It’s over! Another successful event has come to an end. Who made it a success? Why, volunteers, of course! Volunteers are the backbone of many—perhaps most—church activities.
So, how can you honor these valuable volunteers? What can you do to demonstrate your thankfulness for their service—and in the process, keep them coming back year after year? Try some of these ideas:
THANK
- Send thank-you notes to volunteers after every event. Include a personal note to thank them for specific acts of service. Or save postage and send an electronic card or e-message to say, “Thanks.” (This is especially effective if the pastor personally can take time to do it!)
YOU
- Host a yearly volunteer “roast” in which you honor volunteers at a special dinner. Introduce each person and name the ways in which that person’s efforts have made it possible for your church to share Christ with others.
- Remember your volunteers with a card on their birthday and other holidays. Jot a brief, personal note praising God for their time and talents.
- Send a snapshot of your volunteers to your local newspaper. Detail their accomplishments and recognize their service to the Lord.
- Plan a Sunday in which to thank all volunteers. Note names of volunteers in your church newsletter or weekly bulletin, along with the name of the organizations they serve. Invite volunteers to stand at an appropriate time before or after the Sunday service to receive the thanks of the entire congregation. In your prayers that day, thank God for his gift of willing workers in his kingdom. Praise the Lord for the talents and dedication he’s given all of your volunteers, and ask his continued blessings on these his servants.
VERY MUCH!
- Say, “Thank you!” Keep on saying it, as often as you can! In this case, little things really do mean a lot!
May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20–21
