About the Children’s Department: Thankful for Faithful Volunteers

When it comes to Children’s Ministry there is no shortage of things you need so you are able to provide ministry to children, but clearly one of the biggest needs is for volunteers. As you focus on being thankful this year, take time to thank God for the volunteers you have . . . even if you need more, be thankful, ever so thankful, for the volunteers you have!And, take time to show your thankfulness to your volunteers as well. Consider a couple ways to do this . . . 

• Say it – regularly and with your whole heart. It is too easy to get busy and never stop to tell your volunteers, “Thank you!” Say it regularly. It is also easy to have a “rote” thank you which you say without ever really stopping to think about what you are saying, who you are saying it to, and what you are thanking them for. Be personal in your “thank yous”. Thank your volunteers personally and sincerely. 
• Show it – there are so many ways – big and small – to do this. It could be as simple as mailing your volunteers a note, or giving them a small item with a note attached, or it could be something bigger like putting on an appreciation event. I think it is great to do both large and small things throughout the year, but whatever you do, be sure you show your appreciation at least a couple times throughout the year!(Check out my book – No Cookie-Cutter Children’s Ministries – in the bookstore and you will find dozens of ideas of ways to thank your volunteers!)

Being thankful involves saying it – from the heart – and showing it . . . if you are too busy to do these things, you are too busy. Plan into your “datebook” time to focus on expressing your thanks. If you really think you do not have the time to do it – either find the time or find someone who can head up the volunteer appreciation so you are able to show your thanks, but you will still need to stay focused on saying it to your volunteers – regularly and from the heart!

So, as you think about being thankful . . . be truly thankful for your faithful volunteers! What do you do to do this?