Show Gratitude to Your Church Volunteers
Change-makers often operate in the background. The same holds for the volunteers in our churches who fuel the smooth functioning of our congregations. Our volunteers deserve our deepest gratitude, and this post will underscore the importance of appreciating their hard work and dedication.
The Powerhouse of Volunteers
Volunteers – they're those dedicated individuals who show up early, stay late, lead the kids ministry, greet at the door, manage tech issues, make coffee, and fill in all gaps that make our church gatherings successful. Their efforts may often go unnoticed. They do it all without expecting anything in return, not even a paycheck.
A Call to Show Gratitude
While volunteers do not seek recognition in the form of monetary benefits, they undoubtedly deserve our gratitude. A lack of appreciation can lead to the risk of volunteers feeling their work is not noticed or valued. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 speaks to this need for recognition of their faith and love-driven labor.
Appreciating our Volunteers
Some churches have taken creative steps to acknowledge their volunteers' efforts. They host annual volunteer appreciation nights, roll out metaphorical red carpets, and even give fun awards. Gestures such as these might not be colossal in scale, but they leave a profound impact on making the volunteers feel seen and celebrated.
Your Bottom Line
Find a specific and meaningful way to show gratitude to your church staff volunteers this week. It doesn't necessarily have to be a grand gesture. A heartfelt 'thank you' note or a phone call, a quick word of appreciation during a Sunday service, or even planning a small breakfast gathering or after-service meeting could do the trick.
For more insights and ideas on the importance of showing appreciation to church volunteers, tune in to our Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. Remember, when volunteers feel appreciated, they're more likely to stick around, and embarking on this path is simple - just say 'Thank You.' Whether your church culture embraces volunteer appreciation or you're just two Sundays away from losing them – making even a small step can make a significant difference.
