8 Ways to Thank Volunteers

Did you know that there are more than 125,000 volunteers who work throughout the U.S. in Awana Clubs? Week after week, these volunteers show up to minister to children. They create a sense of belonging and demonstrate the love of Christ.

Your volunteers work hard executing the details, so it is important to acknowledge their selfless effort. Small, meaningful actions can help you express your sincere gratitude, keeping volunteers engaged as you stride into the holiday season.

Here are eight ways to show your appreciation for your volunteers as Thanksgiving approaches.

1. Reflect on ways you’ve seen God move through Awana this fall

Take a few minutes before or after your Awana night to reflect on ways you’ve seen God move in your children’s ministry over the past few months. Highlight the God stories. Joy will spark amongst your team as you reflect on God breaking through!

2. Handwrite notes of encouragement

There is something special about a handwritten note, whether it is received in person as volunteers arrive at church on Thanksgiving Sunday or via snail mail. Who doesn’t love a little extra encouragement when it is least expected?

3. Curate individual gifts for volunteers

A small trinket or goodie can leave a lasting impression. By now, you likely know some of your volunteers’ hobbies, interests, etc. Maybe you have one individual who is always drinking coffee and another who is in need of a new tote bag, as their current one is worn out. Head over to the Awana Store for gift items and ideas.

4. Engage in a ministry-centric book club

Volunteers are on the frontlines of the ministry. They are the individuals who are ministering to children on a weekly basis. Pour back into them through books. Maybe you have a group of volunteers who could get to know each other on a more personal level. A book club can engage your team, providing fellowship on a regular basis. Awana offers a variety of books to get you started.

5. Pamper volunteers with a pancake breakfast

Host a pancake breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday morning prior to services. This is a great, inexpensive way to allocate time for fellowship with one another. Keep the details simple, where the focus is really on the fellowship and the team around you.

6. Invite volunteers to participate in service

Does your church have an allotted time for announcements and regular updates during the service? Check with your pastor or communications director to see if you can talk about some of the good news of Awana in your church. Highlight children who have memorized Scripture, volunteers, and maybe family members who are now attending church on a weekly basis because of the impact of Awana on their child’s life.

7. Spotlight a volunteer on social media, a bulletin board at church, etc.

There are a lot of behind-the-scenes details that volunteers take care of. Social media is a great way to encourage and cheer peers on. Highlight one volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis–sharing their heart behind ministry and their hobbies, and introducing them to your congregation. The consistency of showing appreciation will become part of the culture for your church. You will begin to see people thanking that volunteer in the halls throughout the week and month.

8. Host a volunteer celebration dinner

Hold a special evening for your church volunteers that serves as a culmination of their accomplishments over the past few weeks since ministry kickoff. Personalize the celebration by mailing a formal invitation to the attendees. The allotted time of fellowship will provide a ministry for the adults who serve so faithfully.

In what ways do you and your church celebrate your volunteers and show appreciation for their service? We’d love to hear from you.