouraged to spend time on vacation or in the "adult service" with their families while our "July Substitutes" took care of teaching the kids. Now, as a Senior Pastor, we work hard through the summer but from Thanksgiving through New Year's we cancel all evening services so our volunteers can rest and enjoy the holidays with their families. However you do it, encourage your folks to take time off, lest they burn out.
These are a few things I have done over the years. What are some things you've seen?
Have a great week! God bless! And now.....off to the river!
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